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Launched in 2015, Black Mail is your source for lesser-known black history facts. We celebrate history makers, movements, and moments that have shaped our world.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: Instrumental In Launching First Negro History Week In 1924
Reading time: 1 minutesIn 1924, the Omega Psi Phi fraternity played a key role in launching the first “Negro History Week” that we…
Celebrating Valentine’s Day And Black History
Reading time: 2 minutesHappy Valentine's Day to all of our blog and podcast followers! What a perfect day to declare our love for…
Matthew “Mack” Ingram: Convicted Of “Reckless Eyeballing” In 1951
Reading time: 3 minutesIn 1951, Matt “Mack” Ingram was jailed for “reckless eyeballing” (improperly looking at a white person with sexual intent). Click…
The Negro Sanhedrin
Reading time: 3 minutesThe Negro Sanhedrin was established by Kelly Miller in 1924 to increase collaboration between Black organizations across the United States.…
Willa Brown and Janet Harmon-Bragg: Black Female Aviators Following In the Footsteps of Bessie Coleman
Reading time: 3 minutesThe trailblazing African-American aviator Bessie Coleman is a well-known figure in history. Following in her footsteps were Willa Brown and…
Tressie Souders: The First Known African American Woman To Direct A Feature Film
Reading time: 2 minutesAfrican American film director Tressie Souders is recognized as the first known black woman to direct a feature film. Click…
Willa Brown: 1st African American Woman In The U.S. To Receive A Private Pilot’s License
Reading time: 2 minutesWilla Brown was the first African American woman to be issued a pilot's license in the U.S. This aviation trailblazer…
Henrietta Smith Bowers Duterte: The First Black And First Female Mortician In The United States
Reading time: 2 minutesHenrietta Smith Bowers Duterte was the first Black and the first female mortician in the United States. Click the link…
The Racist History Behind The Term “Grandfather Clause”
Reading time: 2 minutesThe term “grandfather clause” is widely used in business circles. However, many don’t know the racist history behind the term…
Colin Kaepernick’s Autopsy Initiative
Reading time: 1 minutesColin Kaepernick's, "Know Your Rights Camp" organization launched the "Autopsy Initiative" in 2022 to provide free second autopsies to families…
Alexander Miles: Black Inventor of Automatic Elevator Doors
Reading time: 1 minutesAlexander Miles invented the automatic elevator door; greatly improving the safety of the elevator. Click the link to learn more…