Category Archives: Black History Month

Beyond Prissy: The Literary Ambitions of Butterfly McQueen

In a small collection at the American Heritage Center – apparently the only archival collection of her papers anywhere – actress Butterfly McQueen preserved a series of typescript works that made me wonder: of all her experiences, why did she … Continue reading

Posted in American Social History, Black History Month, Collections Highlights, Entertainment history, Uncategorized, women's history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bucking Stereotypes: Celebrating Trailblazer Abe Morris for Black History Month

How did a young man from New Jersey become one of the first Black bull riders on the professional rodeo circuit? The story of rodeo pioneer Abe Morris is one of determination in the face of obstacles. Born in 1956, … Continue reading

Posted in Authors, Biography and profiles, Black history, Black History Month, Rodeo history, Sports and Recreation, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Studying the Black Power Movement at the AHC 

Researchers looking for information on the Black Freedom Movement can find relevant materials throughout the collections held at the American Heritage Center. These include the papers of Wyoming politician Harriet Elizabeth Byrd, bull rider Abe Morris, African American church records, … Continue reading

Posted in African American history, Black history, Black History Month, Political history, Social justice, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history, women's history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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