… but what would it take to make a Monday special, anyway?

Simone Bell is a community organizer and politician from Atlanta, GA, and the first African-American out lesbian elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in December 2009 from the state’s 58th district in DeKalb and Fulton counties. The seat had been held by Rep. Robbin Shipp (D-Atlanta)...

1. Friendship This may seem obvious, but it’s important to like the man you’re with and to enjoy spending time with each other. The two of you share a special and meaningful camaraderie that is unique only to you and you have a solid foundation built for intimacy and sharing. 2. Respect You honor...

Daniel Hale Williams (January 18, 1858 – August 4, 1931) was an American surgeon. He was the first African-American cardiologist, and is sometimes attributed with performing the first successful surgery on the heart. He also founded Provident Hospital, the first non-segregated hospital in the United...

Vanessa Lynn Williams (born March 18, 1963) is an American model, singer, songwriter and actress. In 1984, she became the first woman of African American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal caused her to relinquish her title. Williams rebounded by launching a career as an entertainer, earning...

“Queeries,” a monthly lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangender film series is set to launch at the Wealthy Street Theatre on March 19th at 8 p.m. The series premiere (‘Hedwig & the Angry Inch’) will feature live music in the lobby; renowned Grand Rapids photographer Terry Johnston will take “glam”...

John Arthur Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), better known as Jack Johnson and nicknamed the “Galveston Giant”, was an American boxer, the best heavyweight of his generation and the first black world heavyweight boxing champion (1908-1915). He was born in Galveston, TX to former slaves...

Monday, Monday, Monday … *sigh* On the up note, there are lots of things going on in the community this week! Stop by our Community Calendar for details on programs highlighting Michigan’s extensive role in maintaining a sophisticated Underground Railroad, several different adaptations...

Hattie McDaniel (June 10, 1895 – October 26, 1952) was an American actress and the first black performer to win an Academy Award. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Mammy in Gone with the Wind (1939). McDaniel was also a professional singer-songwriter, comedienne, stage actress,...

Early Life Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman (January 26, 1892 – April 30, 1926) was an American civil aviator. Popularly known as “Queen Bess”, she was the first person of African American descent to become a licensed airplane pilot,[1] and the first American of any race or gender to hold...