Eugene Armstead's Blog

FOX21 News highlights Black History month today with a look at Granville T Woods, also known as the “Black Edison.” In 1901, Woods developed what is known as his most important invention… the power pickup device, what we know today as the “third rail” used by most subways in large cities accross the country. By the time of his death in 1910, Woods had some 60 patents, many of which are still in use today with many major manufacturers of electrical equipment.

Charles Richard Drew (3 June 1904 1 April 1950) was an African American physician and medical researcher. He researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge in developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II, saving thousands of lives of the Allied forces.

President’s Day 2010. The historic inauguration of the 44th president of the United States of American and 1st African American commander in chief is highlighted in this video. President Barack Obama is 1 year into his presidency at the airing of this highlight.

In today’s Black History month highlight, we cover some firsts in Television. Nat King Cole being the first African American television host in 1956 and Oprah Winfrey the first female African American host. Bill Cosby is owed mention for being the first African American star on a syndicated program in “I Spy”

I have had the opportunity to report on Black History for the Fox affiliate of the southern Colorado region.  I am honored to do it and pretty impressed with my company for allowing this type of news reporting to happen as it doesn’t seem like our competitors are doing anything like it.

What we are doing is providing an approximate thirty second highlight on African Americans in history.  It is slated to air three times each morning during our three hour morning news program.  Today was the first day it has aired and each day one is completed, a copy will be placed on our news website here.  I am interested to hear some feedback about them either on Facebook or you can send me a tweet!

I want to get my station to start doing some highlights of historic and famous black Americans for each February, or Black History month.  Here are a couple of trial videos that I’m trying to sell management for providing such a product to our television audience: