A Legacy That Cannot Be Erased

Dr. Quintard Taylor was an exceptional historian, educator, author, scholar, and founder of BlackPast.org, the world’s largest online encyclopedia devoted to African American and global African history. He promised that through BlackPast, Black history will never be erased.

Let us all carry forth his promise and his legacy.

Memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.

Welcome to BlackPast 3.0

The wait is over—the new BlackPast.org is officially live! We’ve redesigned our site to bring you a modern, user-friendly experience that makes exploring Black history easier and more engaging than ever.

BlackPast is dedicated to providing reliable information on the history of Black people across the globe, and especially in North America. Our goal is to promote greater understanding of our common human experience through knowledge of the diversity of the Black experience and the ubiquity of the global Black presence. Welcome to the largest online encyclopedia on African American and Global African history on the Internet.

Featured Article

Born in 1874 aboard a Portuguese ship in the Puget Sound region, Julia Jacobs was adopted by Suquamish leaders and became a guardian of the Lushootseed language and traditions during an era of assimilation. Many descendants of the Suquamish today trace their heritage to her. Visit the Julia Jacobs BlackPast entry to explore her story and watch the Urbanist Media video feature highlighting her lasting legacy.

In Defense of Black History

This editorial page is part of an ongoing effort to present the ideas and opinions of individuals both within and beyond BlackPast.org that address the pressing issues and challenges facing African Americans and people of African Ancestry around the world, which are rooted in their historical experiences.

The Interactive African American History Timeline

Discover the rich and inspiring stories of Black history through our interactive timeline, highlighting key moments and figures that have shaped our world. Dive in and explore how history connects to the present and inspires the future!

The African Capitals

Africa’s capitals are full of life, history, and culture. From the energy of Lagos to the charm of Cairo, each city has its own story to tell. Discover what makes these places special on our African Capitals page.

What’s New on BlackPast?

The exterior of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., on February 27, 2020, as seen from 15th Street NW

Why Honest Museums Make a Stronger America

When a nation tells the truth about itself, it gives future generations the tools to do better....

Black Longshoremen and Civil Rights Activism in Brownsville, Texas (1964)

Waves of racial tension began to form at the port of Brownsville almost immediately after the...
Sharp-Hughes Tool Company, later renamed just Hughes Tool Company, at its manufacturing building at the intersection of Second and Girard Streets, Houston, Texas.

Black Labor Fight Against the Hughes Tool Company (1964)

In the summer of 1964, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reached what the Pittsburgh...

Explore More On BlackPast

Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas

(1993) Clarence Thomas, “The New Intolerance – Law Day Address”

Thank you all so much. Thank you, Judge Bell for your kind words, and I also thank you for all the...

Ples Sterling Stuckey, Jr. (1932-2018)

Ples Sterling Stuckey, Jr. was a professor of history best known for his impact on shifting...
Young M.A in 2018

Young MA/Katorah Kasanova Marrero (1992- )

Katorah Kasanova Marrero is an American Hip Hop artist, lyricist, and YouTube star known by her...
Myrlie and Medgar Evers on couch

Myrlie Louise (Beasley) Evers-Williams (1933- )

Myrlie (Beasley) Evers-Williams is a civil rights activist, a journalist, author, and a former...

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