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Showing posts with the label professional

Marvin Gaye, Born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.; (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984)

Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. was born on April 2, 1939 in Washington D.C. to Marvin Gay, Sr., a preacher, and Alberta Gay, a housewife and school teacher. Gaye was the second eldest of Gay Sr.'s children and the third overall of six. He had two sisters: Jeanne and Zeola, and three brothers: Michael Cooper, Frankie Gaye, and Antwaun Gay. Michael Cooper was from his mother's previous relationship while Antwaun was born as a result of his father's extramarital affairs. Marvin Gaye’s childhood can be characterized by developing an early love of music in the face of an abusive relationship with his father. Marvin Gaye’s introduction to music began by singing in his father’s church choir when he was only three years old. He expanded his musical abilities by learning how to play the piano and drums. Gaye was encouraged to pursue a professional music career after a performance at a school play at age 11, singing Mario Lanza's, 'Be My Love'. His home life consisted of ...

Joseph S. Gant (1874-1910)

Joseph Saifus Gant became the first African American, for that matter the first American to ever hold a world boxing title when he defeated Frank Erne in Fort Erie, Canada, in 1902 to take the World Lightweight Boxing Championship. Gant was born Joseph Saifus Butts on November 25, 1874, in Baltimore, Maryland. The names of his parents are unknown, he was orphaned at age four and raised by his foster mother, Maria Gant. Gant's professional boxing career began in 1891 when he was seventeen. He was a self-taught fighter, learning his craft by studying other boxers’ moves and competing in the then-popular Battle Royal contests where he and a dozen other fighters boxed blindfolded until only one contestant was left standing. These contests helped him develop strong boxing fundamentals and strategic ways to endure long bouts in the ring. His scientific approach to boxing and his famous left jab eventually earned him the title “The Old Master.” On Labor Day, 1906, in Goldfield, Nev...

Contractor And "Sportin' Man"

Then Not much is known about T. C. Windham prior to his arrival in Birmingham, Alabama in 1910's: only that he came from Arkansas, where he had substantial business interests. it is known that he was already a man of considerable wealth who had great skills as a builder and contractor. At the time of his arrival, many of the city's prominent black professional and white-collar workers lived in Smithfield, a community just to the west of the Birmingham, Alabama city center. Windham soon bought a block of real estate in Smithfield and built a two-story brick mansion that reflected not only his wealth, but also his business abilities. Located on Eighth Avenue North, it featured the best contemporary craftsmanship, including elaborately carved woodwork, stained glass, and fine furnishings. Working with his brother, R. L. Windham, Windham went on to build many other residences in the area. But it is the churches and commercial projects that now highlight the Windham const...