Althea Gibson: From Harlem to Wimbledon
Black Is America
Before Serena, before Venus, before Coco—there was Althea Gibson. On July 6th, 1957, under a blazing London sun and in front of royalty, she became the first Black player to win Wimbledon. But her path to Center Court was anything but easy. In this episode, we step away from the track to witness one of tennis history’s most pivotal moments: Althea’s journey from Harlem’s paddle tennis courts to breaking racial barriers in elite tennis. The significance of becoming the first African American to compete in the U.S. National Championships. How her 1956 French Open win set the stage...
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Three Women, Three Races, One Truth
Black Is America
In this segment from Black Is America, host Dominic Lawson brings us to the starting line of three iconic races—three Black women in three different eras, each running not just against the clock but against the world’s expectations. Wilma Rudolph, who as a child was told she'd never walk again, shatters barriers at the 1960 Rome Olympics, becoming the fastest woman on the planet. Florence "Flo Jo" Griffith-Joyner stuns everyone with an unthinkable 10.49 seconds at the 1988 Olympic trials, setting a world record still untouched today. And in a race for redemption, Sha'Carri Richardson...
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Wilma, Florence, and Sha’Carri: American Women of Speed
Black Is America
Episode Description: In this inspiring episode of Black Is America, host Dominic Lawson takes us on a cinematic, time-traveling journey through the lives of three iconic Black women whose speed transcended the track: Wilma Rudolph, Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo), and Sha’Carri Richardson. Joined by Olympic gold medalist Moushaumi Robinson, Dominic explores how each of these women didn’t just run — they defied societal expectations, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of Black womanhood. From Wilma’s battle with polio to Flo Jo’s fashion-forward domination,...
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The Legacy of Leadership from Fritz Pollard
Black Is America
Great quarterbacks aren’t just measured by stats—they inspire, steady the team under pressure, and make everyone around them better. That’s the kind of leader “Uncle Dougie” was, and it’s what caught the attention of Grambling State legend Eddie Robinson. But to understand Dougie’s place in that lineage, we need to rewind more than half a century to another barrier-breaker: Fritz Pollard. In this episode, we explore: How Uncle Dougie’s quiet strength and composure led him to play for one of the most storied HBCU football programs in history. The rise of Fritz Pollard—from...
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Doug Williams and the Quarter That Changed the Super Bowl Forever
Black Is America
On January 31st, 1988, under the bright lights of San Diego’s Jack Murphy Stadium, Doug “Uncle Dougie” Williams made history as the first Black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl. Across from him stood NFL golden boy John Elway—and a chorus of doubts that had shadowed Black quarterbacks for decades. The game couldn’t have started worse: a 56-yard touchdown on Denver’s first play, a 10–0 deficit by the end of the first quarter, and a painful knee injury that sent Williams to the sideline. But what followed wasn’t just a comeback—it was a seismic statement. In this episode,...
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Doug Williams: The American Quarterback
Black Is America
In this episode of Black Is America, we highlight the groundbreaking journey of Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. From his early days in Zachary, Louisiana, to Grambling State under legendary coach Eddie Robinson, to breaking barriers in the NFL, Williams' career is a testament to resilience, intelligence, and excellence. But Williams' path was anything but easy. Systemic racism, underestimation, and financial disparity sought to hold him back. Yet, he persevered, ultimately delivering one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history. This episode...
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Black Is America Season 4: A New Era Begins
Black Is America
Social Media: Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Leave a Review: Help us continue to bring these important stories to life. Black Is America – Where Our History Comes to Life. New episodes drop monthly starting February 7, 2025.
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From Oviedo to the Black Seminoles
Black Is America
Before he became a celebrated American hero, Sergeant First Class Alwyn “Al” Cashe was a kid from Oviedo, Florida—the youngest of ten, raised on hard work, family values, and a fearless spirit. In this episode, we trace the early life and influences that shaped him, from fishing trips and daredevil stunts to a father’s timeless lesson: “Whatever you do, do it like you’re putting your name on it.” But Cashe’s story isn’t told in isolation. We uncover the deep historical echoes between his boldness and the legacy of the Black Seminoles—descendants of Native Americans and...
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Dad Mode in Combat: The Heroism of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe
Black Is America
On October 17th, 2005, during his second tour in Iraq, Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe faced the unthinkable. A sandstorm forced his unit off aerial patrols and into Bradley Fighting Vehicles along a dangerous supply route near Samarra. When an improvised explosive device tore through his vehicle, igniting its fuel and trapping his men inside, Cashe—already soaked in fuel—ran headlong into enemy fire and an inferno to save them. In this episode, we recount the minute-by-minute events of that night: The deadly conditions along the route to Balad Air Base. The devastating IED blast and...
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Alwyn C. Cashe: The American Sergeant
Black Is America
In this episode of Black is America podcast, delve into the inspiring story of Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, a remarkable African-American hero of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Host Dominic Lawson narrates the gripping account of Cashe’s selfless bravery on a fateful night in October 2005. Learn about his early life in Oviedo, Florida, his distinguished military career, and the extraordinary courage he displayed when his unit was attacked by an IED. This episode not only highlights Cashe’s heroic actions but also explores the significant contributions of black non-commissioned officers...
info_outlineThis episode of the Black is America podcast tells the story of Guy Bluford, the first African American astronaut in space. We'll explore his early life and inspirations, his path to NASA, the historical significance of his achievement, and his spaceflights.
Guy Bluford's Upbringing and Early Inspiration
- Guy Bluford was born in 1942 in Philadelphia, PA and became fascinated with aviation and engineering from a young age.
- He was inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen and other pioneering African American aviators who were breaking barriers in the 1940s and 50s.
- Bluford joined the Air Force, became a pilot, and flew combat missions during the Vietnam War, further fueling his passion for aerospace.
Becoming an Astronaut
- In the late 1970s, Bluford was selected for NASA's astronaut training program along with other African Americans like Ron McNair and Fred Gregory.
- This was part of the first class of Space Shuttle astronauts as NASA prepared to launch a new era of spaceflight.
Making History in Space
- On August 30, 1983, Bluford launched into space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, becoming the first African American astronaut in space.
- Original Tuskegee Airmen and other African American aviation pioneers attended the launch in recognition of Bluford's achievement.
- Bluford flew a total of four Space Shuttle missions between 1983 and 1992, logging nearly 700 hours spent in space.
Inspiring Future Generations
- Bluford's accomplishment built on the struggles of earlier pioneers like Ed Dwight Jr. and inspired future African Americans to pursue careers in the space program.
- After retiring from NASA, Bluford remained committed to encouraging youth, especially minorities, to pursue STEM careers.
- His pioneering journey from Philadelphia to the cosmos opened doors for future African American astronauts, scientists, and engineers.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, Guy Bluford broke barriers as the first African American in space, both symbolically and literally reaching new heights.
- His achievement highlighted the perseverance and talent within the African American community and paved the way for greater diversity in space exploration.
The Black Is America podcast, a presentation of OWLS Education, was created and is written, researched, and produced by Dominic Lawson.
Executive Producer Kenda Lawson
Cover art was created by Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections.
Sources to create this episode include NASA.gov,History.com’s program Military Heroes,The New York Times,The History Makers.org,The International SciEd Center and Space Museum in Hutchinson Kansas,The Television Academy Foundation, Arcfireld Weather,ABC News, Smithsonian Magazine, and CBS News.