Black History Untold

05/04/2026

Lola Falana: The First Lady of Las Vegas

🎤✨ Born on September 11, 1942, in Camden, NJ, Lola Falana became a trailblazing American singer, dancer, and actress. From singing in the church choir at age five to performing in Harlem nightclubs as a teenager, Falana's talent shone bright from an early age.

Her big break came when Sammy Davis Jr. discovered her and cast her in Golden Boy on Broadway in 1964, launching her into stardom. Falana went on to tour Italy, star in Italian films, and captivate audiences worldwide. By 1979, she earned the title "First Lady of Las Vegas" as the highest-paid entertainer on the Vegas Strip.

From humble beginnings to dazzling the world, Lola Falana remains a symbol of resilience, talent, and elegance.

🌟 Did you know about Lola Falana’s journey to becoming a Las Vegas legend? Share your thoughts or memories of her performances below!

05/04/2026

Adenah Bayoh, a successful entrepreneur and owner of three IHOP restaurants, is making history as New Jersey’s first Black female affordable housing developer. Fleeing war-torn Liberia as a child, Bayoh’s story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph.

With a thriving portfolio in business and real estate, Bayoh is now paving the way for change by leading a major affordable housing project in New Jersey—creating opportunities and building stronger communities.

05/03/2026

🎶✨ These three iconic women—Whitney Houston (1963-2012), Chaka Khan (1953-), and Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)—graced the stage with unmatched class, passion, and charisma, blessing us with decades of timeless music.

Their trademark hits continue to echo through our lives:
🎤 Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"
🎤 Aretha Franklin’s "Respect"
🎤 Chaka Khan’s "I’m Every Woman"

From shopping malls to radio waves on our morning commutes, their music remains a celebration of rich culture, unforgettable talent, and the voices that shaped generations.

🌟 Which of these legendary songs brings you the best memories?

05/03/2026

The Jackson 5 and Their Talented Drummer, Johnny Jackson

🎶✨ On August 13, 1967, The Jackson 5 made history by winning the iconic Amateur Night competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. This victory marked the beginning of their legendary rise, catching the attention of Motown Records.

Motown founder Berry Gordy was introduced to the group in July 1968 after Bobby Taylor of The Vancouvers brought them to Hitsville in Detroit. Impressed by their talent, Gordy immediately signed the group, launching them into superstardom.

Behind the scenes, Johnny Jackson, a drumming prodigy from Gary, Indiana, was a key part of the group’s live performances from 1967 to 1975. Known as a “show drummer,” Johnny’s dynamic style often captivated audiences, sometimes even stealing the spotlight from Michael Jackson himself!

Although he wasn’t a blood relative, Motown promoted Johnny as the Jacksons' cousin. His skill on the drums, honed since childhood, helped set the stage for The Jackson 5’s unforgettable live shows. Tragically, Johnny Jackson passed away on March 1, 2006, at the age of 54, but his contributions to the group’s early success remain part of their rich legacy.

🎤 The Jackson 5’s journey from Steeltown Records in 1968 to Motown in 1969 is a true testament to talent, hard work, and the magic of live performance.

🌟 What’s your favorite Jackson 5 memory or song? Let us know in the comments!

05/02/2026

“The music and movies of today are the conditions that exist. You change music and movies by changing the conditions.” - Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999)

05/02/2026

James Baldwin with activist James Meredith, Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963, a year after Meredith became the first African American student admitted to the University of Mississippi...

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

Making history and breaking barriers! 💧✨ Paulla McCarthy, a single Black mom from NYC, has achieved an incredible milestone as the proud owner of YSS WaterWorks, a spring water bottling plant in upstate New York. She’s now the first Black woman to own and operate such a business in the entire state! Her journey is a powerful testament to the impact of determination, resilience, and hard work.

04/30/2026

Texas, 1943...
San Augustine, Texas. Father and daughter in front of the drugstore...
Source
Farm Security Administration John Vachon photographer

04/30/2026

Brotherhood.