Remembering Black History Month: Pearl Fryar

Topiary artist Pearl Fryar didn't know what a topiary was when he set out to be the first African-American to win his town's Garden of the Month award in 1984. Today his 3 acre yard in Bishopville, S.C. is a tourist destination for visitors from around the world. Fryar is the subject of the documentary A Man Named Pearl.

Remebering Black History Month: Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth was born a slave named Isabella in 1797. The abolitionist later changed her name to reflect her life's work. She viewed herself as a traveling orator called to tell the truth of God's Word and the sin of slavery. Truth also spoke often on women's rights.

Sojourner Truth White T-shirt

Remembering Black History Month: 1st Black Senator

Hiram Revels was the first African-American elected to the United States Senate. He represented the state of Mississippi and completed the term that had been abandoned by Jefferson Davis.


Hiram Revels Postcards (Package of 8)

Remembering Black History Month: Frederick Douglass

African-American abolitionist Frederick Douglass is well-known as an outstanding historical figure of 19th century America. He was an orator who spoke against slavery and a writer who published the "North Star", an anti-slavery newspaper. In 1845, Frederick Douglass published the slave narrative, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. It was the first of his three autobiographies.
His Connection to Washington DC
In 1872, Douglass came to live in DC. He served the city in several capacities, including US Marshall for the District of Columbia.


Framed Frederick Douglass Portrait

Remembering Black History Month: Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was a key figure in America's anti-slavery movement during the 19th century. Known as the "Moses of her People", Tubman was the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. She is believed to have led over 300 slaves to freedom. She also spied for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Harriet Tubman Button

T-shirt of the Week

T-shirt shows an historical black and white photograph of an African-American civil war infantry taken at Fort Lincoln in Washington DC. From Best of Washington DC T-shirts and Gifts.

Fort Lincoln Civil War Infantry Women's T-Shirt