Breaking Barriers from the Upper West Side to the Ends of the Earth: Black History in Motion

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This article highlights the inspiring stories of three trailblazing individuals from the Upper West Side of New York City - Barbara Hillary, Ted Corbitt, and Elizabeth Welch - who broke barriers and made significant contributions in their respective fields, from polar exploration to long-distance running and dance.

Why it matters

The achievements of these individuals, who hailed from the Upper West Side, serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that can be made when people overcome obstacles and pursue their passions, regardless of their race, age, or other perceived limitations. Their stories inspire us to push beyond our own comfort zones and make a difference in our communities and the world.

The details

The article profiles Barbara Hillary, who at the age of 75 became the first African-American woman to reach the North Pole, and later, at 79, the first African-American woman to reach the South Pole. It also highlights Ted Corbitt, the legendary long-distance runner who co-founded the New York Road Runners and was the first Black runner to represent the United States at the Olympic Games. Additionally, the article discusses Elizabeth Welch, the first to perform the Charleston dance on stage in the 1923 hit show "Runnin' Wild", and who went on to become the first Black woman to have her own BBC radio series.

• In April 2007, Barbara Hillary reached the North Pole at the age of 75.
• A few years later, at 79, Barbara Hillary set out for the South Pole.
• In February 2021, Central Park officially named the loop after Ted Corbitt, the legendary long-distance runner.
• By the time Ted Corbitt died in 2007, he had run more than 170,000 miles.
• In 1923, Elizabeth Welch performed the Charleston dance in the hit show "Runnin' Wild", launching a national dance craze.