Thursday, February 4, 2021

Researching "Unsung" Heroes

By Rita Lorraine Hubbard

 

THE WORLD WANTS UNSUNG HEROES

Something wonderful is happening. The once-narrow lens of history is widening, and society’s appetite for diverse stories is expanding along with it. People are clamoring for new truths, especially the re-scrutiny of those who helped shape history in some way, but who were left off the historical timeline because of race, class, or caste. Researchers and writers are happily working to find these unsung heroes so their stories can be shared, and they can take their rightful place on the historical timeline. Here is one method of finding unsung heroes so you can share their stories.

 

WHAT IS AN UNSUNG HERO?

An unsung hero is someone who commits an extraordinary act (e.g., an act of bravery, innovative discovery, self-sacrifice, etc.), or who beats incredible odds or overcomes great obstacles that were meant to deter, discourage, or annihilate. Yet, because of discrimination, condescension, caste and/or class, she (or he) is deliberately overlooked, ignored and/or left out of the history books and off of the historical timeline. Even if her act is documented, she receives no formal praise, fanfare, or appreciation. 

There are many examples of unsung or “little known” heroes out there, like Robert Smalls (a slave who famously commandeered a Confederate ship and freed its seventeen black passengers), Bessie Coleman (first African American/Native American woman to pilot a plane), and Stagecoach Mary (first African American female star route mail carrier in the US). These heroes are only just beginning to be recognized for their historic contributions, but there are many other unsung heroes out there whose stories have not received a single mention. Why? Because they have not yet been discovered.

 

HOW DO YOU UNCOVER SOMEONE IF YOU DON’T KNOW THEY EXIST?

For this article, I offer an “unsung” hero I discovered several years ago – a man named Hinton D. Alexander.

I was visiting an older section of a well-known African American graveyard in my city, searching for information on a prominent citizen I wanted to feature in my first book, African Americans of Chattanooga. As I searched, I stumbled across the gravestone of one, Hinton D. Alexander. I snapped a photo. The inscription read:

“This memorial erected by the Chattanooga Band of Hope in memory of Supt. H. D. Alexander, in appreciation of 40 years of faithful service. Died October 13, 1925. His works do follow him.”

I was instantly curious. I had not heard of this man, but he was buried in the “prominent” section of the black cemetery, so I set about discovering what he had done for the community. I took the date from the headstone and pulled his obituary from the local history department’s digital files.

The obituary did not divulge whether he had ever been a slave, but it announced with pride that he was the first Chattanooga African American to go to college -- Fisk University, where he soon became one of the original Jubilee Singers.  These Singers performed before kings and queens in Great Britain, Holland, Germany, Switzerland and beyond.

Next, I contacted Tennessee State University library archives and found this image. Hinton D. Alexander is in the center with his arms folded:


Hinton and the Fisk Jubilee Singers used their voices to raise money to build a dormitory to house students on the Fisk campus.  Once Hinton’s tenure with the Singers was over, he returned to Chattanooga and served as a mail carrier until a few years before his death in 1926. I found all this because I stumbled upon a gravestone.

Hinton D. Alexander is on the far right.
 

Summary: Is Hinton D. Alexander an “unsung hero?” The question (and answer) is relative. Some may feel he was just a black man who went to college, sang in a group, and lived out his last years as a mail carrier. I see him as an unsung hero. He entered college a mere five years after the end of the Civil War, so education (and freedom) for blacks was relatively new. Because there were no funds for buildings to house the students on his campus, Hinton and his colleagues traveled across Europe and raised money by singing before kings and queens.

 

WHY ARE UNSUNG HEROES IMPORTANT?

Celebrating unsung heroes is important because their stories add depth to the timeline of history and gives students, history buffs and the world at large a fuller sense of the events, mindset, struggles and accomplishments of the past. It fills in gaps and helps readers, writers, and historians see the world through a different lens. Through these stories, young readers understand that one does not need to be rich, famous, white, or powerful to be a hero. So-called “ordinary” people can be heroes, too.

