At OZY, we lift up the critical contributions of African-Americans to our national fabric 12 months of the year. But in honor of Black History Month, we've put together a special collection so you can learn about the congresswoman who took on Nixon, forgotten Black World War I soldiers (pictured) and James Brown's landmark trip to Zambia. And check out our regular Saturday sampler of this week's best OZY stories. Enjoy!
| | | Because Black history is American history Welcome to Black History Month, OZY style. Launched in 1926 as Negro History Week, it was officially recognized as a monthlong celebration in 1976. Some believe America’s Black history requires year-round recognition, while others may feel a month is too long. Black history is a contribution to the overall history of America, so we at OZY are ensuring that it’s celebrated and showcased by all Americans in a bold new way. African American OZY staffers will guide the discussion this month by turning their mics toward non-Black colleagues for their take on what Black history means to them. We believe the insights gained will help enrich the great American experiment. | | READ NOW |
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| | | | Barbara Jordan paved the way for women like Sen. Kamala Harris and Stacey Abrams. It’s still considered one of the great American political speeches. “My faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total,” Barbara Jordan thundered. “‘We, the people.’ I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution.” Jordan, a Black congresswoman in a pink suit and thick glasses, acknowledged that when the Constitution was drafted she wouldn’t have been included in that solemn promise. But on July 25, 1974, she delivered those words on national television, a staunch defense of Congress’ right to seek the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. | | READ NOW |
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| | | Nearly 400,000 proud African-Americans served a country in World War I that was incapable of honoring their service. |
| | | The American singer became an irresistible icon in the southern African nation after he performed there in 1970. |
| | | From embracing plastics to exploiting antiquities, here’s the best of OZY this week. |
| | | For years, the green movement has seen plastics as villains. Europe's now turning that on its head. |
| | | With dust settling on Syria's war, Moscow is wrapping its arms around the country's unique World Heritage sites. |
| | | A former marketing consultant, GiGi Lucas found a home on the waves — and wants more Black women to join her. |
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