New Haven Independent

Black History | December 29, 2009

City Hall Resounds With Kwanzaa Cheer

by Thomas MacMillan | December 29, 2009 8:07 AM | Permalink

With a blaze of rapid-fire drumming and a flurry of dance, city legislators and guests celebrated Kwanzaa.

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Black History | December 7, 2009

"Take The Nasty Out Ya Mouth"

by Riquee Blackman Jarmon | December 7, 2009 10:37 AM | Permalink

In the spirit of Rosa Parks, Melodye Micere Van Putten brought a message to New Haven: Dress presentably, speak properly, and read and write abundantly.

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Black History | July 22, 2009

Hearing Delayed On Black History Archive

by Melissa Bailey | July 22, 2009 8:22 AM | Permalink

As the city works out a deal to rescue the Dixwell Q House, the fate of African-American historical relics hangs in the balance.

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Black History | July 17, 2009

Panel Votes To Rename Frontage Rd. For MLK

by Thomas MacMillan | July 17, 2009 7:57 AM | Permalink

Martin Luther King was headed towards sharing a hyphen with Judge John Dixwell. Then Erin Sturgis-Pascale had a vision: she saw North Frontage Road as a long MLK Boulevard "spine," with cross-street "ribs" named for local African-American leaders.

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Black History | April 6, 2009

MLK Inspires The "Q" Dream

by Melinda Tuhus | April 6, 2009 8:02 AM | Permalink

Dixwell recalled Martin Luther King Jr. by resolving to resurrect a beloved neighborhood institution.

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Black History | February 23, 2009

Slaves Sold, Freed On Green

by Thomas MacMillan | February 23, 2009 9:42 AM | Permalink

In a historical slave trade reenactment, somebody has to play the unenviable role of the nefarious slave trader. The obvious choice was a dancing carrot.

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Black History | February 18, 2009

State's First Black Optometrist Recalled

by Thomas MacMillan | February 18, 2009 10:51 AM | Permalink

"My friends, we have lost a giant," intoned former New Haven Mayor John Daniels.

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Black History | February 17, 2009

100 Years Before Tiger

by Tom Ficklin | February 17, 2009 7:25 AM | Permalink

Tom Ficklin revisits NH's Knickerbocker Golf Club.

Black History | February 5, 2009

Stetson Project Reclaims "Invisible" Heroes

by Allan Appel | February 5, 2009 12:10 PM | Permalink

"When I was growing up on Dixwell," Diane Brown-Petteway recalled, "I didn't need someone like Obama. Back then we had doctors, dentists, architects, African-American business owners. They were my role models."

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Black History | February 4, 2009

A Testament To Second Chances Passes On

by Paul Bass | February 4, 2009 10:32 AM | Permalink

Warren Kimbro, who turned around his life after a murder conviction to become a nationally recognized leader in helping other people do the same, died Tuesday night. He was 74.

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Black History | January 15, 2009

Love March Celebrates A King And A President

by Thomas MacMillan | January 15, 2009 3:34 PM | Permalink

Donijah Collier brought the whole church to its feet with his soulful solo. It was a warm-up for next Tuesday, when the sixth-grader will be singing to President Barack Obama himself.

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Black History | December 29, 2008

A Principle On Display

by Melinda Tuhus | December 29, 2008 8:07 AM | Permalink

Kwanzaa is a family-oriented African-American holiday that celebrates seven principles, including Ujima (collective work and responsibility) and Kuumba, aka creativity. Both of those principles were uniquely on display during a dance to mark the holiday performed at City Hall.

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Black History | November 28, 2008

A New Civil Rights Era

by Tom Ficklin | November 28, 2008 11:05 AM | Permalink

State's 1st black treasurer & NH Dem. mayoral candidate reflects on Obama. (Ficklin)

Black History | November 5, 2008

NAACP: More History Still To Be Made

by Allan Appel | November 5, 2008 8:55 AM | Permalink

"He's bigger than Dr. King," said state NAACP President Scot Esdaile. "As Barack Obama's electoral tally rose and hoots of joy filled up Hula Hanks, "but on the street, in New Haven and in Connecticut, the work will go on as always."

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Black History | October 30, 2008

Freedom's Heroes Ride Again

by Melinda Tuhus | October 30, 2008 8:23 AM | Permalink

Heroes from a chapter out of civil rights history had two different answers to a question posed by this young man: Would their experiences as "Freedom Riders" affect their view of young black men they might see congregated on a street corner?

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Black History | September 23, 2008

Libation & Historic Apology At Amistad Graves

by Thomas MacMillan | September 23, 2008 4:19 PM | Permalink

"This is your great-great-granddaughter," cried the voice by the tombstones. "We are free indeed!"

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Black History | September 22, 2008

Monument Dedicated

by Tom Ficklin | September 22, 2008 7:44 AM | Permalink

29th Colored Infantry: Ficklin's slide show here.

Black History | August 29, 2008

Colored Regiment Monument Previewed

by Allan Appel | August 29, 2008 10:32 AM | Permalink

Howard Morrison couldn't wait until next month to catch a glimpse of the monument to the 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment, which fought in the Civil War. Those soldiers trained and shipped out to the front from what is now Criscuolo Park, then known as Grapevine Point. That is where the monument is being readied for major unveilings and receptions on Sept. 20 and 26.

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Black History | August 20, 2008

"Tiger" Ted Headed For Hall Of Fame

by Allan Appel | August 20, 2008 9:05 AM | Permalink

He was one of New Haven's original street outreach workers, helping to turn around the lives of troubled kids. "Tiger" Ted Lowry also likely beat Rocky Marciano in a heavyweight bout, although he didn't get the decision.

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Black History | July 21, 2008

New Haven's Monks Sing On

by Allan Appel | July 21, 2008 1:05 PM | Permalink

Just about 80 years separate -- or is it join? -- matriarch Olivia Monk and her young great granddaughter Kyla Roberts. The remarkable, gospel-singing Monk family of New Haven came together again, as they have for the past 45 years, to celebrate their roots in the Hill, their contributions to New Haven, and perhaps most of all the power of music to foster joy and continuity.

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