1. Eugene Jacques Bullard was born October 9, 1894 in Columbus, GA as the seventh out of ten total children born to William Octave Bullard and Jospehine “Yokalee” Thomas. Eugene’s father was orginally from Martinique but William arrived in the United States of America as a slave when his owners settled here after fleeing Haiti during the French Revolution. His mother, Josephine, was a Creek Native American.

Eugene Bullard's Flight License

2. Eugene Bullard is widely recognized as the first Black military pilot. He earned his wings from an Aviation school in Tours, France on May 5, 1917. Bullard served as a pilot for the 93 Spad Squadron of the Lafayette Flying Corps in the French Aéronautique Militaire. The flying license he earned in 1917 is currently on display in Alabama at the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall which is located at Maxwell Air Force Base (Gunter Annex). His plane was known for the red bleeding heart pierced by a knife on the fuselage.

3. Prior to becoming a pilot, Eugene Bullard served approximately three to four years in the French Foreign Legion as member of the infantry. One of the units he was a member of included the 170th infantry. This unit was nicknamed “The Swallows of Death” and is where he earned his nickname as the “Black Swallow of Death”. Due to injuries he stustained in his battles that prevented him from continuing his service in the infantry he was afforded the opportunity to join the French Flying Corp.

4. Despite being a military pilot with confirmed kills, having fought in World War I for three years, and earning medals for valor, his application to transfer to the United States Air Force was ignored after he was invited to transfer to the American Air Force with the promise of being promoted. Most speculate that his application was ignored once it was discovered that he was Black.

Eugene Bullard

5. During his lifetime, Eugene Ballard was awarded fifteen French war medals. Including the Knight of the Légion d’honneur, Médaille Militaire, Croix de Guerre, Volunteer’s Cross (Croix du combattant volontaire), Wounded Insignia, World War I Commemorative Medal, World War I Victory Medal, Freedom Medal, and the World War II Commemorative Medal.

6. After being discharged from the Armed Forces Eugene Bullard became part owner of his own nightclub, Le Grand Duc, in France. His club was one of the most popular and famous spots for singers and musicians at the time. Digniataries such as the Prince of Wales, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gloria Swanson and England’s Prince of Wales were seen in his establishment. While working the nightclub scene he also became friends with Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong and Langston Hughes.

7. During the second World War Eugene Bullard agreed to serve France again as a spy. He was very successful at this endeavor because the Germans didn’t think that African Americans were capable of understanding German and Eugene spoke English, German and French. While serving in this capacity he occasionally worked with the famous French spy Cleopatra Terrier.

An Older Eugene Bullard

8. Despite being named a Knight of the Legion of Honor in New York City during a lavish ceremony, being embraced by President-General Charles de Gaulle of France in 1960 when he visited the USA and labeled a “True French Hero”, helping to relight the Eternal Flame of the Tomb of the Unknown French Soldier at the request of France, and being buried with full honors by the Federation of French War Officers, Eugene Bullard was never recognized in the United States for any of his achievements. It wasn’t until 1994 that the United States Air Force recognized him and posthumously commissioned him a Second Lieutenant.

9. Eugene Bullard married a French Countess and had one son (died of double pneumonia) and two daughters. He raised his daughters after his wife passed six years after their seperation. He made his transition on October 12, 1961 after passing from stomach cancer in New York City. He is currently interrred in the French War Veterans’ section of Flushing Cemetery in the New York City borough of Queens.

Visit our: Tuskegee Airmen Art Print & Poster Collection

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Cathay Williams Figurine
America’s Heritage

The Black Art Depot is proud to finally have these Cathay Williams Figurines back in stock! These resin figurines are part of the America’s Heritage Limited Edition Buffalo Soldier Figurine Collection. We only have a limited amount currently available and once these are sold we do not know when we may get more in inventory. These items are getting harder and harder to locate. These make perfect gifts for retired or active duty African American women who served or currently serve in the US Armed Forces.

