Philip J. Merrill

#CelebrateBlackHistoryMonth2026   #HBCUCollectedTreasures #BlackHistoryisEverywhere #NegroHistoryDetective #ArtifactualJourney #AlumniNameSake Although Black History Week Celebrations did not begin until 1926, we know that our Black history extends well before that particularly with the founding of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in 1854. They are the first degree granting HBCU in the nation. The artifact below is one of the numerous rare artifacts housed in our Lincolnian

#LaborDay2025 While some view #LaborDay as the unofficial end of summer (barbecues, parades, and sales), it marks an important day in America’s history. The holiday was established in 1882 to honor the contribution of workers and the labor movement’s fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable hours. However, the labor movement often excluded African Americans, particularly African American women. They were excluded from unions, endured abuse in order to mak

#NationalBlackBusinessMonth #WestIndiesCigarCompany #CarlosCValle #GreensboroNC #DurhamNC We've got a smokin' hot post for you today (Veronica had to put this pun in). If you are a cigar conniseur, then you might be familiar with #JCNewman, #DutchMasters, or #HaveATampa... but we know you've never heard of the West Indies Cigar Company. This Black owned cigar company was headed by #CarlosValle, who was born in #PuertoRico. Valle initially formed the company pre 1920 in #NewYo