Tag: history

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Major General Marcelite Harris: A Trailblazer in the Air Force

Major General Marcelite J. Harris shattered barriers throughout her Air Force career, becoming the first African‑American woman general and redefining what leadership looked like in the skies. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women, Black service members, and all who believe in service as a force for change.

Major General Marcelite Jordan Harris (1943–2018) stands among the most influential leaders in U.S. Air Force history. Born in Houston and educated at Spelman College, she entered the Air Force in 1965 and immediately began breaking new ground. Harris became the first African‑American woman to achieve the rank of general in the Air Force, the first female aircraft maintenance officer, and one of the first women to serve as an air officer commanding at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Her career spanned more than three decades, from the Vietnam War era through the 1990s, during which she held leadership roles that shaped the Air Force’s operational readiness. As the Director of Maintenance, she oversaw global aircraft operations and logistics, an enormous responsibility in a rapidly evolving military landscape

Service Beyond the Uniform

After retiring as a major general in 1997, Harris continued her commitment to national service. She joined NASA as the Florida Site Director for United Space Alliance, supporting the nation’s shuttle program. Her civic leadership extended to organizations such as the NAACP, and she was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Board of Visitors for the Air Force Academy.

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#TIH The Curious Proposal: Lincoln’s War Elephants from Siam

“Abraham Lincoln, artist’s impression, lithograph, circa 1877,” House Divided: The Civil War Research Engine at Dickinson College, https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/40378

In the winter of 1862, as the American Civil War ground on with grim uncertainty, President Abraham Lincoln received one of the most unexpected diplomatic proposals in U.S. history: an offer of war elephants.

The offer came from King Mongkut of Siam (modern-day Thailand), a forward-thinking monarch eager to engage with Western powers and demonstrate his kingdom’s relevance in a rapidly modernizing world. In a formal letter written in 1861, Mongkut proposed sending a number of trained elephants to the United States to assist the Union war effort against the Confederacy.

The image is almost surreal, elephants lumbering across American battlefields, but the offer was serious, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine goodwill.

A military elephantnamed Lizzie (elephant) during World War I image in the Public Domain

A World Watching America’s War

To understand the moment, it helps to remember that the Civil War was not just a domestic affair. European and Asian powers watched closely, weighing how the conflict might reshape global politics, trade, and influence. For Siam, maintaining friendly relations with powerful Western nations was a strategic priority. Mongkut, well-educated in European science and diplomacy, saw engagement as a way to preserve Siam’s independence in an age of colonial expansion.

In Southeast Asia, elephants had long been used for transport, engineering, intimidation, and warfare. To Mongkut, offering elephants was the equivalent of offering valuable military hardware, a practical contribution rather than a symbolic gift.

There was also a lag in global communication. By the time the letter arrived in Washington, it was already outdated. Mongkut had addressed it to President James Buchanan, unaware that Abraham Lincoln had been inaugurated in March 1861. The slow pace of 19th-century diplomacy meant good intentions sometimes arrived wrapped in obsolete assumptions.

Lincoln’s Measured Reply

Lincoln responded on February 3, 1862, with characteristic courtesy and clarity. He thanked the King of Siam for his generosity and friendly spirit, acknowledging the value of elephants in their native regions. But he politely declined the offer. Below is the exact letter from Lincoln via the House Divided Project:

February 3, 1862

Abraham Lincoln,

President of the United States of America.

To His Majesty Somdetch Phra Paramendr Maha Mongut,

King of Siam,

&c., &c.

Great and Good Friend: I have received Your Majesty’s two letters of the date of February 14th., 1861.

I have also received in good condition the royal gifts which accompanied those letters,—namely, a sword of costly materials and exquisite workmanship; a photographic likeness of Your Majesty and of Your Majesty’s beloved daughter; and also two elephants’ tusks of length and magnitude such as indicate that they could have belonged only to an animal which was a native of Siam.

Your Majesty’s letters show an understanding that our laws forbid the President from receiving these rich presents as personal treasures. They are therefore accepted in accordance with Your Majesty’s desire as tokens of your good will and friendship for the American People. Congress being now in session at this capital, I have had great pleasure in making known to them this manifestation of Your Majesty’s munificence and kind consideration.

Under their directions the gifts will be placed among the archives of the Government, where they will remain perpetually as tokens of mutual esteem and pacific dispositions more honorable to both nations than any trophies of conquest could be.

I appreciate most highly Your Majesty’s tender of good offices in forwarding to this Government a stock from which a supply of elephants might be raised on our own soil. This Government would not hesitate to avail itself of so generous an offer if the object were one which could be made practically useful in the present condition of the United States.

Our political jurisdiction, however, does not reach a latitude so low as to favor the multiplication of the elephant, and steam on land, as well as on water, has been our best and most efficient agent of transportation in internal commerce.

I shall have occasion at no distant day to transmit to Your Majesty some token of indication of the high sense which this Government entertains of Your Majesty’s friendship.

Meantime, wishing for Your Majesty a long and happy life, and for the generous and emulous People of Siam the highest possible prosperity, I commend both to the blessing of Almighty God. 

Your Good Friend,

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Washington, February 3, 1862.

By the President:

WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

 “Abraham Lincoln to the King of Siam, February 3, 1862,” House Divided: The Civil War Research Engine at Dickinson College, https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/40508.

Why the Offer Mattered

No elephants ever crossed the Pacific, but the episode endures because it reveals several important truths about the era.

First, it highlights how globally connected the mid-19th century already was. News traveled slowly, but it traveled far, and events in America resonated in royal courts half a world away.

Second, despite early Union defeats and widespread uncertainty, Lincoln never believed the war would be decided by exotic weapons or foreign intervention. Victory would come through mobilization, industry, manpower, and time.

Finally, the exchange humanizes history. Beneath the grand narratives of battles and strategy, there are moments of sincere misunderstanding, cultural difference, and unexpected generosity. A king offered what he knew to be valuable. A president declined with grace.

A Curious Footnote, A Connected World

Today, Lincoln’s reply is preserved among his papers and stands as one of the more curious footnotes in American military history. It reminds us that even in the darkest chapters of war, diplomacy could still be polite, imaginative and occasionally strange.

Sometimes history isn’t just about armies and battles. Sometimes it’s about a letter, a king, and a handful of elephants that never were.

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The History of The Hamburger, Just Because

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite thing to cook?
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I love a good burger. As a matter of fact, I think I will get one today. It’s so simple, yet so delicious. When I think about the hamburger, it’s funny how something so ordinary can have such a long and surprising history. Today, burgers are everywhere, backyard barbecues, fast-food restaurants, and even fancy menus, but their story begins far from modern America and stretches back hundreds of years.

The idea behind the hamburger starts with people simply trying to make meat easier to eat. Long before buns and grills, Mongol warriors in the 13th century reportedly carried pieces of meat under their saddles as they traveled. The meat would become tender, making it easier to chew. While this sounds unappealing by today’s standards, it shows an early form of minced meat that later influenced dishes in Europe. Over time, this practice helped inspire foods like steak tartare and other chopped-meat recipes.

By the 1800s, minced beef had become especially popular in Hamburg, Germany. There, “Hamburg steak” was a common dish made from ground beef, usually seasoned and sometimes eaten raw or lightly cooked. It was affordable, filling, and practical—qualities that would later define the hamburger. When German immigrants traveled to the United States, they brought this dish with them, introducing Americans to the Hamburg steak through ports like New York.

In the U.S., the dish began to change. Americans preferred their meat cooked, and the Hamburg steak was soon grilled or fried instead of served raw. At some point, likely out of convenience, someone placed the meat between two pieces of bread. This small change made a big difference. Suddenly, the meal was portable, easy to eat, and perfect for workers who needed something quick and satisfying. This simple sandwich became what we now recognize as the hamburger.

Vergara, Camilo J, photographer. 535 The Famous Jimbo’s Hamburger Palace, Harlem
. New York United States New York State Harlem Manhattan, 2012. -09-16. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2020702864/.

There’s still debate about who exactly invented the first hamburger. Different towns and individuals across the United States claim credit, from fair vendors in the Midwest to diner owners on the East Coast. While the true origin may never be settled, what matters more is how quickly the hamburger caught on. By the early 20th century, it had become a staple of American food culture.

The hamburger’s popularity exploded with the rise of fast-food restaurants. Chains like White Castle and McDonald’s helped standardize burgers and make them affordable for almost everyone. These restaurants turned the hamburger into a symbol of speed, convenience, and modern life. For many people, grabbing a burger became part of everyday routine.

Today, the hamburger continues to evolve. From gourmet burgers with unique toppings to plant-based alternatives, it reflects changing tastes and values. Yet at its core, the hamburger remains a simple idea: seasoned meat, cooked and shared. Its journey from ancient traditions to a global favorite, shows how even the most familiar foods can have surprisingly rich and personal histories.

