John “Buck” O’Neil

John “Buck” O’Neil born in Carabelle, Florida, was manager and first baseman for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1938-1955.  In 1942, his team won the Negro League World Series, O’Neil was hired by the Chicago Cubs in 1956 and in 1962 was named the first black coach in the major leagues.  He helped renew interest in the Negro Leagues, and played a major role in establishing the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.  O’Neil died at the age of 94 on October 6, 2006.  He was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Kansas City’s Satchel Paige Considered One of the Greatest Pitchers of All Time

Leroy RObert “Satchel” Paige is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time.  He lead the Kansas City Monarchs to the Negro League World Series in 1942 and 1946.  At the age of 42, he became the first black pitcher in the American League when he signed with the Cleveland Indians.  He took the mound for the last time in 1965 at the age of 59, throwing three shutout innings for the Kansas City Athletics.  He died on June 8, 1982, three days after attending the dedication of Satchel Paige Memorial Stadium in Kansas City.

http://negro-baseball-league.com

Popularity: 10% [?]

Tom Bass Started First Kansas City Horse Show Today Known as the American Royal

Tom Bass loved horses and created the first Kansas City horse show despite the obstacles that he face during his life.  Tom Bass was born into slavery in Mexico, Missouri in 1859.  He became one of the world’s greatest saddlebred horse trainers, showing horses to the likes of President Theodore Roosevelt and Buffalo Bill COdy.  Bass invented the “Bass bit,” which is still standard equipment at many stables today.  He is also credited with starting Kansas City’s first horse show — today known as the American Royal.  Learn more about his life at the American Royal Museum and Visitors Center.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Black Sunday St. Louis Missouri - United Black Drag Racers Association

Black Sunday is the name given for a thrillride, funseekers time in St. Louis sponsored by the United Black Drag Racers Association.

Black Sunday 2008 will be held September 12, 13 & 14 at the Gateway International Raceway, Madison, IL.

Officially established in 1994, today, the U.B.D.R.A. has grown into a nationally recognized organization and has established itself as one of the premier African American organizations in the world of motor sports. Its success has led to the establishment of one U.B.D.R.A. chapter in Wisconsin and encouraged numerous others to form organizations in various areas throughout the country, thus increasing the interest for organizations such as the U.B.D.R.A. across the United States.

Today the United Black Drag Racers Association is a 501c3 organization that has donated well over $150,000 to national, regional and local charitable organizations. In addition to monetary donations, the organization often participates in community parades, car shows, and a host of other civic events.

Dedicated to its mission to preserve and promote the sport of drag racing in a positive manner for the membership and the community, the organization hosts annual car shows, school show-and-tell programs, the Annual Awards Banquet and of course, Black Sunday.  Past recipients include Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, American Heart Association, United Negro College Fund, Children’s Miracle Network, Educare Learning Center, and many other Metro area charities.

Increasing at an extraordinary rate each year, the popularity of Black Sunday has grown so much that the event is currently being held at three different venues across the country - St. Louis, MO, Byron, IL and Indianapolis, IN with more opportunities being presented each year.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:DARRELL WILLIAMS
(314) 968-1720

JAMES “WOLF” WILFORD
(618) 593-4226

GENO SHARP
(314) 427-2641

Popularity: 10% [?]