 

WHERE TO FIND UNSUNG HEROES

So where do you find unsung heroes? Anywhere and everywhere… but if you need a more specific starting place, try these:

1.     Historical markers

2.     Obituaries

3.     Old graveyards/gravestones.

4.     Old newspapers/microfiche

5.     Early unpublished diaries (check your library’s local history dept)

6.     Out-of-print or out-of-circulation books

 

ACTIVITY 

Choose your first “unsung hero.” Visit an old graveyard or a historical marker you may have passed and never noticed. Choose a grave (or marker), then take the information to your local history department, pull the obituary, and begin to fill in the blanks in your hero’s story. You never know what you will find.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Rita Lorraine Hubbard is a retired special education teacher of 20 years who now champions unsung heroes whose stories need to be told with courage and heart. Her books, The Oldest Student: How Mary Walked Learned to Read; Hammering for Freedom: The William Lewis Story; and African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes, have garnered honors and awards that include the New Voices Award, the East Tennessee Historical Preservation Award, the 2021 Floyd’s Pick Honor Book Award, and the 2021-2022 Texas Bluebonnet Master List Award. Rita has an advanced degree in School Psychology and owns and manages The Black History Channel.

ABOUT THE PRIZE

Rita Lorraine is offering one free copy of THE OLDEST STUDENT to the winner. Bookplate included.

146 comments:

  1. WOW, never thought of looking at obits or gravestones...I will never look at them the same now. Thank you!

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  2. Such a beautiful article about unsung heroes. How I wish that photo of Hinton D. Alexander with his arms folded was in color so we could see all those stunning dresses.

    I've had one in my heart ever since 2015 when I read Laila Lalami's The Moor's Account about the first African slave to walk across America. Her account is fictional, but is based on the real life of the first black explorer of America who survived the Narvaez expedition and accompanied Cabeza de Vaca. I've always wanted to bring the story of Estebanico to children. Thank you for reminding me to sit with him again & listen.

    And then begin his research.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words. Yes, a color photo would have been amazing. A historian I consulted with told me that the fact that Hinton's arms are folded when no one else's are means that he was probably the lead singer or the most requested voice. Wishing you all good things as you pursue the story of Estebanico. Sounds like an amazing book.

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  3. Rita, I sincerely admire and enjoy your work. I appreciate the way you frame who an unsung hero is and your approach to writing biographies.

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    1. Hello Robin, my friend. Thanks for always having such encouraging words for me. The admiration is mutual!

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  4. I can only imagine how many pages of notes you must have. Thank you for this resource list.

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    1. I have notes from the floor of my office to the ceiling... I dare not enter that room with a match or a lighter! Thanks for the kind words. :D

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  5. I love researching and learning about unsung heroes. The everyday people that made sacrifices so that life could be better for those that came after them. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

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    1. You're so very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

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  6. This is like mining for gold. I sure hope I am unable to unearth a few nuggets!! Thank you Rita!

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    1. It truly is like mining for gold... and where one nugget is found, other nuggets are not far away. It's a rabbit hole, actually; a golden rabbit hole. :)

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  7. I love this about the unsung hero and I believe we need more recognition for those men and women who have done great things but we’re thrown under a rug and never mentioned. I like look at grave stones but I’ve never pursued the researching part. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  8. It is always a thrill to uncover the life of someone once famous but not forgotten. Love your book The Oldest Student! Congrats on your hard work and success!

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed The Oldest Student. Thanks for your kindness.

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  9. I love reading about people who have been left out of the historical narrative - not only do I get to honor them, but it also reminds me to ask "who isn't in this story" when I'm doing my own research and writing.

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  10. Rita,
    There are many unsung heroes. I want to open my eyes to see what they’ve left behind. I’ll have to walk in some cemeteries and see what I find.
    Sue

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    1. There truly are so many, Sue! I've collected so many unsung heroes stories that I've named my upstairs office The City of the Dead, lol. It's my hope to find the time to write all the stories I've found.

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  11. Great info, Rita. I recently went to the History Museum in Augusta and found two names that got my attention. I don't know if anything will come of either, but it was a surprise find. Love to get those unsung heroes in the hands of readers.

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  12. Thank you for this blog. I am drawn to finding those people and stories that are missing from the pages of history. Researching them is such a worthwhile journey down the rabbit hole.

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    1. Thanks for READING this blog, lol. Hope to be reading one of your stories one day.

