Media Monday - African American History Month Week 4

Here we are, our final week of this year's African American history month. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did! And if not, we will be back to our quote - regular scheduling - unquote after this week.

Song of the Week

Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson

If you don't know who Michael Jackson is, you live under a rock. He's the king of pop, the man who sold billions of albums and won hundreds of awards. This song is one of my favorites of Michael Jackson's, along with 'Smooth Criminal'. It carries a profound message we should all follow.

African American First

 

Kenny Washington was the African American American football player, in the postition of running back. He broke a record at his college of UCLA that had been unbroken for more than 50 years! Only a few dozen football players played in college in 1939. After failing to get signed up with the Chicago Bears, he was let into the Cleveland Rams. He was inducted into the football hall of fame in 1956 and starred in three movies with one about Jackie Robinson (the first African American baseball player). Washington passed away in 1971.

This Day In History 

Februrary 26th

Trayvon Martin was shot on this day in 2012. After the police failed to arrest his shooter, it led to a giant riot. The shooter was tried and acquitted of his charges which only led to more anger and frustration from the African American community. This led to widespread rallies denouncing the Florida Police and the obviously rigged to be against African Americans. 

Hallie Berry accepted a Razzie for her role in Catwoman on this day in 2005. Hallie took the award with a sense of humor and she held her real Oscar (won in 2002) in her other hand during her speech. 

In 1928, Fats Domino was born on this day. He passed away in 2017. He was the 'pioneer of rock and roll' and sold more than 50 million records. 

Februrary 27th

On this day in 1980, "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor won a Grammy for Best Disco Recording. This was the first and the last time this award was given. 

February 28th

Jazz musician Thelonious Monk appeared on the cover of Time Magazine on this day in 1964. According to the article within, he "presided at the birth of pop". A Clint Eastwood documentary was made about Monk's unknown mental illness. His jazz standards are popular to this day even after his death on February 17th, 1982.