Category Archives: African American history

Celebrating Black History Month: The June Vanleer Williams Story

Posted on February 1, 2018 by

African-American journalist and editor June Vanleer Williams is not necessarily well-known, but what a rich life she led. Williams was an actress, a casting director, a journalist, a playwright, a poet, and an active member in Karamu House, which is the … Continue reading →

Posted in African American history, Authors and literature, Current events, found in the archive, Journalism, Motion picture actors and actresses, motion picture history, popular culture, Uncategorized, Under-documented communities, women's history | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Wyoming Equality Day: Liz Byrd’s quest to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on January 16, 2017 by

Did you perhaps wonder as you sipped your coffee this morning about how Wyoming Equality Day originated?  Cheyenne native and Wyoming state legislator Harriett Elizabeth “Liz” Byrd was the guiding individual behind it.  Byrd was the first black woman to … Continue reading →

Posted in African American history, women's history, Wyoming history | Leave a comment

Liz Byrd: Pioneering Stateswoman, Educator, and Advocate

Posted on January 30, 2015 by

This week, Wyoming had to say goodbye to one of its heroes: Elizabeth (Liz) Byrd passed away Tuesday at her home in Cheyenne.  Byrd was the first African-American woman to serve in the State Legislature.  It was due to her … Continue reading →

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Black History Month Highlight: Stepp Family Ranch

Posted on February 7, 2014 by

In honor of Black History month, the AHC would like to celebrate African-American experiences in the west by sharing this photograph of the Stepp family; taken on Alonzo T. Stepp’s ranch in the 1920s. Originally from Berea, Kentucky, Alonzo Stepp … Continue reading →

Posted in African American history, Family history, Ranch history, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wyoming Equality Day

Posted on January 18, 2013 by

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. and Wyoming Equality Day! Ronald Reagan signed a bill in 1983 that established Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a nationally observed holiday.  It was not until 1986 that it was first observed; 2000 was … Continue reading →

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Black History Month Highlight: Elizabeth Byrd, Wyoming Politician

Posted on February 16, 2012 by

We continue our celebration of Black History Month by drawing much-deserved attention to Elizabeth Byrd.  She was another Wyoming “First,” in that she was the first African-American to serve in the Wyoming House of Representatives, as well as in the … Continue reading →

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Black History Month Highlight: Bill Pickett

Posted on February 2, 2012 by

In honor of Black History Month, the AHC would like to share some of our collection material that highlights African-American life in the West and beyond. The Cowboy The original cowboy archetype in the US imagination was tall, rangy, and … Continue reading →

Posted in African American history, Uncategorized | Leave a comment