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  13. Thanks so much for your insights! I enjoy every presentation you give! Lynn Street

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    1. Wow, thank you Lynn. That brought a big smile. :D

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  14. WOW, thank you Rita Lorrane Hubbard for sharing your path to finding the beginnings and now published story of Hinton D. Alexander.His story is important! It is very timely for me and my writing now.
    I am in the process of several historical manuscripts from the Mayflower, and Oregon Trail desendents leading all the way to Alaska. Plus other interesting ones that will help fill in some gaps.
    Thank you for your process. Look forward to reading this book and sharing with my grands.

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    1. Thank you, Deb! Looking forward to reading your stories, too.

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  15. This is wonderful information. I see so many of those historical markers but never considered that there might be something NEW to look into about them. Thank you!

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  16. I'm always attracted to these markers and love finding their stories. Thanks for the encouragement to dig deeper!

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  17. Love your ideas for finding unsung heroes! Thanks.

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  18. Thank you for your information. I want to try a nonfiction manuscript this year but have not chosen a person to write about. This helps me know where to look!

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  19. Love the behind-the-scenes look at your research, Rita (just like I loved your 12x12 webinar)! For me, finding the unsung heroes wasn't an issue...it's convincing editors that they are worthy of a book. :}

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    1. First, thank you so much, Teresa! Your words are so encouraging! Second, I agree about the issue with the editors. No matter how successful a previous book may have been, I have to start over pleading the unsung hero's case each time I present a new manuscript. But we just have to keep plugging away, right?

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  20. More stories are needed with courage and heart about unsung heroes.

    Thank you, Rita.

    Suzy Leopold

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  21. Just heard yesterday about Alfred Cralle who invited the ice cream scoop in 1897. Loved that today we were considering unsung heroes!

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    1. Hi DiMi13, yes, I learned about Alfred many years ago. I featured him in one of my niche calendars back in 2004. I really love his story.

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  22. Thank you for such an inspiring post. I am new to the world of children's book writing and my focus is on unsung heroes…so many untold stories! I've been amazed at all the archives that are available online, but love the idea of investigating old cemeteries as another starting point…on my list for sure!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the post, Traci. Wishing you all good things on your path to publication. :)

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  23. I love your idea for using historical markers as a source of unsung heroes. Will be checking them out more closely now. Thanks!

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    1. Hope you find some fantastic personalities, Gloria.

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  24. Could "unsung" heroes be men or women who were left out of history simply because their discovery seemed unimportant in their day? I've stumbled on people who discovered a minute piece of info that led to bigger discoveries. Discovered because I love the history of why.

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  25. What a great post! Thank you! And I recently stumbled across this website for researching old newspapers, in case there are folks out there like me who didn't know about it already: https://www.elephind.com/

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    1. Thanks, Vicki. And thanks for sharing the link to the old newspapers. Hadn't heard of this one; I've often used newspapers.com, but it can be pricey. I'll check this one out. :)

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  26. Rita, thank you for showing us there are so many shining heroes who have been hidden by history and where we may search for them. Love how "search" is in the word "research."

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  27. I didn't know about Mr. Alexander directly, but recently learned through TV about the Jubilee Singers. I love watching PBS channel and other History channels as they spark ideas of either eras or individuals I was to research further. One of the genres I write is historical fiction chapter books and I like to include little known historical figures or little known historical mysteries in my stories in the hope readers' interest will be challenged to do their own research...;)

    Great post!

    Donna L Martin

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    1. Hi Donna, I love writing historical fiction chapter books, too. And like you, I love blending real-life characters into the narrative. Nice to find someone with similar interests.

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  28. You never know where you’ll find inspiration, as your post showed. Thank you for the list of places to look further- very helpful.

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  29. Thank you for this, and for the work you do uncovering unsung heroes and bringing them to light!

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  30. Another place to discover unsung heroes is in footnotes. Sometimes a footnote will name someone I've never heard of and I'll follow the breadcrumb trail.

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    1. You are so right, Mo. Actually, that's where I found William Lewis, the subject of my book called HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM. Just forgot to mention it. :)

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  31. Love the idea of discovering unsung heroes. Thank you for this post!

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  32. Thank you, Rita, for sharing your approach to finding true stories that go missing from history. Your list of places to search is priceless!

