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Chance or Circumstance? A Memoir and Journey through the Struggle for Civil Rights

Home > Posts tagged Chance or Circumstance? A Memoir and Journey through the Struggle for Civil Rights

Chance or Circumstance? A Memoir and Journey through the Struggle for Civil Rights

James R. Mapp

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The Association for the Study of African American Life & History was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of #BlackHistoryMonth.
The Freedom House Ambulance Service was more than The Freedom House Ambulance Service was more than just a pioneering emergency medical team—it was a radical intervention in a healthcare system that had long failed Black communities. Before Freedom House, ambulance services were often rudimentary, with police officers or funeral home workers providing minimal medical assistance. Trained extensively in advanced life support, CPR, and other emergency medical procedures, Freedom House paramedics set the national standard for pre-hospital care. Their work laid the foundation for modern emergency medical services (EMS), influencing policies and training programs across the country. Yet, their contributions were largely unrecognized for decades, overshadowed by systemic racism and the eventual takeover of emergency services by the city’s predominantly white institutions. Despite its untimely dissolution in 1975, the legacy of Freedom House continues to inspire a new generation of paramedics and emergency responders. Many of its members went on to shape the future of EMS, proving that their expertise and dedication could not be erased. In recent years, Freedom House’s story has gained renewed recognition, with scholars, medical professionals, and historians acknowledging its profound impact on emergency medicine. Pittsburgh has begun to honor its pioneering paramedics, ensuring that their trailblazing work is no longer forgotten. Their story serves as a reminder of both the resilience of Black communities in the face of systemic barriers and the need to continue fighting for equitable healthcare access today.
Join us in Atlanta, GA from September 24-27, 2025 Join us in Atlanta, GA from September 24-27, 2025 for the ASALH Annual Conference. Stay at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park for just $189 per night and enjoy exclusive flight discounts with Delta. This is an event you won’t want to miss, so make sure to reserve your spot early! Link in our bio for more information.
Ida B. Wells was a pioneering journalist, activist Ida B. Wells was a pioneering journalist, activist, and suffragist who played a crucial role in both the labor movement and the broader fight for racial and gender equality. Born into slavery in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Wells dedicated her life to exposing racial injustices, particularly the horrors of lynching in the United States. As a Black woman navigating both the racial and gendered barriers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she understood the interconnected struggles of African Americans and working-class people. She used her investigative journalism to shed light on the exploitation of Black workers, especially Black women, who were often underpaid and forced into dangerous, low-wage jobs with little to no protections. Wells also spoke out against discriminatory labor practices, emphasizing the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and collective action for Black workers who were frequently excluded from mainstream labor unions. Beyond her journalism, Wells actively organized Black workers, particularly Black women, to fight for labor rights. She co-founded the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896, which worked to improve working conditions for Black women and advocated for better pay and job opportunities. She also supported the establishment of Black labor unions, recognizing that economic independence was essential for true racial and gender equality. Her activism extended to her work with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, one of the most influential Black-led labor unions, as well as her advocacy for women’s suffrage, arguing that voting rights were essential for securing labor protections. Through her relentless activism, Wells helped lay the groundwork for future labor movements, ensuring that the struggles of Black workers—especially Black women—were recognized in the broader fight for workers’ rights. #ASALH #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #IdaBWells
A Letter from the ASALH President: Our Magna Carta A Letter from the ASALH President: Our Magna Carta Winston Churchill once said, “Danger is real; fear is a choice.” Today, our democracy is in danger—but we are not powerless, and we cannot give in to fear. Instead, we must fight back with small, intentional acts of resistance. Our ASALH Magna Carta is a call to action, a reminder that democracy belongs to us—we are the people! It outlines ways to get started, but this is just the beginning. We invite you to add to this list and stand with us as we work together to defend and rebuild our democracy. From funding the institutions that protect our rights to showing up, organizing, and holding leaders accountable—we must take bold steps. Change begins with action.
Next up in our feature series is ASALH President D Next up in our feature series is ASALH President Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead! Check out My Mother’s Tomorrow: Dispatches Through the Lens of Baltimore’s Black Butterfly—a powerful exploration of history, activism, and community. Dr. Whitehead brings a deep, thought-provoking perspective to the narrative of Baltimore’s Black Butterfly, shedding light on the past while envisioning a just future.
Mae Jemison, an astronaut, physician, and engineer Mae Jemison, an astronaut, physician, and engineer, has made groundbreaking contributions not only in science and space exploration but also in advocating for education, diversity, and labor rights. As the first African American woman to travel into space, Jemison's achievements have inspired many to break barriers in fields historically dominated by men and people of other races. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her own career as she actively works to encourage young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Jemison’s efforts in these fields intersect with labor movements by promoting equitable access to opportunities in industries that require skilled labor, encouraging workers of all backgrounds to enter the workforce and advance within their fields. Jemison’s connection to the labor movement lies in her broader advocacy for social justice and the importance of inclusive work environments. As part of her mission to improve representation and equality in STEM careers, she addresses the systemic barriers that many workers face due to race, gender, and socioeconomic status. By breaking through those barriers herself, Jemison exemplifies the power of labor movements to push for fair treatment and equal access to opportunities in workplaces. Her advocacy underscores the ongoing need for a labor force that values diversity, representation, and equal pay, which are essential to a thriving economy and a just society. #ASALH #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #MaeJemison
Poetry is a living entity—it expands, it flies. Poetry is a living entity—it expands, it flies. ✨✍🏾 On #WorldPoetryDay, we honor the voices that shape history, spark change, and inspire revolution. Nikki Giovanni’s words remind us that poetry isn’t just written—it lives, breathes, and transforms the world.
SAVE THE DATE! We’re heading to Atlanta, GA, Sep SAVE THE DATE! We’re heading to Atlanta, GA, September 24-27, 2025, for the ASALH Annual Conference—and you don’t want to miss it! This year’s theme, African Americans & Labor, sets the stage for powerful discussions, an inspiring Film Festival, and unforgettable Bus Tours exploring Black history. 🏛️🎬🚌 Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details! ✨ #ASALH2025 #BlackHistory #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #asalhatlanta
Remember these wise words! EVERY MONTH is Black Hi Remember these wise words! EVERY MONTH is Black History Month 🙌🏾
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ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

