"History, despite Its wrenching pain, Cannot be unlived, But if faced with courage, Need not be lived again." —Maya Angelou
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Quote of the Day: Maya Angelou
"History, despite Its wrenching pain, Cannot be unlived, But if faced with courage, Need not be lived again." —Maya Angelou
The Man Who Reached for the Moon: The Legacy of Walter S. McAfee
A Mind Built for the Stars
Born in 1914 in Ore City, Texas, McAfee was one of nine children. His journey from a segregated South to the leading edge of the Space Age is a testament to his sheer intellectual force. After earning degrees from Wiley College and Ohio State University, he joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps Laboratory at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, in 1942.
It was here, during the height of World War II and the dawn of the Cold War, that McAfee would make his most enduring mark on science.
Project Diana: Bouncing Radar off the Moon
In 1946, a top-secret project codenamed Project Diana aimed to determine if a high-frequency radio signal could penetrate the Earth’s ionosphere. The goal was simple but audacious: beam a radar signal at the Moon and see if it reflected back.
The engineering challenge was immense. To succeed, the team needed to account for the Doppler Effect—the change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the source. Because the Earth is rotating and the Moon is orbiting, the "target" was constantly moving.
McAfee was the mathematical engine of the project. He calculated the precise radar cross-section of the Moon and predicted the required power and frequency shifts. On January 10, 1946, the team successfully detected the first echo from the Moon. This moment didn't just prove we could communicate through space; it effectively gave birth to radio astronomy.
The Hidden Figure of Fort Monmouth
Despite his pivotal role, McAfee was initially left out of the public news releases regarding Project Diana. It wasn't until the 25th anniversary of the event in 1971 that he was formally recognized for his contributions.
McAfee’s career continued to soar long after the Moon echo. He earned a Ph.D. from Cornell University (studying under Hans Bethe) and became the first African American to be promoted to GS-16, a high-level federal civil service rank. He spent decades contributing to:
Nuclear weapons testing (high-altitude tracking)
Satellite communications
Electronic warfare sensors
A Lasting Impact
Walter S. McAfee passed away in 1995, but his legacy lives on through the McAfee Center at Fort Monmouth and various scholarships that support minority students in STEM. He was a pioneer who broke both scientific and social barriers, proving that the math doesn't care about the color of your skin—it only cares if you're right.
And McAfee was exactly right.
Black Massacres in the United States
This graphic presents a stark overview of massacres targeting Black communities in the United States, spanning over a century and a half. These events, often rooted in racial hatred, economic competition, and the suppression of Black advancement, led to immense loss of life, destruction of property, and enduring trauma. Understanding these moments is crucial for comprehending the full scope of American history.
Below, each massacre listed in the graphic is detailed with a short description and linked to primary or highly reliable secondary sources for further research.
19th Century: Reconstruction and the Rise of White Supremacy
New York (1863): Known as the Draft Riots, white working-class residents, angered by conscription during the Civil War, targeted Black citizens and their property, leading to mob violence, lynchings, and the burning of homes and an orphanage.
Memphis (1866): Following the Civil War, white mobs, including police and ex-Confederate soldiers, attacked Black veterans and residents, resulting in numerous deaths, rapes, and the destruction of Black-owned property and churches.
New Orleans (1866): A peaceful march by Black Union veterans and Radical Republicans advocating for Black voting rights was violently suppressed by a white mob, including police and ex-Confederates, leading to widespread killings and injuries.
Camilla, GA (1868): A "political massacre" where armed white Democrats ambushed and attacked a procession of Black Republicans marching to a rally to encourage voter registration, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries.
Opelousas, LA (1868): Amidst the gubernatorial election, white supremacists launched a systematic attack on Black citizens and white Republicans, aiming to suppress the Black vote. Estimates suggest hundreds of Black people were killed.
St. Bernard Parish, LA (1868): In the weeks leading up to the 1868 presidential election, white vigilante groups actively hunted down and murdered Black citizens to intimidate voters and ensure a Democratic victory.
Secondary Source: Wikipedia - St. Bernard Parish massacre
Colfax, LA (1873): One of the bloodiest events of Reconstruction. After a disputed gubernatorial election, white supremacists attacked Black Republican militiamen defending the Colfax courthouse, killing an estimated 60 to 150 Black people.
Vicksburg, MS (1874): White "Redeemers" sought to overthrow the biracial Republican government. When Black citizens rallied to support the elected sheriff, they were met with a heavily armed white militia, leading to the deaths of dozens, possibly hundreds, of Black people.
Eufaula, AL (1874): White Democrats, attempting to regain political control, attacked Black voters and Republican officials at the polls on Election Day, resulting in deaths and widespread intimidation.
