I love this story about the African American aeronaut who soared above Davenport in 1883. The exploits of Professor James Byrd seem to have been lost to history, except for the story documented by local historian Craig Klein. Read about Byrd's thrilling balloon ride at this PACG blog post.

Please donate to preserve this local history!

In honor of African American History month, and in support of the Friends of the MLK Interpretive Center’s efforts to preserve local African American history, the Civil Rights Forum of Progressive Action for the Common Good is holding a fund drive. Our goal is to raise $2,200 to donate to the Friends of the MLK Interpretive Center to purchase a large interactive screen (one of seven needed) to share this history with the public. For more about the MLK Interpretive Center, with a picture of the kiosks that will hold the display screens, go to this PACG Blog post.