Scope and content: A small quantity of documents dating ca. 1939-1978 relating to the McKissack & McKissack architectural firm of Nashville, Tenn. Materials include two histories of the organization written prior to 1950; the firm's application for National Defense Construction Projects with the Federal government during World War II, including highlighting its work at the Tuskegee Army Airfield where the 99th Pursuit Squadron (Tuskegee Airmen) would...
In 1968, Wyomia Tyus became the first person ever to win gold medals in the 100-meter sprint in two consecutive Olympic Games, a feat that would not be repeated for twenty years or exceeded for almost fifty. Tigerbelle chronicles Tyus's journey from her childhood as the daughter of a tenant dairy farmer through her Olympic triumphs to her post-competition struggles to make a way for herself and other female athletes. Tigerbelle helps to fill the gap...
Bessie Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into 'The Empress of the Blues', who became one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s and is an enduring icon today.
Growing up in the segregated town of Clarksville, Tennessee, in the 1960s, Alta's family cannot afford to buy her new sneakers--but she still plans to attend the parade celebrating her hero Wilma Rudolph's three Olympic gold medals.