This Day in History March 17, 1919

It might be the wrong season to talk about the singer who popularized The Christmas Song, but he was oh, so much more than that.  And on this date in 1919, Nat "King" Cole was born.  He was the first African American to host a TV show (November 1956).  And his music has remained popular even though he died back in February 1965 from lung cancer.  His daughter, Natalie Cole, has also had quite a career in music, and she has continued to keep her father's music popular.



For more information:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=1336
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nat-king-cole-mn0000317093
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_King_Cole

"Through Angel's Eyes" by Steve Theunissen Blog Tour Book Review

Title: Through Angel's Eyes 
Author: Steve Theunissen 
Genre: Young Adult/Historical Fiction 
Publisher:  Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Co

Number of Pages: E Book, Aprx. 192 





Through Angel's Eyes' is the first person account of a 13 year old Black girl as she experiences the pivotal events of the 1963 civil rights movement in Birmingham, Alabama. The book is a Young Adult historical fiction that infuses the timeless wisdom of Martin Luther King into an intriguing narrative that takes readers on a roller coaster of emotion while they learn about a time when a group of courageous young people quietly said 'Enough!" and stood up for what they believed in.


Through Angel's Eyes by Steve Theunissen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rarely have I read such a fantastic young adult historical novel, but this certainly stands in that category as far as I am concerned.  This book is so powerful, simple, beautiful, and absolutely stirring.  All I could think about was how this is the perfect book for young adults to read when studying the Civil Right movement--it brings it home.

I will be the fist to tell anyone how much I love historical fiction.  And whenever I read about racism and prejudice, it always angers me.  When I see how my race treated African Americans (and sometimes still does), I am horrified and wish with all my heart that it never happened.  But it did, and this book will give names and a gripping story to the stories that are always told.

Angel was an absolutely endearing character, and I was moved as I read about all the things she saw happen to those who were close to her.  The description of the water hoses was absolutely chilling.  I always read about how fire hoses were turned on protesting blacks, but I never dreamed how painful that experience was for them.  My eyes have been opened.  I also knew very little of the Black Power movement that was going opposite the nonviolent movement led by Dr. King, but I feel I understand a little better now.

What I appreciated about this book was that everyone did not live happily ever after.  Sometimes even in historical fiction, nothing too bad happens.  This book is not like that.  I was so glad it ended as it did for some would have chosen to end it about ten pages earlier than this author did.  I am so glad he did not!

I am happy to report that there was no sex, and the profanity issue was almost nonexistent.  All words that are used tend to make sense, and I do not really find them offensive.  I am also pleased that the main characters continued to go back to the Bible and Christ's example to aid them in their cause.  I knew that the Civil Rights Movement was couched in the church, but I had not idea how much they relied on it for every step they took.  It was refreshing to read a novel where a relationship with God was emphasized.

I challenge everyone to read this book--it is phenomenal.  The author was smart in using Angel herself to tell the story, and I never struggled with the dialect she used in writing.  And I find it absolutely amazing when a male author can write in first person from a young girl's perspective--and he did it so believably!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


View all my reviews

About the Author

Steve Theunissen is a teacher and freelance writer who lives in New Zealand with his wife and two children. He is the author of several non-fiction books. Through Angel’s Eyesis his first work of fiction.  For more information, please check out his site.  And you will want to follow the entire tour here.

THROUGH ANGEL’S EYES (ISBN: 978-1-61897-374-0) is now available for $15.50 and 
can be ordered through the publisher’s website:  http://sbpra.com/SteveTheunissen or at
www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. 

This Day in History June 7, 1998

Today's feature is not old, and it is also horrific.   On this date in 1998, James Byrd, Jr. was murdered in Jasper, Texas.  This was a crime that shocked the nation (rightfully so).  Three white supremacists chained him to the back of a pickup and dragged him to his death.  During this horrific act, he was mostly alive, according to autopsy reports.  I won't go into all the details.  His death did result in legislation being passed statewide and nationwide  concerning hate crimes.

For more information, please check out:
http://todayinafricanamericanhistory.com/african-american-history/june-7th-in-african-american-history-james-byrd-jr/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Byrd_Jr
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7105192

This Day in History May 28, 1863

I am pleased to bring you a feature today in honor of Memorial Day.  It was on this date in 1863 that the 54th Regiment Volunteer Infantry left their camp.  This was a unique regiment as it was the first official regiment to be comprised of freed blacks.  These brave men were recruited by white abolitionists, and they were authorized by the governor of Massachusetts.