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Swagger: Barack Obama
Vottania

** SHIPS FRAMED AND READY TO HANG **

A new framed Barack Obama poster featuring the word and definition of Swagger. This motivational and historical poster featuring our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama shows the world what “Swagger” really looks like. It features the following text:

Swagger

“How one presents himself to the world, the ability to handle the situation with a sense of style, calm and uncanny grace.”

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Leading Ladies
Michael Eaton

** SHIPS FRAMED AND READY TO HANG **

A new framed ethnic motivational and historical poster by Michael W. Eaton that features a collection of powerful, beautiful and inspiration African American women. The framed poster features Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Oprah Winfrey, Lena Horne, Sojourner Truth, Beverly Johnson, Mary McLeod Bethune, Mae Jamison, Marian Anderson, Maya Angelou, Wilma Rudolph, Madam C.J. Walker, Aretha Franklin, Rosa Parks, Michelle Obama, Harriet Tubman, Coretta Scott King. The text features a quote from Sojourner Truth:

Leading Ladies

“Women who made a difference and inspire greatness in others.”

“If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women, all together, ought to be able to turn it back and get it right side up again.” – Sojourner Truth

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Red Tails
Ted Ellis

This release by Ted Ellis features the men that flew the Red Tails during World War II. That fearless group of African American fighter pilots know as the Tuskegee Airmen. Learn and Live the Legacy!

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Below you will find a list that contains our bestselling Martin Luther King Art Prints & Posters. We put this list together for the individuals, schools and businesses that look for inspirational, historical and motivational posters featuring the revered Civil Rights leader and legend. These Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. posters are perfect are not only perfect for Black History Month but can also be used for your next Martin Luther King Day celebration, festival or class.

If you know of an art print or posters that features Rev. King that we may have overlooked please feel free to share it with us by leaving a comment and a link to the image so that we may review it.

Our Top 7 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art Prints & Posters

	King: The Dream, The Life, The Legacy by Wishum Gregory
	Do What Is Right by Anonymous
	The Dream by Wishum Gregory
	Martin Luther King by Tech Directions
	Change by Julian Madyun
	Fist by Ted Williams
	Eternal and Absolute by Julian Madyun

Below you will find some other great Martin Luther King posters for you to review. Don’t forget to visit our site to see the full collection of Dr. King Posters!

Featured Martin Luther King Art Prints & Posters

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The George Washington Carver National Monument was established on July 14, 1943 by President Frederick D. Roosevelt in Newton County, Missouri near the city of Diamond at the 210 acre boyhood farm were George Washignton Carver was raised. The monument was the first national monument dedicated to an African American and the first national monument dedicated to a non-president when it was established. President Roosevelt donated $30,000 to found the monument in 1943.

George Washington Carver

The park was meant to honor the life and legacy of George Washington Carver, the world renown scientist, botanist, educator, agronomist, chemist and inventor. Time magazine actually called him the “Black Leonardo Da Vinci”. One of the many reasons this site was chosen, outside of it being his birthplace, was because the rolling hills, woodlands, and prairies helped develop a love of nature and a yearning to understand nature in a young George Washington Carver. It was this curiosity and love that initially propelled him towards the path of greatness.

Below you will find photos of three famous areas and/or sculptures within the national park: George Washington Carver’s birth site, a statue of a young boy Carver, and a George Washington Carver talking bust. The birth site is located on the Carver Trail. This trail is 3/4 mile long and on it you can view the boy Carver statue, the birth site and many other historical areas located at the park. Along the trail, you will also find numerous historical plaques which provide images of and inspiring quotes by George Washington Carver. The Boy Carver Statue was created by Robert Amendola in 1960. This sculpture was designed to show a young George Washington Carver sitting and wondering about the beauties of nature. The talking bust will actually recite a poem by Edward Guest entitled “Equipment” in George Washington Carver’s own voice.