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  33. What a wonderful idea. I love the idea of glorifying ordinary people and their not-so-ordinary lives. They are us.

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  34. Thank you for posting this article. I have written a story about an unsung hero and would like to write more. Thanks for the tips.

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  35. I'm visiting St. Simon's Island, home to a remarkable unsung (other than here on the island) hero, Neptune Small. Even though small in stature, Neptune was a giant among men. His story is one of unconditional love and loyalty. I hope someone who is better qualified to share it than me, "discovers" it and writes a picture book about this amazing man.

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  36. With the ease that we move around the country and to other countries, we sadly leave behind and forget our family's unsung heroes, people who lived only a generation or two before us. Whether or not they are worthy of a picture book, I find some of their stories more than worthy of sharing somehow. Perhaps memoir.

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  37. Thank you for a wonderful post, Rita! Markers and gravestones are an interesting starting point. I'll try it!

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  38. I really liked this post! I always love to learn about people who made contributions at times when it wouldn't seem likely or couldn't because of gender or race. Thank you!

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  39. I need to plan a trip to the local graveyard. Unsung heroes are everywhere!

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  40. Great detective work! My hero has been sung, in a 52-page birth to death PB bio published this past fall. But I'm still hoping there's room for my much shorter, more lyrical PB on the same woman.

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  41. Thanks for all the clues on how to be a good detective. I'm on it! Thanks

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  42. I love reading these kinds of books. So many interesting people and amazing accomplishments. I am also researching an unsung hero.

    And since you mentioned Robert Smalls, I'd like to recommend the book "The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery" by Jehan Jones-Radgowski. Great picture book.

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  43. I love this advice so much and will be looking for local markers or visiting a local graveyard this week!! Thank you so much for the amazing idea!!

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  44. I can see it's time to go on another walk around town... so many historical markers. One of them should shake loose a story.

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  45. Thanks for the challenge. Everything's buried under 2 feet of snow right now, but I promise to get out and explore as soon as I can. LOL

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  46. I love reading stories of unsung heroes in history. My boys and I are always amazed at the things they created, the legacies they left, the lives they changed. Thanks for listing some new ways we might find more stories to share!

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  47. Thank you for giving unsung heroes a song. Beautiful books! and great insight on how to explore and identify one and hopefully many :)

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  48. Thank you, Rita. I enjoyed reading THE OLDEST STUDENT.

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  49. Thank you Rita! I love discovering unsung heroes and sharing their stories. Thankfully more editors are looking for these stories too.

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  50. Thanks Rita! Love your books - thank you for sharing your insights. Best, Nalini

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  51. Thank you for sharing about unsung heroes. Your advice for researching is spot on! I like knowing that highlighting their accomplishments is going to make a difference in the world.
    Annette

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  52. Thanks for the great post, Rita. I love stumbling upon a little known fact from history. If it fascinates me I start digging. However, I often find myself spending too much time meandering down interesting side trails of information instead of writing!

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  53. Such a great paragraph on why unsung heroes are important. I love the idea of viewing history through the lenses of these lives.

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  54. Such a great paragraph on why unsung heroes are important. I love the idea of viewing history through the lenses of these lives.

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  55. Researching for a biography gave me the opportunity to know more about the history of my island and discover some of our great heroes, but in a different light. Like you say, Rita, it offers a new perspective.

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  56. I wonder if any early sound recordings exist of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and/or lists of the pieces they sang. And stories of his travels? And did Mr. Hinton D. Alexander sing bass or tenor? I have so many questions now about this man. He was indeed an unsung hero the way he gave back to his community. I hope you're writing his story. Thank you for this inspiration.

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  57. I wonder if any early sound recordings exist of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and/or lists of the pieces they sang. And stories of his travels? And did Mr. Hinton D. Alexander sing bass or tenor? I have so many questions now about this man. He was indeed an unsung hero the way he gave back to his community. I hope you're writing his story. Thank you for this inspiration.

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  58. Michelle Cusolito mentioned your post as a great resource in her Non-Fiction/Informational Fiction Research Session tonight. She was right; I would have never considered the cemetery as a place to locate historical information nor did I recognize the importance of highlighting unsung hero. What a wonderful way to contribute to our country's sparse timeline.

