Category Archives: African American history
Celebrating Black History Month: The June Vanleer Williams Story
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
Wyoming Equality Day: Liz Byrd’s quest to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.
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
Liz Byrd: Pioneering Stateswoman, Educator, and Advocate
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
Black History Month Highlight: Stepp Family Ranch
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
Wyoming Equality Day
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
Black History Month Highlight: Elizabeth Byrd, Wyoming Politician
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
Black History Month Highlight: Bill Pickett
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