4 days ago

ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
#Ida B. Wells was a pioneering journalist, activist, and suffragist who played a crucial role in both the labor movement and the broader fight for racial and gender equality. Born into slavery in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Wells dedicated her life to exposing racial injustices, particularly the horrors of lynching in the United States. As a Black woman navigating both the racial and gendered barriers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she understood the interconnected struggles of African Americans and working-class people. She used her investigative journalism to shed light on the exploitation of Black workers, especially Black women, who were often underpaid and forced into dangerous, low-wage jobs with little to no protections. Wells also spoke out against discriminatory labor practices, emphasizing the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and collective action for Black workers who were frequently excluded from mainstream labor unions.Beyond her journalism, Wells actively organized Black workers, particularly Black women, to fight for labor rights. She co-founded the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896, which worked to improve working conditions for Black women and advocated for better pay and job opportunities. She also supported the establishment of Black labor unions, recognizing that economic independence was essential for true racial and gender equality. Her activism extended to her work with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, one of the most influential Black-led labor unions, as well as her advocacy for women’s suffrage, arguing that voting rights were essential for securing labor protections. Through her relentless activism, Wells helped lay the groundwork for future labor movements, ensuring that the struggles of Black workers—especially Black women—were recognized in the broader fight for workers’ rights.Learn More: www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett#ASALH #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #IdaBWells ... See MoreSee Less

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ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

5 days ago

ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
In case you missed it, ASALH’s first virtual convening is going live today at 6pm EST on our YouTube channel @ASALHTV 📺Watch It Now: youtu.be/lJDrvjO8c1U ... See MoreSee Less

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ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

5 days ago

ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
A Letter from the ASALH President: Our Magna CartaWinston Churchill once said, “Danger is real; fear is a choice.” Today, our democracy is in danger—but we are not powerless, and we cannot give in to fear. Instead, we must fight back with small, intentional acts of resistance.Our ASALH Magna Carta is a call to action, a reminder that democracy belongs to us—we are the people! It outlines ways to get started, but this is just the beginning. We invite you to add to this list and stand with us as we work together to defend and rebuild our democracy.From funding the institutions that protect our rights to showing up, organizing, and holding leaders accountable—we must take bold steps. Change begins with action.Read Statement: asalh.org/asalh-magna-carta/ ... See MoreSee Less

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ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

1 week ago

ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Next up in our feature series is ASALH President Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead!Check out My Mother’s Tomorrow: Dispatches Through the Lens of Baltimore’s Black Butterfly—a powerful exploration of history, activism, and community. Dr. Whitehead brings a deep, thought-provoking perspective to the narrative of Baltimore’s Black Butterfly, shedding light on the past while envisioning a just future.🔗 Read more: asalh.org/my-mothers-tomorrow-dispatches-through-the-lens-of-baltimores-black-butterfly/ ... See MoreSee Less

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