Black Heroes

Aretha Frankline – Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin
1942 –
birthplace – Detroit, Michigan

“Queen of Soul”

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect. That word became very important to black people in the 1960′s. Aretha Franklin, the singer who sang about it,earned the respect of everyone who heard her.

Beautiful black voices were always part of Aretha’s life. Her father was a well-known preacher. Famous black singers like Dinah Washington, Mahalia Jackson, and B. B. King often visited her home. Music was important part of Aretha’s life, too.

When Aretha was 12, she made her first record. By the time she graduated from high school, she knew that she wanted to be a professional singer. At first, she sang only gospel songs. But later she began to sing popular music. Soon, everyone was singing her songs and everyone knew who she was. In 1967, she recorded a number of chart-topping songs. Aretha Franklin became known as the “Queen of Soul.” Ever since then, she has been one of the best known singers in the United States.

“Chain of Fools” and “Never Loved a Man” are just two of Aretha’s popular songs.

W. E. B. DuBois – A Gift for Words

William E. B. DuBois
1868 – 1963
birthplace — Great Barrington, MA

“A Gift for Words”

On Tuesday, August 27, 1963, as thousands of people were planning to march on Washington, D. C., W. E. B. DuBois died. Some people cried when they heard the news. The great black leader, who had been living in Ghana, West Africa, would be missed.

William was a talented man who was respected throughout the world. He was a a scholar, writer, sociologist, philosopher, and leader.

William spent his entire life working for justice and equal rights for black people. He helped organize the National Association for the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. This great civil rights organization has lead the fight for black equality for over 75 years. William worked as editor of “Crisis,” the NAACP magazine. He wrote more than 20 books. “Souls of Black Folks” is the best known.

Many people have been involved in the struggle to make a better America. But no one was more outspoken than William. He supported the fight for black rights in Africa and throughout the world, and he was a leader of the peace movement. Not everyone accepted his ideas. He was attacked by those who disagreed with him. After years of struggle, he moved to Ghana.

On August 28, the historic March on Washington was held. The man with “a gift for words” would have been proud.