AFROPUNK started as a film that created a community. It resonated with people who felt isolated in their hometowns, schools and within their own families. Nine years later, AFROPUNK has become a vibrant community and lifestyle. The spirit of AFROPUNK continues to flourish and grow and we're proud to support film student and afropunktress NEF PREZ as she debuts her long awaited, highly anticipated, and widely acclaimed film I AM OTHER. It’s an honest dedication to all…
Jackson Mubiru built the first skate park in Uganda, which is the only skate park in East Africa. He also created the blog Uganda Skateboard Union. "Skateboarding may be commonplace in the United States or Europe but remains very rare in East Africa. "The first time I saw someone on a skateboard was on TV", remembers Mr. Mubiru. "At the beginning we were only four or five guys, but it is steadily…Continue
Mainstream media would make us think that being Black means being a pimp or a ho. Well obviously we're not having that! Here we'll be showcasing outstanding Black individuals, their achievements, their lifestyle and more. People who do cool stuff for their community, people who succeed where they're not expected to, people who break boundaries, you name…Continue
Added by T.O.B.E. on February 4, 2010 at 8:00pm —
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First Black woman to direct a feature film for a major Hollywood studio.
Euzhan Palcy is an award-winning film director from Martinique whose movies often deal with resistance to oppression. She believes that filmmakers have a responsibilty. "We can show people a situation - shed light on it without preaching".
Palcy moved to Paris in 1975 to study literature and cinema. To convince investors to finance her first full-length movie, she had to showcase her talents…Continue
Added by T.O.B.E. on February 3, 2010 at 3:30pm —
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First African-American Olympic Speedskater
Shani Davis was born on Friday, August 13, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised by his mother, on the south side, he started roller-skating at local rinks at age two. Shani joined the Evanston Speedskating Club at age six and within two months started competing locally. By age 8, he was winning regional competitions.
Davis earned spots on both the long track and short track teams at the 1999 junior world championship,…Continue
Added by T.O.B.E. on February 2, 2010 at 7:30pm —
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Legendary Black biker finally celebrated by the motorcylcle industry. Sugar Bear's shop opened its doors in Los Angeles in 1971, with the intent to produce street rideable choppers and products. It soon became apparent that a quality custom springer needed to be built to achieve the "long" look desired by his customers.
The strong and stylish Sugar Bear Springer for which he became famous was constructed with steel (rather than tubes).…
Young African American motorcross racer makes History.
23-year-old James "Bubba" Stewart entered his first dirtbike race at age 4, and went on to win 11 American Motorcycle Association amateur national titles.
In 2002, he made his pro debut and was named Rookie Of The Year. He has since won many supercross championships and races, and has received many accolades and major endorsements.
As the first African American to dominate the field…Continue
Added by T.O.B.E. on January 30, 2010 at 3:30pm —
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Non-profit made History with the first African-American Polo team in the nation. "Founded in 1994, Work to Ride (WTR) is a 501 c3, non-profit community-based prevention program that aids disadvantaged urban youth though constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports and education. The program is housed at Chamounix Stables, located in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. This setting provides a unique opportunity to bring urban youth in contact with animals and…Continue
Retired astronaut Gen. Charles Bolden is the current National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator. Picked by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, He is the first African-American to head the agency on a permanent basis.
Born in 1946 in segregated South Carolina, he had to study in a blacks-only school. His perseverance and high grades earned him a spot at the U.S. Naval Academy. He then became one of the United Sates Marine Corps'…Continue
Added by T.O.B.E. on January 28, 2010 at 3:30pm —
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First Black player in the National Hockey League
Special thanks to AP Community member Amoni for telling us about him!
Willie O'Ree was born on October 15, 1935 in Fredericton, New Brunswick in Canada. He began playing ice hockey as a child in Canada and was playing in a local league by the time he was 5 years old. "That was the thing to do in the winter," he says. "Everything freezes over, the…Continue
Added by T.O.B.E. on January 28, 2010 at 1:30pm —
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14-year-old develops a way of sewing up patients after hysterectomies.
Tony Hansberry II is a ninth-grader. The new sewing technique he has developed helps to to reduce the risk of complications and simplifies the hysterectomy procedure for less seasoned surgeons.
This neurosurgeon in the making attends Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School, a magnet school in Jacksonville, Florida, geared toward all things medical. His project came about last summer during his…Continue
Cirque du Soleil's youngest musical director now touring with major artists.
Ric'key Pageot is a pianist, keyboardist, producer, composer, arranger, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, from a musical family of Haitian descent. His life is an inspiring example of how far hard work can take you.
As a child, his parents noticed his interest for the piano and initiated him to private lessons in classical music. By the age of twelve, he was performing with his family in…Continue
Added by T.O.B.E. on January 27, 2010 at 1:30pm —
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First African-American to build, own a golf course
Source: The New York Times
EAST CANTON, Ohio — Every corner of the modest two-story frame clubhouse he owns and operates, every tee and green of Clearview Golf Club, the 18-hole course he designed and built, bears the imprint of Bill Powell. Sown 63 years ago in an act of defiance, nurtured by the sheer force of will of the man whose vision gave it birth, the club stands as a monument to a golf giant who has battled…Continue
Added by T.O.B.E. on January 26, 2010 at 3:00pm —
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Non-profit made History with the first African-American Polo team in the nation
"Founded in 1994, Work to Ride (WTR) is a 501 c3, non-profit community-based prevention program that aids disadvantaged urban youth though constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports and education. The program is housed at Chamounix Stables, located in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. This setting provides a unique opportunity to bring urban youth in contact with animals…Continue
Bill Powell First African-American to build, own a golf course
Source: The New York Times
EAST CANTON, Ohio — Every corner of the modest two-story frame clubhouse he owns and operates, every tee and green of Clearview Golf Club, the 18-hole course he designed and built, bears the imprint of Bill Powell. Sown 63 years ago…Continue
Tony Hansberry II
14-year-old develops a way of sewing up patients after hysterectomies
Tony Hansberry II is a ninth-grader. The new sewing technique he has developed helps to to reduce the risk of complications and simplifies the hysterectomy procedure for less seasoned surgeons.
This neurosurgeon in the making attends…Continue
Euzhan Palcy
First Black woman to direct a feature film for a major Hollywood studio.
Euzhan Palcy is an award-winning film director from Martinique whose movies often deal with resistance to oppression. She believes that filmmakers have a responsibilty. "We can show people a situation - shed light on it without preaching".
Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
Retired astronaut Gen. Charles Bolden is the current National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator. Picked by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, He is the first African-American to head the agency on a permanent basis.
Born in 1946 in segregated South Carolina, he had to study in a blacks-only… Continue
Added by Afro-Punk on August 22, 2009 at 6:30am —
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