Written and maintained by the Louis Armstrong Fellows.
This week at The Louis Armstrong House Museum has been quite exciting! Hundreds of little feet have graced the hallways of the Armstrongs' home! School groups from Corona and the surrounding areas gathered for the three-day long extravaganza that is Pops is Tops! Pops is Tops is an interactive concert that introduces local school children... Continue Reading →
While standing waiting in line, I overheard the conversation between a man and woman in front of me. "Wow, you're beautiful!" the man exclaimed. "What are you mixed with?" Immediately a scowl was planted on my face, as I could not control my disbelief and disgust. I've seen this scenario play out quite too often.... Continue Reading →
A great deal of my undergraduate career, but also postgraduate, has been about diversity. Whether it be the diversity in my career field, or the lack thereof, that’s what it’s all about. However, as I grow older and start to see how these initiatives work, or don’t, it’s becoming more stifling day by day considering... Continue Reading →
One thing that I’ve always admired about Louis is his humility. Despite extreme wealth and celebrity, he decided to live a “normal” life. Honestly speaking, if I were allotted the same fortune and opportunity as Louis, I may not have chosen to live as modestly as he did. Louis’s characteristics are rare and many celebrities do... Continue Reading →
While giving guided tours at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, most people are intrigued to learn that Lucille was Louis’ fourth wife. Naturally, out of curiosity, they inquire about the previous leading ladies in Louis’ life. There was Daisy Parker (m. 1918, div. 1923), Lil Hardin (m. 1924, div. 1938), Alpha Smith (m. 1938, div.... Continue Reading →
The photos of a group of people generally tell their storied lives, and they live on in photo albums. Much of the photographs in the Louis Armstrong House Museum archives are of the man himself, but an additional amount of photographs are of his extended family and friends. These photos, like any other documentary practice,... Continue Reading →
Seventy five years ago, on March 3, 1943, Lucille put the down payment on the $8,000 home that stands at 34-56 107th St. Upon closing the deal, she moved her mother into the house, yet she kept the purchase a secret from Louis for over 8 months. It is evident that Lucille had no intent of... Continue Reading →
During undergrad, unsure of how I’d make a name on my college campus, I began writing reviews and columns about our neighboring art museum at Spelman College. After Spelman College Museum of Fine Art mounted the exhibit Maren Hassinger . . . Dreaming, which looked at the artist’s 40-year art career, I took the chance and... Continue Reading →
The Negro Motorist Green Book was a guidebook for black travelers during times of discrimination and adversity. Published by Victor Hugo Green, the book circulated from 1936 until 1966, prominent during the Jim Crow era. There were many dangers black members of society would face, as they traveled to unfamiliar territories across the roads of... Continue Reading →