Their best known efforts in the Civil War was on July 18, 1863, as they led an assault on Fort Wagner near Charleston, South Carolina.  This was a costly assault since they lost their commander and half of their men.  But their bravery earned them much respect and replaced the earlier skepticism this unit had received.

As we remember Memorial Day today, let us remember this brave regiment who in spite of racism, prejudice, and broken promises served their country in a fearless manner.  Not only should we remember and reflect on this regiment, but let us remember and thank every man and woman who has served their country with unwavering loyalty even when it cost his or her own life.

For more information about this legendary regiment, please check out:
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/batterywagner/battery-wagner-history-articles/fortwagnerpohanka.html
http://www.masshist.org/online/54thregiment/essay.php?entry_id=528
http://54thmass.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/54th_Regiment_Massachusetts_Volunteer_Infantry

This Day in History April 29, 1992

How well I remember, and how many memories come flooding back with today's feature.  It was on this date in 1992 that riots broke out in L.A. after four police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King.  Yes, the Rodney King riots.  It was not until May 2 that this rioting ended with the help of the National Guard, the military, and the police force.  At the end of the riots, here were the statistics:

• Over 51 people killed
• 2383 people arrested
• over 700 businesses burned
• estimated $1 billion property damages

Now, I do not want to talk about the riots.  I'll leave some links that you can check out.  I want to talk to about how this incident personally affected me.  You see, there were riots all over the country, including Washington state.  I was in my senior year of high school at this time. I had landed my first ever role in a play.  I had worked so hard and given up so much for that.  And I was getting to be in it with the guy I liked at the time.  No, there were no romantic scenes, but I was still in it with him.  It was a murder mystery, and I was the secretary in love with her boss who was supposedly killed (but really was not).  The guy I liked was the detective.  We were scheduled to open on Friday night (this was the evening of the riots).  I got the phone call that said it had been cancelled due to the riots.  I was absolutely horrified!  I had worked so hard, and now no play!  I was scheduled to go on opening night.  The other girl playing the part was to go on Saturday.  

Saturday arrived, and we were to go ahead with the play.  I am grateful to Uzuri Hilliard (I probably misspelled her name, but I have never forgotten her) for letting me go on during our new opening night of Saturday.  I messed up a lot, I admit.  I forgot lines.  I know that having the Friday off unexpectedly got me out of the rhythm of the show.  I would never have messed up like otherwise.  But no one really knew.

For more information on the riots, check out:

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2012/0423/Rodney-King-riots-anniversary-Have-race-relations-in-Los-Angeles-improved

http://www.npr.org/2012/04/23/150985823/rodney-king-comes-to-grips-with-the-riot-within

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodney_King

http://www.blackpast.org/?q=aaw/rodney-king-riot-1992

This Day in History April 13, 1873

On this date in 1873, the deadliest racial and political event of the Reconstruction era occurred.  It took place in Colfax, Louisiana and was known as the Colfax Massacre or Colfax Riot.  I had never heard of this incident before I researched it.  Here is a brief history.

Louisiana was in the midst of a contested election for governor and other offices.  The main issue was the election of two governors who both claimed to be the rightful governor.  On Easter Sunday, there was a face-off at the courthouse in Colfax.  The whites fought against the blacks, and most of the casualties were blacks.  Only three white men were arrested and brought to trial, but later, they were let off by the Supreme Court.   It is estimated that a total of 150 were killed.  While this is the worst of the violence, there were other uprisings elsewhere in the South.  President Grant had to step in to restore order.

The massacre is covered in great depth on the following sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colfax_massacre
http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/HistoryAmerican/CivilWarReconstruction/?view=usa&ci=9780195393088
http://knowla.org/entry.php?rec=758
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/grant-colfax/

This Day in History February 29, 1940

What a way to end Black History Month (since I didn't really celebrate it this year--I always used to when I taught regularly).  It was on this date in 1940 that Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award.  Gone With the Wind walked away with 8 Oscars, and I am so glad she was one of them!  And isn't it ironic that we just saw the second African American woman in history to get Best Supporting Actress for The Help (Go Octavia Spencer!).

I didn't realize that she was more talented than just playing Mammy.  She was the first African American singer on the radio, and she appeared in over 300 films (only received screen credit for about 80).  She was born to former slaves, and she did a lot to elevate black characters in films.  And you know, it is true.  Think about Gone With the Wind if you have seen it.  Who is smarter--Mammy or Scarlet?  I think we can easily say that Mammy was extremely quick-witted and sharp.  She often oversteps her bounds.