Clinton, MS (1875): Violence erupted at a biracial Republican political rally. In the ensuing "riot" and organized campaign of "white terror," dozens of Black citizens were murdered by white militias.
Thibodaux, LA (1887): Striking Black sugar cane workers and their families were attacked by white militias and vigilantes following a labor dispute, resulting in the murder of at least 30 to 50, and possibly hundreds, of striking workers.
Wilmington, NC (1898): This was a violent white supremacist coup d'état where armed mobs overthrew the legitimately elected biracial government, massacred Black citizens, and expelled Black and white political leaders.
20th Century: The Great Migration, Red Summer, and Civil Rights Era
Atlanta (1906): Fueled by sensationalist newspaper reports of alleged Black-on-white crime and a hotly contested gubernatorial race, white mobs launched a four-day attack on Black businesses and residents.
Springfield, IL (1908): Violence erupted after a white woman accused a Black man of assault. A white mob destroyed Black-owned businesses, homes, and lynched Black residents. This event led directly to the formation of the NAACP.
Slocum, TX (1910): A white mob attacked the Black community of Slocum, killing an unknown number of residents and driving others from their homes to seize their land.
East St. Louis (1917): Fueled by racial prejudice, labor competition, and sensationalized news, white mobs attacked and burned Black neighborhoods. Estimates of the dead range from dozens to over 100 Black citizens.
Chicago (1919): Part of the "Red Summer." The drowning of a Black teenager, Eugene Williams, after he drifted into a "white" section of Lake Michigan, sparked days of racial violence across the city.
Washington, D.C. (1919): Also part of the "Red Summer." Rumors of assaults on white women by Black men led white mobs, including off-duty soldiers, to attack Black neighborhoods. Black residents, including veterans, fought back in self-defense.
Elaine, AR (1919): After Black sharecroppers met to organize for better pay, white landowners and militias, supported by federal troops, attacked the Black community. Hundreds of Black people were killed.
Ocoee, FL (1920): On Election Day, a white mob attacked the prosperous Black community of Ocoee after a Black man attempted to vote. Homes were burned, and many Black residents were killed, forcing the survivors to flee permanently.
Tulsa, OK (1921): The "Black Wall Street" massacre. A prosperous Black business district (Greenwood) was destroyed by white mobs who looted, burned buildings, and reportedly used airplanes to drop incendiary devices. Hundreds were killed.
Rosewood, FL (1923): A small, thriving Black town was completely destroyed, and its residents murdered or driven out, following a false accusation made by a white woman against a Black man.
Detroit (1943): Amidst World War II, tensions over housing, employment, and segregation led to three days of racial violence. Most of the 34 fatalities were Black, many killed by police or white mobs.
Philadelphia (1985): The MOVE Bombing. The city dropped an explosive device on a residential row house occupied by the Black liberation group MOVE, leading to a massive fire that killed 11 people (five of them children) and destroyed 61 homes.
21st Century: Contemporary Tragedy
Charleston, SC (2015): A white supremacist entered the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church during a Bible study and murdered nine Black congregants, aiming to ignite a race war.
A Legacy of Injustice: These massacres are not merely historical footnotes; they represent systemic failures and deliberate acts of racial violence that have profoundly shaped the American experience. Acknowledging and studying these events is crucial for understanding ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality.
1968 summer olympics
In the annals of Olympic history, few moments are as iconic and impactful as the silent protest of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Games. Their actions on the medal podium sparked a global conversation about race, human rights, and the role of athletes in social justice movements.
The Moment
On October 16, 1968, after winning gold and bronze respectively in the 200-meter sprint, Tommie Smith and John Carlos stepped onto the podium. As the "Star-Spangled Banner" played, they bowed their heads and each raised a black-gloved fist, a powerful symbol of Black power and solidarity.
Why They Did It
The 1960s were a turbulent time in the United States, marked by the Civil Rights Movement and widespread racial inequality. Smith and Carlos, along with many other Black athletes, felt compelled to use their platform to shed light on these injustices. They were part of the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR), an organization advocating for racial equality in sports and society.
In an interview with The Guardian, Tommie Smith explained, "We were concerned about human rights; we were concerned about the racism in America."
John Carlos echoed this sentiment, stating, "We were just trying to make America better. We weren't trying to burn the country down."
Their protest was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a carefully planned act to bring international attention to the struggles faced by Black Americans, including poverty, police brutality, and systemic discrimination.
What Happened Next
The immediate aftermath for Smith and Carlos was severe. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) deemed their actions a political statement incompatible with the spirit of the Games. They were expelled from the Olympics, stripped of their medals, and sent home in disgrace.
Upon their return to the United States, they faced public backlash, death threats, and struggled to find work. Their careers in track and field were effectively over. However, they slowly began to gain recognition for their courage and conviction.
The Unsung Hero: Peter Norman
Standing beside Smith and Carlos on the podium was Australian silver medalist Peter Norman.
Norman, a white athlete, wore an OPHR badge in solidarity with Smith and Carlos. His act of support came at a significant personal cost, as he faced ostracization and criticism from the Australian Olympic establishment and media. He was effectively blacklisted from future Olympic Games, despite being a highly accomplished sprinter. Norman's quiet but powerful gesture remains a testament to allyship and the shared struggle for human rights.
Why Not Just "Shut Up and Take Their Medals"?
The idea of athletes "sticking to sports" is a common refrain, but for Smith and Carlos, and many athletes before and since, this was not an option. They believed that their visibility and platform came with a responsibility to speak out against injustice. As Jackie Robinson, another trailblazing athlete, once said, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
To simply "shut up and take their medals" would have meant ignoring the systemic racism that permeated American society and sport. It would have meant squandering a unique opportunity to force a global reckoning with uncomfortable truths. Their protest was a declaration that human dignity and equality were more important than personal glory or comfortable silence.
Legacy and Redemption
In the decades that followed, the perception of Smith and Carlos's protest shifted dramatically. What was once seen as a defiant and unpatriotic act is now largely recognized as a courageous stand for justice. They have been honored by various organizations, including the National Civil Rights Museum, and their iconic image has become a symbol of resistance and the power of athletic activism.
In 2019, Smith and Carlos were inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, a testament to the enduring impact of their protest and the historical re-evaluation of their actions. Peter Norman also received posthumous recognition and a formal apology from the Australian Parliament for the treatment he endured.
The 1968 Mexico City Olympics podium moment serves as a powerful reminder that sports and politics are often intertwined. It highlights the profound courage of individuals who choose to speak truth to power, even when faced with immense personal sacrifice, and the lasting impact of their fight for a more just and equitable world.
Sources:
The Guardian:
Tommie Smith and John Carlos on their 1968 Olympics protest: 'We were just trying to make America better' National Civil Rights Museum:
Olympic Project for Human Rights Biography.com:
Jackie Robinson Quotes U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame:
Class of 2019 Inductees
Benin Forever!!!!
Long before modern borders defined West Africa, a massive power rose from the rainforests of what is now southern Nigeria. At its heart was Oba Ewuare I, also known as Ewuare Ogidigan (Ewuare the Great).
His reign, beginning around 1440, transformed a fractured city-state into one of the most sophisticated and feared empires in African history.
The Architect of Empire
Ewuare wasn't just a warrior; he was a visionary. After seizing the throne in a violent coup that saw much of Benin City destroyed by fire, he rebuilt it with a geometric precision that baffled later European visitors.
He is credited with:
The Benin Moat (Iya): A massive defensive earthwork system. At its peak, it was described as one of the largest man-made structures in the world, even longer than the Great Wall of China.
Centralized Power: He established the Eghaevbo n'Ore (executive councils) to balance the power of local chiefs.
The Arts: He patronized the world-famous Benin Bronzes, which served as the empire’s official historical record.
How Long Did It Last?
The Benin Empire (not to be confused with the modern Republic of Benin) had a remarkably long run.
Origins: The Kingdom traces back to the 11th century (the Ogiso dynasty).
The Imperial Phase: Started by Ewuare in 1440.
The Fall: The empire remained sovereign and powerful for over 450 years until the British Punitive Expedition of 1897, which resulted in the looting of the palace and the exile of Oba Ovonramwen.
Mirroring the Myth: Benin vs. Wakanda
Fans of Marvel’s Black Panther often notice striking similarities between the fictional Wakanda and the historical Benin Empire. The parallels are more than just a coincidence; the creators of the film explicitly drew inspiration from Edo culture.
1. The Divine King and the Panther Spirit
In Wakanda, the King derives power from the Heart-Shaped Herb and the goddess Bast. In Benin, the Oba was considered a divine being.
"The Oba of Benin was not just a political leader; he was a deity-king, the intermediary between the living and the ancestors." —
. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
2. Advanced Engineering and Seclusion
Just as Wakanda used its tech to remain "hidden" or protected, Benin’s massive walls and moats created a formidable barrier. When the Portuguese first arrived in the 15th century, they found a city with wide streets, street lighting (via palm oil lamps), and a level of cleanliness that rivaled European cities of the time.
3. The Dora Milaje and the Benin Amazons
While the "Dahomey Amazons" are the direct inspiration for the Dora Milaje, the Benin Empire also featured highly influential women in the royal court. The Queen Mother (Iyoba), such as the famous Queen Idia, held her own army and was a powerful mystical protector of the throne.
