Latest Blogs
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.
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…
Winifred Mason Chenet: Pioneering Black American Jewelry Designer
Reading time: 2 minutesWinifred Mason Chenet was a trailblazing jewelry designer; widely recognized as the first black commercial jewelry designer in the U.S..…
St. Augustine Four: Unsung Heroes Of The Civil Rights Movement
Reading time: 3 minutesDid you know St. Augustine, Florida, played a significant role in the civil rights movement? Click the link to learn…Jason Wright: 1st Black President & General Manager Of An NFL Team
Reading time: 2 minutesTaking the helm in 2020, Jason Wright is the first black person to be president of an NFL League Team.…Emmitt McHenry: African American CEO Who Developed .com Code For Internet Domain Registration
Reading time: 4 minutesGot an email address? Got a website address? You can thank African American CEO, Emmitt McHenry for that! His firm…
Mothers On A Mission: Mae Mallory And The Harlem Nine
Reading time: 5 minutesMae Mallory founded the "Harlem Nine" in 1956. This group of Black mothers sued the New York City Board of…