Welcome to BlackPast 3.0

The wait is over—the new BlackPast.org is officially live! We’ve redesigned our site to bring you a modern, user-friendly experience that makes exploring Black history easier and more engaging than ever.

BlackPast is dedicated to providing reliable information on the history of Black people across the globe, and especially in North America. Our goal is to promote greater understanding of our common human experience through knowledge of the diversity of the Black experience and the ubiquity of the global Black presence. Welcome to the largest online encyclopedia on African American and Global African history on the Internet.

Featured Article

Opal Lee spent years advocating for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday. Her passion, persistence, and powerful voice helped bring national attention to a day that honors freedom and history. Find out more about Opal Lee’s inspiring journey by reading her entry.

In Defense of Black History

This editorial page is part of an ongoing effort to present the ideas and opinions of individuals both within and beyond BlackPast.org that address the pressing issues and challenges facing African Americans and people of African Ancestry around the world, which are rooted in their historical experiences.

The Interactive African American History Timeline

Discover the rich and inspiring stories of Black history through our interactive timeline, highlighting key moments and figures that have shaped our world. Dive in and explore how history connects to the present and inspires the future!

The African Capitals

Africa’s capitals are full of life, history, and culture. From the energy of Lagos to the charm of Cairo, each city has its own story to tell. Discover what makes these places special on our African Capitals page.

What’s New on BlackPast?

Samuel T. Stafford (Courtesy of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity)

Samuel Tanner Stafford (1906-1968)

Samuel Tanner Stafford was born in 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri, as the first child and son of Dr....

Teresita Gómez (1943-)

Born on May 9, 1943, in Medellín, Colombia, Teresita Gómez emerged as a legendary pianist renowned...

Andre Shelby (1966- )

Andre Shelby is a United States Paralympic archer. He was born on December 8, 1966, to Lee and...

Explore More On BlackPast

Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim (The Guardian)

Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim (1930-2017)

Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim was a towering figure in Sudanese politics and a pioneering advocate for...

Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1952-)

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current President of Nigeria, was born into a Yoruba family in Osun State...
John Carlos, Tommie Smith, 1968 (Wikipedia)

The 1968 Summer Olympics Black Power Salute (1968)

The 1968 Summer Olympics Black Power Salute occurred on October 16, 1968, in Mexico City, Mexico...
Nyjah Huston (Wikipedia)

Nyjah Imani Huston (1994- )

Nyjah Imani Huston is an American professional skateboarder. He was born on November 30, 1994, to...

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