Category Archives: African American history

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

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.

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, Martin Luther King Jr., Political history, Social justice, Women in Politics, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Black History Highlight: Stepp Family Ranch

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 came to Wyoming to try cowboy … Continue reading

Posted in African American history, Family history, Ranch history, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

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

Posted in African American history, Black history, Black History Month, Political history, Politics, western politics and leadership, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in African American history, American West, Rodeo history, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment