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2D (Encino, CA)

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Thoughts on growing up in Hawaii and for people like me who are two degrees of separation of Barack Obama.

Hawaiian Black History

By 2D - Dec 5th, 2008 at 4:09 pm EST

I recently learned that the history of African-Americans in Hawaii is long and distinguished. African sailors visited the islands as early as circa 1776 and some made Hawaii their home as early as 1794.

One was Anthony D. Allen originally from Schenectady, New York. He settled in Honolulu in 1810. Being one of a handful of African-Americans living on Oahu, he was one of the first land owners in Honolulu. He was given six acres of land by the local high priest to keep and pass on to his children. Land ownership then would have to required approval by the king at the time - Kamehameha the Great. In fact it was because Allen was employed and admired by King Kamehameha himself.

Learn more about Allen's interesting life here and here and here.

What I find interesting is that when Barry Obama lived with his grandparents, he used to play basketball on the courts at Washington Middle School across the street from their apartment building. The land he lived and played basketball on was once owned and developed by Anthony D. Allen the former slave from New York.

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