So for more information than I have shared here, please check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hattie_McDaniel
http://www.walkoffame.com/hattie-mcdaniel
http://www.reelclassics.com/Actresses/McDaniel/mcdaniel.htm
http://www.biography.com/people/hattie-mcdaniel-38433

This Day in History November 5, 1831

Ever heard of Nat Turner and his infamous slave rebellion?  This day in history was significant in his life.  Read on about this courageous African American.

Nathaniel "Nat" Turner was born October 2, 1800 in Southampton County, Virginia.  Benjamin Turner, his owner, was kind enough to teach him to read.  Through reading the Bible, Nat Turner studied Christianity in depth and came to believe that it was wrong.  His people tended to see him as a prophet, and he basically kept to himself while devoting his time to prayer, fasting, and study.  He was also known for seeing visions from God that told him what to do and how to do it.

When he was 21, he ran away from his owner, but he returned a month later due to one of these visions from God.  He continued to preach to his people and even to white people about repenting and turning to God.  I could spend a long time going over his visions and many things that happened to him before the rebellion, but you can do that by checking out the links below.

In 1830, he was sold to Joseph Travis.  Even though his owner was nice to him, Turner was awaiting the go ahead from God to slay those who had enslaved him.  It was an eclipse of the sun in February 1831, that confirmed to him what God intended for him to do.  The rebellion began on August 21 of that year.  He and his men went from house to house murdering entire slave-owning families while they slept and any other white men they found on their way. (That is absolutely horrible!!)  They freed slaves as the slave owners were killed.  About 40 slaves ultimately joined with Turner. 

Within 48 hours, the rebellion was squelched, but Turner was not captured for months.  He and his fellow slaves killed about 55 white people.  He was finally discovered on October 30, and he was turned over to the authorities.  His court-appointed lawyer published The Confessions of Nat Turner as a way of explaining Turner's way of thinking.

It was on this day in 1831 that Nat Turner was tried and convicted for the slave rebellion.  It was but a week later that he was hanged.  They skinned his body and gave it out to the white people at the hanging as souvenirs (that is horrible too!). There were several accounts as to how many blacks were hanged as a result of the rebellion. At least 18, but one site says 55.  It was estimated that about 75 slaves participated in this rebellion.  The really sad thing is that over 200 slaves who were innocent and did not even live in Virginia were murdered by white mobs because it was claimed that these slaves had a connection to Turner.  Of course, it was just an excuse--it was really retaliation.

While I believe with all my heart that slavery is wrong, what Nat Turner did was wrong, too.  I am reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr.  No matter what you may think of him, you cannot deny the fact that he advocated peace.  He would never have condoned what Turner did.  Yes, both men essentially paid the same price for their actions, but who is remembered in a positive light?  King, not Turner. 

For more information, check out these informative sites:

http://blueandgraytrail.com/event/Nat_Turner_and_the_Slave_Revolt

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3p1518.html

http://www.blackpast.org/?q=aah/turner-nat-1800-1831

http://teluudailies.blogspot.com/2010/08/nat-turners-slave-rebellion.html

This Day in History September 20, 1664

Well, unfortunately we keep the theme of racism and prejudice going on this day in history.  Have you ever heard of anti-amalgamation?  Indeed it is a word that we no longer use and for good reason.  Keep reading, and if you don't understand the term now, you certainly will.

Amalgamation refers to an African American and a white person marrying.  It was a common practice in this country's early history.  They had indentured servants, and there were of course, the slaves.  It is said that it was especially common amongst the upper class.

It was on this date in 1664 that Maryland passed the Amalgamation law.  The intention of the law was to keep blacks and whites from intermarrying.  I can't even begin to imagine passing such a law, but indeed, things were different.

In the 1860's, the term "miscegenation."  It still meant the same as it had before, but it was a better term.  These laws were lifted during the Reconstruction Period.  Unfortunately, as time neared the end of the 1860's, interracial marriages were again declared void.  It was not until the 1950's and 1960's that these bans were lifted again.

In total, there were 7 states that passed such laws:
Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

Can you imagine all the turmoil that racism and prejudice has brought to this world? When I teach my students about African American history and the horrible things that were done, I really tend to get worked up.  I have been know to say that I am so ashamed of my race and wish that I could make up for what happened.  One of the hardest things I have ever had to endure as a teacher was being called a racist by my students.

Let's be glad that these laws are no longer existent, and may they never come around again.

For more information:

• http://aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/anti-amalgamation-law-passed
• http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miscegenation