Legacy and Modern Reflection
The story of Oba Ewuare is a reminder that Africa’s history is not one of perpetual struggle, but of grand architecture, complex legal systems, and unparalleled artistry.
As historian Dan Hicks notes in his book The Brutish Museums:
"The looting of Benin in 1897 was not just the theft of art; it was an attempt to dismantle a civilization's memory." —
The Guardian
The Benin Empire didn't just "mirror" Wakanda; it provided the blueprint for what an African superpower looks like.
Sources & Further Reading:
The First Witnesses: A "City of Grandeur"
When European explorers first set foot in Benin City in the late 15th century, they didn't find a "primitive" settlement; they found a metropolis that rivaled the great cities of Europe.
Portuguese ship captain Lourenço Pinto recorded his observations in 1606, and his awe was palpable:
"Great Benin, where the King resides, is larger than Lisbon; all the streets run straight and as far as the eye can see. The houses are large, especially that of the King, which is richly decorated and has fine column
s." — T he British Museum
The Dutch chronicler Olfert Dapper, writing in the 17th century, described a city divided into thirty main streets, very straight and wide, with houses built of red clay and polished to a mirror-like shine. He noted that the city was remarkably safe, with no "beggars" and a highly organized system of justice.
The Double-Edged Sword: The Slave Trade
The relationship between the Benin Empire and the Transatlantic Slave Trade was complex and shifted over the centuries.
Initial Resistance: In the early 16th century, the Oba of Benin actually banned the export of male slaves from the empire. The Oba was more interested in trading pepper, ivory, and cloth for European firearms and coral beads.
Economic Shift: By the 18th century, as the demand for labor in the Americas skyrocketed and the internal power of the Oba began to wane against local governors, the empire became more involved in the trade.
The Cost of Wealth: While the trade brought in significant wealth and firearms—furthering the empire’s military reach—it also sowed internal discord and increased reliance on European powers, eventually weakening the social fabric that Ewuare I had so carefully woven.
Benin Empire vs. The Republic of Benin: A Common Confusion
It is a common historical "glitch" to assume the modern Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey) is the direct successor of the Benin Empire.
The Name: In 1975, the country of Dahomey changed its name to "Benin" to remain politically neutral among its many ethnic groups. They chose the name because both the country and the ancient empire border the Bight of Benin.
The Reality: The heart of the ancient Benin Empire actually lies entirely within the borders of modern-day Nigeria, specifically in Edo State. The modern Republic of Benin was historically home to the Kingdom of Dahomey, which was often a rival to the Edo-led Benin Empire.
Visible Echoes: What Remains Today?
While the British "Punitive Expedition" of 1897 burned much of the city, the spirit and physical markers of the empire endure.
The Walls and Moats: Though overgrown in many areas, segments of the Benin Moat (Iya) are still visible in and around Benin City. It remains a staggering testament to ancient engineering.
The Royal Palace: The current Palace of the Oba of Benin, rebuilt after 1897, stands on the same sacred ground as Ewuare’s original palace. It remains the spiritual and cultural heart of the Edo people.
The Living Guilds: The bronze casters of Igun Street still use the "lost-wax" casting method passed down through generations since the time of Ewuare, producing world-class art today.
Places to Visit
If you want to walk through the history of the Lion of the Sky, these are the essential stops:
The Oba’s Palace (Benin City, Nigeria): A UNESCO World Heritage site and the residence of the current Oba, Ewuare II.
Igun Street: To see the bronze casters at work.
The Benin City National Museum: Home to significant artifacts and a deeper look into the chronology of the Obas.
The British Museum (London) & The Humboldt Forum (Berlin): Controversially, these museums hold the largest collections of the original Benin Bronzes, though many are currently in the process of being repatriated to Nigeria.
"The return of the Benin Bronzes is not just about art; it is about the restoration of a stolen history." —
Artnet News on Repatriation
Would you like me to draft a travel itinerary for a "History of the Obas" tour in Edo State, or perhaps compare the military tactics of the Benin Empire to other West African powers?
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The Great Benin is credited for having the first street lighting in the world. Then called Edo, as far back as the 9th century, the blueprint of the city was designed using fractal mathematics when that science hadn’t even been ‘discovered’ yet.
— Typical African (@Joe__Bassey) November 30, 2024
Public health, animal rights &… pic.twitter.com/7Y2z1J4vdr
The Edo people who created the Great Benin Kingdom excelled in many areas: they developed a sophisticated monarchy with the Oba; crafted world-renowned Benin Bronzes using lost-wax techniques; built vast defensive walls longer than the Great Wall of China, including the Benin… pic.twitter.com/v73pVZZTcl
— Typical African (@Joe__Bassey) October 31, 2024
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