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D-Day: The Day The World United For Freedom

Visual Presentation by La Luz

This brief presentation is simply the beginning of many explorations into military history. I will also take a moment to highlight some of my family history and even call for you to share yours as well.

Like many of your family members, my relatives fought in this war. As a nation, we’ve spent alot of time speaking about, and even verbally  honoring our heroes of past and present–it’s now time to go a step further.

It’s time we keep these sacrifices and their importance at the forefront of our minds. My hope is to bring some lesser known aspects of military folklore to the forefront and inspire you to discover more on your own.  

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Today In History: The Golden Gate Bridge and The Legacy of Connection

The Golden Gate Bridge and The Legacy of Connection

During the 1930s America was in the throes of a depression. This event, which was prompted by the stock market crash of 1929, had a global impact that affected millions of lives. This was a time of great suffering and Americans, were looking for answers, stability and a pathway forward. In essence, people were looking for jobs in order to renew their sense of purpose and restore hope in the future–they needed something to bridge the gap. It was a perfect time to build a bridge. Bridges are more than just physical structures; they serve as symbols of human ingenuity and resilience. They not only connect lands but cultures and communities, while playing a pivotal role in shaping their identities.

America would soon get it’s symbol during the summer of 1937. One that assured it’s resilience and hope for the future. On May 27, 1937, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge was officially opened.

This monumental endeavor that was ushered in by a week-long fiesta where more than 200,000 pedestrians paid twenty-five cents to walk its newly constructed 8-mile street. The bridge was erected during the Great Depression and came at a time where unemployment was high and morale was low. These much-needed jobs were ones where not only satisfying but deeply gratifying to those that worked on them.

The Golden Gate Bridge stood as a testament to the determination and spirit of the American people, providing jobs and instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment. The bridge’s construction, was one of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s infrastructure deals that helped shape America and helped secure his legacy. It not only symbolized economic recovery, but also became a beacon of hope, promising a brighter future.

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Lorna Simpson: The Absence of And Fulfillment (C)olor

Written By: Chiara “Luz” Atoyebi

The 1980s will go down in history as a time that American’s were finding their true voice. Women, LGBTQ, communities of color, and women across the nation were demanding to be heard amidst the bullhorns of Reaganomics and conservative politics. The now-famous -pop art style of the ’80s that was signature to artists like Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat depicted the various social issues of the time visually captivating images that utilized repetition as a technique or drew viewers in with their bold color palettes. These artworks and the artists themselves were making bold statements about the world we live in and made us ask questions. Somewhat on the outskirts of the (pop)-ular Pop Art movement were many African-American photographers making art that dealt with the obstacles of navigating race, gender, and sexuality in America. At the forefront of that effort was Brooklyn based artist Lorna Simpson. Simpson is a renowned multimedia artist and photographer whose work often explores themes of memory and representation, particularly in relation to identity, gender, race, and history. She gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with her photo-text installations, such as “Guarded Conditions” and “Square Deal,” which challenge viewers to think deeply about these issues. Simpson’s work frequently combines photography, film, video, painting, drawing, audio, and sculpture to create a multifaceted exploration of memory and history. She is known to juxtapose images with narrative text while encouraging viewers to look beyond surface appearances to consider the deeper implications of representation.

Simpson, Lorna. Twenty Questions (A Sampler) 1986. Photo in the Public Domain

Her work, similar to Baltimore based artist, Zoe Charlton ‘s work deals with debunking stereotypes concerning black men and women. Where Charlton is masterful with her pencil art, Simpson uses black and white photography to deconstruct the images of black women in order to show their many layers. In the absence of flash or color, the viewer focuses on the moment in which the subject exists with pretense.

In doing so, Simpson concludes there is nothing more “magical” about a black woman than in any other woman–at least upon first glance. Yet by honing in her in this way with out overly pronounced bosoms and backsides, she was able to draw attention to the sensuality in the mundane that is her body. She too, like every other woman—is a woman of many facets. One of the many ways the Simpson explores the body is through her work Memory and Representation.

The intimate portrayal created by the artist stands in stark contrast to other artists who aim to explore black women, their sexuality and their essence differently. For example, Kerry James Marshall’s untitled work Beach Towel displays a very vulnerable and seductive black woman on a beach towel in a backyard. Of course, Black women are also this representation as well, making it hard to over generalize and at times marginalize the body.

All of these images challenge the ongoing conversation of how African Diasporic women, and their images, show up in the world. 

