African American History Groups & Organizations

The following are short descriptions of the groups and organizations which have contributed to the shaping of African American history. These encyclopedia entries serve as a starting point for much more inclusive descriptions and discussions that appear in other sources. For additional information please consult the print or website sources cited in the entry.

The Golden 14 (1918-1919)

The Golden 14 were the first Black women to muster into the United States Navy. First recognized by scholar Kelly Miller in his 1919 book “Kelly Miller’s History of the World War for Human Rights,” but subsequently nearly lost to history after the war, the … Read More The Golden 14 (1918-1919)

5th Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment (1864-1865)

The 5th Regiment Massachusetts Colored Volunteer Cavalry was a Union Army cavalry regiment during the Civil War. The cavalry regiment was organized at Camp Meigs, Readville, Massachusetts, during the Fall of 1863. On January 9, 1864, Company A was mustered into service, and by May … Read More 5th Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment (1864-1865)

The Arnells (1963-1964)

The Arnells, a female doo-wop ensemble that also performed as The Teenettes Variations, were all from all-girls Joseph Battin High School in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey. The short-lived but talented group, established in 1963, met in the high school corridors. They rehearsed after school … Read More The Arnells (1963-1964)

Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (1962- )

Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is a soul and funk band that was best known for their 1973 hit song “Express Yourself.” The group consists of members Charles Wright, Al McKay, Benorce Blackmon, Gabe Flemings, Melvin Dunlap, James Godson, Big John … Read More Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (1962- )

De La Soul (1988- )

De La Soul is a hip-hop trio that consists of Kelvin “Posdnous” Mercer, Kevin Jude “Trugoy” Jolicoeur, and Vincent Lamont “Maseo” Mason Jr., all from the Amityville area of Long Island, New York. De La Soul was formed in 1988 and released its first album, … Read More De La Soul (1988- )

Naughty By Nature (1986- )

Naughty By Nature is a hip-hop trio from East Orange, New Jersey which includes Anthony? “Trench” Criss, Vincent “Vin Rock” Brown, and Keir Lamont “DJ Kay Gee” Gist. They became a trio in 1986. The group’s original name was The New Style, but it later … Read More Naughty By Nature (1986- )

Kid ‘n’ Play (1984- )

Kid ‘n’ Play is an American Hip Hop duo that consists of Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin. The two met while performing in rival high school groups, the Turnout Brothers and the Super Lovers, in New York City. The duo’s original name was … Read More Kid ‘n’ Play (1984- )

Dead Prez (1996- )

Dead Prez is hip hop music group that includes members Khnum Muata “stic.man” Ibomu and Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala. The group known for their hit singles including, “Hip Hop,” “Wolves,” “Mind Sex,” and “Hell Yeah (Pimp the System).” Ibomu was born Clayton Gavin on March 6, … Read More Dead Prez (1996- )

Xscape (1992- )

Xscape is a female R&B group from Atlanta, Georgia. The group includes Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, Kandi Burrus, LaTocha Scott, and Tamika Scott. Xscape were established in 1992. The group originally included another member, Tamera Coggins-Wynn who left in 1993. Producer Jermaine Dupri Mauldin “discovered” the … Read More Xscape (1992- )

Contraband Relief Association (1862-1865)

At the beginning of the Civil War, there were approximately two million enslaved women. An estimated 500,000 of these women fled from slavery as soon as white men left their plantations and homes to join the Confederate army. Those fleeing from slavery escaped to Union-occupied … Read More Contraband Relief Association (1862-1865)