George Washington Carver Talking Bust	Boy Carver Statue
George Washington Carver Birthsite

Promotional Video

Contact and Additional Information

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Thinker
Michael Eaton

** SHIPS FRAMED AND READY TO HANG **

A Poster that comes “Framed and Ready to Hang” featuring the images of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and Barack Obama. The text on the poster reads:

Focus on the hard times ahead with thoughts of those who came before you. Focus on the mission ahead with thoughts of your roles as a leader in the community. Focus on the obligations of your family with thoughts of their needs first, personal needs last. Focus on the future of your people with thoughts of your course of actions to make their dreams come true by any menas necessary. “Yes you can!” Become the…Thinker!

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Below you will find a collection of children’s books focused on the subject of Kwanzaa. Any of these books would serve as a great start to explaining Kwanzaa to to the youth to give them a better understanding of the holiday, its symbols and purpose. I put together this list after receiving numerous emails about how to introduce children to this holiday. Hopefully it will assist our Black Art Depot community and all other interested parties in sharing the joys of Kwanzaa with their children, their family and friend’s children and any other young person interested in learning more about this incredible holiday that we call Kwanzaa!

If you have any other book recommendations please feel free to comment below and share it with us!

Kwanzaa Books for Children

Book Cover	Title	Author	Price	Buy Now
	My First Kwanzaa	Karen Katz	$10.17
A simple way to get acquainted with Kwanzaa. This book contains a warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in! Author and illustrator Karen Katz kicks off a wonderful new series of picture books for the very young with My First Kwanzaa. The series will offer a simple and fun way to get familiar with the traditions of holiday celebrations from different cultures.
	Seven Spools of Thread	Angela Medearis	$6.99
In an African village live seven brothers who make life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread or they will be turned out as beggars.
	Kwanzaa	Trudi Trueit	$15.99
Following the well-known and much-loved Rookie Books format, these fun and informative books introduce early elementary-school children to the basic facts about major holidays. Each book explains the development of the holiday and how it is celebrated today, and includes holiday games, traditions, crafts, and foods.
	Together for Kwanzaa	Juwanda Ford	$3.99
Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.
	Lil’ Rabbits	Donna Washington	$10.39
Li’l Rabbit is not having a very good Kwanzaa. Granna Rabbit is sick, and so his family won’t celebrate his favorite part of Kwanzaa this year: a big feast called Karamu. Li’l Rabbit knows what to do! He’ll find Granna Rabbit a special treat for Karamu so she can celebrate anyway. He looks under a pile of logs, in the field, and in the pond and along the way meets Groundhog, Momma Field Mouse, and the frogs—but he doesn’t find anything for Granna Rabbit. Maybe I’m just too little to help Granna Rabbit celebrate Kwanzaa, Li’l Rabbit thinks. Or maybe he just needs a little help from his family and friends. Inspired by Brer Rabbit, a trickster character from the African-American folklore tradition, the story of Li’l Rabbit captures the true meaning of Kwanzaa—coming together to help others.
	My First Kwanzaa Book	Deborah Chocolate	$6.99
During the last week of December, Kwanzaa is a time to dress up in African clothes and gather together with relatives from all over the country. Grandma brings special things to eat, Grandpa lights the candles, and everyone in the family celebrates their heritage.
	Seven Days of Kwanzaa	Angela Medearis	$13.99
Celebrate the culture, heritage, family, and tradition of Kwanzaa through this beautiful variation of a popular holiday song. On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, my people gave to me Five festive friends! Four spending dollars, Red, green, and black, Two drums-a-drumming, And a promise for unity. Sing in celebration of Kwanzaa with this cheerful holiday rhyme. This creative spin on a familiar Christmas song features rhyming text, and lively artwork from illustrator Jeremy Tugeau.
	The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa	Dolores Johnson	$12.09
Each year on December 26, the African American holiday of Kwanzaa begins. What is the purpose of Kwanzaa? How did it get its start? Dolores Johnson’s easy-to-follow guide gives detailed descriptions of Kwanzaa’s principles and symbols. This comprehensive resource also includes recipes and craft and gift ideas, as well as suggestions to help young readers and their families create their own special Kwanzaa celebration.
	The Sound of Kwanzaa	Dimitrea Tokubo	$14.42
Hear the words, sing the songs, dance to the beat, and shout “Harambee!” as you jump into this joyful celebration of the sounds of Kwanzaa! The sound is Umoja–bringing us together. The sound is Kuumba–the songs of our ancestors. The sound is Kwanzaa! Lively verse and colorful illustrations guide you through the seven principles of this festive holiday. All you have to do is come close, gather round, and discover what Kwanzaa is all about!