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A Vision For the Future: The NMAAHC’s Searchable Museum

Mary Elliot Curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History

On November 18th the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture launched a comprehensive interactive digital platform, the Searchable Museum.  This is a visually engaging and dynamic platform that is intuitive for users.  Upon the very first click, viewers are immersed within a labyrinth of information uniquely chronicling the trajectory of the African American lived experience beginning in the 1400s.

The Searchable Museum is This is an opportunity for all of us to truly understand the distinct connectivity of Black people across the Diaspora. On a daily basis, there is no shortage of racist innuendo that we are faced with and forced to reconcile and unpack for cultural outliers. However, it is with the reclaiming of African American culture and establishing new traditions do Black people themselves conduct their own healing. I know this has been true for myself.  Sharing this platform, which is graciously funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, is a great start. 

The way in which we save a generation, and create a vision for the future, is to first engulf Black people in their culture. It is not my belief that the Black experience begins and ends with race and its construction. Nor should it be yours. This is a design forced on Africans globally; as they were systematically excavated and exploited for their skills, knowledge, wisdom, and expertise. 

According to Jingle Culture and Commerce:

“Visitors to the exhibition are greeted by an introductory video, before entering four discrete parts, each split into chapters containing artworks, artifacts, multimedia, and historical material that explore how a global economy was built on the back of an inhuman trade. These assets — from 3D models to videos to audio podcasts — were gathered from the NMAAHC’s existing digital collection or were created especially for the platform.”

by Achille DevÈria, printed by FranÁois Le Villain, published by Edward Bull, published by Edward Churton, after Unknown artist, hand-coloured lithograph, 1830s

Over the past year, I have explored the research cultivated by scholars and historians from the Association of African American Life and History (ASALH) and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in order to contextualize the experience of my ancestors and better understand their and my affinity towards certain things. The searchable museum provides an opportunity for you to virtually walk through a slave cabin from Edisto Island in South Carolina. You can also see a photograph of a smiling family that is also enslaved. That image was very powerful to me. The photograph does not display a family that is happy and satisfied with their condition. Yet, we get to witness a family. A family that has found its joy, and maintained its dignity, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.  

When you encounter the Searchable Museum, remember that this is from the African American experience. What is even more compelling is that there were free African Americans living and working during this time. They were often set apart and did not socialize with the enslaved population. Imagine if you will, how that would look today. Notice any similarities?

Some people were travelling all across the world and living lives that most Black people were not privy to at that time, much like we may find even today. However, one of the key differences is that the signs for discrimination were more overt. The “keep out” signs were front and center. 

“In a Cotton Field of South Carolina.”
Photo by Okinawa Soba (CC)

Why is this important?

The African American experience did not begin with being captured in Africa and it does not end with Martin Luther King Jr. It is rooted in a culture of different tribes that forced to become one.  They did not speak English, nor did they speak the language of the African they were chained too at times. Yet, they learned. They observed. They communicated. Freedom was always on the agenda and therefore, they waited. The contribution of white Americans at the time were not solely as slave holders. We know this because that was reserved for the wealthy class.

We also bear witness to the pervasive tension between religion and government and the fight for human rights on free soil. We learn how the immorality of slavery chipped away at the American conscious mobilizing people to risk their lives to fight against it. We also discover the government sanctioned violence and oppressive laws designed to keep the profitable industry of slavery intact. In as much as I am inspired and fueled by the stories of resilience and fortitude—I’ve experienced deep sorrow for the victims of harrowing violence from uncompromising hands of racism. 

The ongoing efforts of our cultural institutions and everyday citizens committed to progressing notions of humanity and dignity surrounding Black people keeps me encouraged. It lets me know that those lives lost were not in vain. 

“The American Soldier. Set 5.” U.S. Army Center of Military History.

I believe that simply learning this history and culture provides the spiritual obeisance needed to balance the scales. We can never fully know.  But we can be compassionate. 

I love sharing culture with my students all over the world. I typically start with food, and we also share music. I find that my students love to learn and want to hear more. The sharing of our culture helps to move the conversation from appropriation to appreciation. For example, the way my Nana does things in the Midwest is different than how Big Momma does it down South. How did your grandmother do things? As you can see, it is all a culture we can share.  It also reflects how intimately connected all of our histories are and validates that there are many perspectives. 

This is a special time in history where we technology can be leveraged to this degree in order to share information on a broad scale. There is a lot to unpack, and history is still being made. I plan to engage a lot with the searchable museum. There is a robust catalogue of images that most people have never seen before and this is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Hopefully you will be inspired to document and digitize your own histories and leave an imprint of your legacy for all those who will come after you. 

You can explore more at the National Museum of African American History and check out the Searchable Museum.