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  59. Thank you for an interesting post, Rita. I love your tips for uncovering unsung heroes.

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  60. Great posts. Love the tips on where to look. I love these kinds of stories myself!

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  61. Some of the dearest unsung heroes are the quiet ones...what a great encouragement Rita. Thanks for the nudge to look for those great quiet people.

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  62. Thank you for your insightful post! I think finding and writing about unsung heroes validates their lives and tells them that they are not forgotten. Students enjoy reading stories about these women and men as reading helps them make connections to our past and provides a better understanding of the curriculum. Thank you for providing ideas for new sources of discovery!

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  63. I love walking through random local graveyards and taking pictures of plaques and headstones. I can't wait to try some of your other suggestions as well.

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  64. I am so glad to have learned about Hinton Alexander and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Thank you for the work you do to shine a light on unsung heroes - they play a vital role in the world and it’s important to recognize them.

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  65. I have written a book about an unsung hero (unpublished). As a biographical history geek these are my favorite stories to read myself!

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  66. Thanks for this wonderful advice, Rita! I LOVED The Oldest Student--so moving!

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  67. I love finding out about unsung heroes. Ty, Rita. You know we Ohioans and Storyteller Academy members LOVE THE OLDEST STUDENT, an unsung hero, indeed.

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  68. I love the idea of unsung heroes. I'm sure there are many of them!

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  69. My husband loves wondering old cemeteries. Now when I'm with him I'll look beyond relatives to see if I can find some unsung heroes. Thanks for an inspiring post.

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  70. Thanks for the tips! Am going to explore FindaGrave for more than Family History now.

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  71. Great suggestions! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  72. Another source are the Anthropology Case Studies from the 1950s and 1960s. Google Anthropology books 1950, etc.

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  73. I love the idea of looking at early unpublished diaries-- that hadn't ever occurred to me as a resource. Thank you for this wonderful post!

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  74. Great article. Just put it to the test and.....struck gold already.
    I live in London in the U.K. Visited a local graveyard. Found an old, nice-looking gravestone with an interesting story; took a photo for the details; came back home and Googled the person's name: James Moore Hickson. The rest is indeed History! https://healingandrevival.com/BioJMHickson.htm
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/za060nou7s9w3tf/Hickson%20gravestone?dl=0

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  75. I did the activity to see what happened on the day I was born. KFC opened it's first franchise on my birthday. It was in Salt Lake City, whaaaat? KFC should open in Kentucky! I wonder why?

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  76. Thank you for sharing your unsung heroes!

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  77. Thank you for sharing your unsung heroes!

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  78. A heartwarming story about hidden heroes! Thanks for all your ideas, Rita. You go, Girl!

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  79. Very helpful post. I especially appreciated the list of places to search for unsung heroes. Thank you!

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  80. Such a fascinating back story of an unsung hero! I've written about one who deserved to have his story broadcast (MERCY, a bio of ASPCA founder Henry Bergh). Can't wait to read more of your books--THE OLDEST STUDENT was fantastic!

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  81. Thanks for this post. It is so helpful!

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  82. What a great post. Attending college 5 yrs after the Civil War - took guts. Thanks for introducing us to Hinton. I wonder if "unsung heros" need to be historical. Or can they be current? Someone, who even though a 'so-called “ordinary” person,' managed an amazing feat despite some formidable odds.

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  83. Yes! So many people have contributed to American history whose stories need to be told. I love that you told Mary Walker's story, Rita!

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  84. Thank you for sharing where to discover unsung heroes. There are so many fascinating but unrecognized people who have shaped history and done amazing things.

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  85. I really enjoyed reading your post, Rita, and I recognized the Fisk Jubilee Singers by name because one of them settled in my hometown in Yorksire, England, after he finished touring with them. Thanks for the inspiration about researching these unsung heroes!

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  86. Thank you for sharing. I love unsung hero stories and there are so many.

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  87. I loved reading your post--it makes me want to go out searching for some unsung heroes (as soon as it warms up a bit!). Thanks for the inspiration!

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  88. That question of "How do you find someone when you don't know they exist?" was so intriguing. I loved the idea (once the library is open again!) of asking about early unpublished diaries.

