Black History
The 400 Years of African American History Commission Releases “Black Coal Miners of Appalachia”
New hour-long television episode of 400 HOUR will premiere on May 15, 2023, at 7 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ — The 400 Years of African American History Commission (400YAAHC), a 15-member federally appointed commission established to coordinate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies on August 20, 1619, announced today the release of “Black Coal Miners of Appalachia,” the latest episode of its 400 HOUR television program representing Black Excellence and promoting contributions African Americans have made, and continue to make, to this country. 400YAAHC’s newest installment will air at 7 p.m. EST on Monday, May 15, 2023 on www.400yaahc.gov and on Facebook @400YAAHC.
“Mining disasters get monuments; black lung deaths get tombstones,” said 400YAAHC Commissioner Ron Carson, founder of the Black Lung Disease program at the Stone Mountain Health Clinics and crusader for coal miners’ rights to treatment and benefits. “I’ve seen many a tombstone in the last 28 years from black lung and we’re seeing more now.”
The special 400 HOUR program will look at the history of African Americans who worked the coal mines and will feature former coal miners diagnosed with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as “black lung disease,” or progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), a late-stage chronic form of CWP. Experts on the program include Dr. David Blackely, an epidemiologist with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Dr. William Turner, author of “The Harlan Renaissance: Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns; and Howard Berkes, NPR reporter and co-producer of Coal’s Deadly Dust.
“When coal mining became a growing industry after the Civil War, companies recruited African Americans to mine coal so the country could have electricity,” added Carson. “While coal mining has always been dangerous for all who endeavor in this occupation, it is important nevertheless to highlight that the electricity we sustain even today was built on the hard work and health sacrifices of so many African Americans.”
“Our programming is specifically designed to uncover the past so that it can help illuminate a time many would like to forget, and we are grateful for all the experts who have contributed to this important 400 HOUR episode,” said Addie L. Richburg, 400YAAHC executive director.
SOURCE 400 Years of African American History Commission
Black History
Remembering the horrors of Tulsa
The Tulsa Race Massacre was a horrific event in American history that occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. The massacre was sparked by a false accusation of assault against an African-American man, which led to a mob of white people attacking the predominantly African-American Greenwood district of Tulsa. The attack lasted for two days, resulting in the deaths of up to 300 people, the destruction of thousands of homes, and the displacement of over 10,000 African-American residents.
The events leading up to the massacre began on May 30, 1921. A young African-American man named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting Sarah Page, a white woman, in an elevator. The accusation was later found to be false, but it led to a mob of white people gathering outside the jail where Rowland was being held. Fearing for Rowland’s safety, a group of African-American men went to the jail to protect him. This sparked a confrontation between the two groups, which eventually led to violence.
For the next two days, white mobs attacked the Greenwood district of Tulsa. They used guns, incendiary bombs, and even airplanes to destroy homes and businesses in the area. The National Guard was called in to quell the violence, but not before up to 300 people had been killed and thousands of homes destroyed.
The Tulsa Race Massacre had a devastating effect on the African-American community in Tulsa. Over 10,000 people were displaced and the area of Greenwood was left in ruins. The massacre was largely forgotten for decades afterward, but it has since been recognized as an important moment in American history. In 2021, the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission was established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the massacre and to work towards racial justice and reconciliation.
Black History
William E. Wells: L.A. Transit’s First Black Employee
William E. Wells, L.A. transit’s first Black employee was born an enslaved person and was hired as a janitor by LACE Railway in 1891. He retired in 1939 after 48 years of dedicated service to the railway company.
Today, let us take a moment to honor William E. “Bill” Wells, a Black pioneer in Los Angeles transportation history. Mr. Wells, born an enslaved person in 1862, is considered to be the first Black employee in L.A. transit.
Mr. Wells’ family moved to Los Angeles when he was a child, and he was eventually hired as a janitor by the Los Angeles Consolidated Electric (LACE) Railway in 1891. He was quickly promoted to Messenger for the railway company’s Treasury Department, where he carried financial documents between operations, headquarters, and the banks. After LACE was absorbed by the Los Angeles Railway Company (LARy), Mr. Wells worked directly for Henry Huntington for a time.
Mr. Wells dedicated 48 years of his life to working for the railway company before retiring in 1939. His retirement was announced in the Two Bells employee news magazine, which noted that “William will be missed greatly by all his friends in the Railway who enjoyed his pleasant friendly manner, and with him we all send our best wishes…”
Mr. Wells passed away in 1943 at the age of 81. His obituary in the employee news magazine noted that he was a member of the Masonic Lodge and that “one of his daily deeds was to hand out flowers to his friends, flowers he raised himself. This act alone personified the beauty of his character.”
It is important to recognize the contributions made by Black pioneers like William E. Wells in L.A. transportation history. His dedication and hard work paved the way for future generations and helped shape the transportation system we know today. We should remember and honor his legacy as we continue to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Black History
The Fatburger story: history of LA’s iconic restaurant chain
The Burger Franchise That Has Stood the Test of Time

Image: Minnaert
Fatburger: The Burger Franchise That Has Stood the Test of Time
Fatburger is one of the most beloved hamburger franchises in the world, known for its juicy, mouth-watering burgers that have attracted a loyal following of customers for over 70 years. The company was founded in 1952 by Lovie Yancey, a black woman from Los Angeles who had a passion for cooking and serving delicious food to her community.
Lovie’s original restaurant was located on Western Avenue in Los Angeles, California, and quickly became a local favorite due to her unique recipe for burgers made from fresh ground beef, cooked-to-order, and served on a toasted bun with all the fixings. Her burgers were so good that they soon became a sensation, and word of mouth spread quickly, leading to the opening of more Fatburger locations throughout the city.
The company’s success continued to grow over the years, with Fatburger becoming a household name and expanding its franchise to other parts of the country and eventually the world. Today, Fatburger has over 200 locations in 25 countries, with its headquarters still located in Beverly Hills, California.
One of the things that set Fatburger apart from other burger chains is its commitment to quality ingredients and cooking methods. Each burger is made from 100% USDA-approved beef, grilled to perfection over an open flame, and served on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and condiments of your choice.
Another unique aspect of Fatburger is its “Build Your Own” burger option, which allows customers to customize their burger with a wide variety of toppings, from bacon and cheese to avocado and fried eggs. This flexibility has made Fatburger a go-to spot for burger lovers who want to create their perfect burger.
In addition to its famous burgers, Fatburger also offers a range of other delicious menu items, including chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and milkshakes. The company has also adapted to changing tastes and dietary preferences over the years, offering vegetarian and vegan options for those who prefer plant-based diets.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fatburger has continued to thrive, with its focus on takeout and delivery options helping to keep the company’s sales strong. In 2020, the company even announced plans to go public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, signaling its continued growth and success in the competitive fast-food industry.

In conclusion, Fatburger is a beloved burger franchise with a rich history, founded by a passionate cook who wanted to share her love of good food with her community. Today, Fatburger continues to uphold its commitment to quality ingredients and customer satisfaction, making it a go-to spot for burger lovers around the world. With its plans for continued expansion and innovation, Fatburger is poised to remain a beloved fast-food chain for many years to come.
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