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3. 7 Facts About Dr. Maulana Karenga, Founder of Kwanzaa

1. Dr. Maulana Karenga was born Ronald McKinley Everett on a poultry farm in Parsonsburg, Maryland on July 14, 1941. He was the seventh son and fourteenth child of a baptist minister. Ronald Everette would eventally change his name 20 years later to Maulana Karenga which translates as “Master Teacher”.

2. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966. His goal was to create the first African American holiday and in his own words:

“give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society”

The name Kwanzaa comes from a phrase of Swahili origin, “Matunda Ya Kwanza”, and translates as “First Fruits of the Harvest”. The holiday is actually based on African agricultural rites and communal activities. One of the holiday’s main goals is to cause those of African descent to look back to their cultural roots as a source of celebration.

3. Dr. Karenga has served on the Executive Committees of several Conferences, Events and Organizations dedicated to uplifting and educating African Americans. These include the the Black Leadership Retreat, Black Power Conferences of the 60′s, the National Black United Front, the National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO), the National African American Leadership Summit, and the Million Man March/Day of Absence. He also authored the Million Man March’s mission statement and served from 1989 to 2002 as the Chairman of the Africana studies Department at California State University, Long Beach.

Young Dr. Maulana Karenga

4. Maulana Karenga has been awarded two Doctorate degrees and one Honorary Doctorate degree. His first PH.D. in Political Science was awarded by Alliant International University in 1976 for a 170 page dissertation entitled Afro-American Nationalism: Social Strategy and Struggle for Community and his second PH.D in Social Ethicas was awarded by the University of Southern California in 1994 for an 803 page dissertation entitled “Maat, the Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethics”. His Honorary Doctorate was received from the University of Durban in South Africa.

5. In 1965, Maulana Karenga and Malcom X’s cousin Hakim Jamal founded the Black Nationalist organization entitled US, as in “Us and Them”. This organization was committed to the cause of Black cultural unity. Eventually, due to a difference in vision for the organization, Hakim Jamal went on to found the Malcolm X Foundation, based primarily on the teachings and ideology of Malcolm X while Maulana Karenga continued to root US primarily in Pan-Africanism, African culture and African teachings.

Dr. Maulana Karenga and his wife, Tiamoro Karenga

6. Dr. Karenga has authored/published many books and articles during his lifetime including Introduction to Black Studies, which is currently in its fourth edition, Book of Coming Forth By Day, The Million Man March/Day of Absence: A Commemorative Anthology, Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture, Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt, Kawaida and Questions of Life and Struggle, Handbook of Black Studies, Odu Ifa: The Ethical Teachings, Selections from the Husia: Sacred Wisdom of Ancient Egypt, and Maulana Karenga: An Intellectual Portrait.

7. Karenga has received numerous awards for his tireless work and commitment including the C.L.R. James Award for Outstanding Publication of Scholarly Works that Advance the Discipline of Africana and Black Studies, the National Leadership Award for Outstanding Scholarly Achievements in Black Studies from the National Council for Black Studies, the President’s Award for Scholarship and Service in the Development of Black Studies, the Diop Exemplary Leadership Award from the Department of African American Studies at Temple University, the Richard Allen Living Legend Award from the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Pioneer Award from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund.

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