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  89. Rita, I heard you speak at a webinar from 12x12 and you really inspired me. Since then, and using the tools you outline in this article, I have found 3 unsung heroes to write about, and am currently in the research phase for those. Thank you!

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  90. I love unsung hero stories! It's like going on a special treasure hunt to discover and honor someone who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to society. Just wish some of these people could have been honored for their service and sacrifices while they were living.

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  91. Thank you. What wonderful ideas. I am one whose imagination expands when I visit a cemetery, because I wonder about the people who are there and what they were like when they were alive. I'm so glad others might do that, too.

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  92. Such terrific suggestions. Thank you!

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  93. Thank you, Rita. I love discovering unsung heroes!And yes, I am writing about one.

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  94. Recently learned about the Jubilee Singers via the picture book A Band of Angels and then wondered “where are they now?” You just filled in one of the gaps. Amazing the stories that can trickle from one mark in time. Thank you for the list of places to start. When I am desperate for new material - FIELD TRIP!

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  95. I think he must have been a very confident, self-assured man just given his gaze and stance in these 2 photos That alone drew me in & now I want to read more! And speaking of unsung heroes, I just finished watching "The Dig", about the Basil Brown & his amazing work on discovering Sutton Hoo. I highly recommend this quiet, engaging movie, esp if anyone likes A) archaeology & B)has a penchant for those forgotten voices.

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  96. Thank you for this helpful post. I will be doing some research along the lines of what you recommend.

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  97. How fascinating Rita!! Kudos for doing all that digging and uncovering such an interesting life! Absolutely love The Oldest Student!!

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  98. Loved The Oldest Student and your hunting techniques for finding unsung heroes and then even other tidbits in the comments. like Tonya's the History of Why. ALL FUN!

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  99. I shared "The Oldest Student" with my 5th grade reading students last year. They LOVED it. It was wonderful to see their interest in Mary's journey and have them engage in a lively discussion afterward. I'm always on the lookout for an unsung hero and am currently researching one from right near my home. Amazing people are everywhere! Thanks for your post!

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  100. I love the idea of finding unsung heroes. I just finished reading and reviewing Gary Golio's Dark Was the Night, about Blind Willie Johnson's life and legacy in song hurtling through space on Voyager I. So many wonderful people the world should know about!

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  101. The blog on Feb. 4th was both enlightening and motivating! I have begun, yet again, the journey of writing a memoir for each of my now deceased parents--both "unsung heroes" for me! Thank you for the push here!

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  102. Thank you for this blog post. I am so amazed at all the unsung heroes that authors are finding to write about. I am using The Oldest Student in several of my library lessons this year. The kids and teachers love it - I'm so pleased to see it on the 2021-22 Texas Bluebonnet List - Congratulations! Thank you for the inspiration and the guide to finding unsung heroes.

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  103. Thank you, Rita! It's surprising what you can find on old gravestones. So many stories!

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  104. Yes! I love the idea of getting a more thorough and true history out there for kids (and adults!)! And your post just reminded me of a gravestone I saw a few years ago on a trip to Utah to visit my oldest daughter. Fascinating story there...gonna pull it out and look into it more!

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  105. The unsung heroes are the ones we need to write and read about! Thank you for this post.

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  106. I'll keep searching for unsung heroes. Thank you.

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  107. After reading your post, I remembered that I had saved some research on an "unsung hero" a while back. I immediately found the resources and was inspired to add on to my research, using your tips. Thanks so much for the inspiration! :)

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  108. A fascinating path to uncovering unsung heroes that gives me fresh ideas. Thank you!

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  109. Rita,
    Thanks for giving me a path to bringing unsung heroes to the children of today.

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  110. I love the idea of telling the stories of those whose stories have been untold. Thank you for sharing!

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  111. I am drawn to underdog stories and to unknown hero stories, both in reading them and writing them. Thanks for this informative post!

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  112. Thank you for this helpful post! I love THE OLDEST STUDENT.

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  113. I enjoyed your book on William Lewis. Thanks for sharing about unsung heroes, Rita!

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  114. Rita, such an insightful glance into heroism found in the action, but not always in the recognition. Congratulations on the incredible success of THE OLDEST STUDENT!

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