HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 28th…

On February 28th…

in 1704, ELIAS NEAU, a Frenchman, opened SCHOOL FOR BLACKS in NEW YORK CITY.

in 1708, one of the FIRST RECORDED SLAVE REVOLTS occurred in NEWTON, LONG ISLAND, NY. Seven White People were killed. Afterward, 2 Black male slaves and a Native American Man were hanged and a Black Woman was burned alive.

in 1776, PHYLLIS WHEATLEY was INVITED TO PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS in Cambridge, MA. Ms. Wheatley was asked to READ A POEM she had written in his honor.

PHYLLIS WHEATLEY

 

in 1778, RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY in precedent-breaking act AUTHORIZED THE ENLISTMENT OF SLAVES. After being appointed Commander, Christopher Greene and his staff were sent back to Rhode Island to raise a black regiment to fill the ranks of the depleted 1st Rhode Island regiment. The General Assembly voted that “every able bodied Negro, Mulatto and Indian slave” could enlist for the duration of the war. Bounties and wages would be the same as they were for free men. Once enlisted and approved of by the officers of the regiment, the recruits would be free. At the time, there was a Black and Native American population of 3,331 in Rhode Island. The scheme, which compensated owners for the freedom of their slaves, produced less than 200 men. Seeing how expensive the plan was becoming, the Assembly cut off the recruiting of slaves on June 10, 1778.

in 1854, the REPUBLICAN PARTY was ORGANIZED in RIPON, WI. About 50 SLAVERY OPPONENTS began the new political group.

in 1859, ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE required FREE BLACKS to choose between EXILE AND ENSLAVEMENT.

in 1871, SECOND ENFORCEMENT ACT gave federal officers and courts control of registration and voting in congressional elections.

in 1879, the “EXODUS OF 1879,” Southern Blacks fled political and economic exploitation. Exodus continued for several years. BENJAMIN “PAP” SINGLETON, a former slave, was one of the major leaders of the Exodus movement.

BENJAMIN “PAP” SINGLETON

in 1894, ERNEST JUDSON WILSON, Negro League baseball player and manager, was BORN in REMINGTON, VIRGINIA. Wilson’s professional career spanned from 1922 to 1945 and he had a career batting average of .351, ranking among the top five hitters in the league. Wilson died June 24, 1963 and was posthumously inducted into the BASEBALL HALL OF FAME in 2006.

 in 1932, RICHARD SPIKES invented the AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT. 

in 1943, The play “PORGY AND BESS,” starring TODD DUNCAN and ANNE BROWN, OPENED ON BROADWAY.

TODD DUNCAN and ANNE BROWN in “PORGY AND BESS”

in 1945, CHARLES AARON “BUBBA” SMITH, retired football player and actor, was BORN in ORANGE, TEXAS. Smith played college football at Michigan State University where he was awarded ALL-AMERICA HONORS in1965 and 1966. In 1967, he was the Baltimore Colts’ number one pick in the NFL draft. This made Smith the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN SELECTED AS A NUMBER ONE TO ACTUALLY PLAY IN A GAME.

                                   

 Over his nine season professional career, Smith was a 2-TIME PRO BOWL selection. In 1988, Smith was inducted into theCOLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME and in 2006 his number 95 JERSEY number was RETIRED BY MICHIGAN STATE. After retiring from football, Smith made a number of television and film appearances, including appearing in five of the six “Police Academy” movies.

in 1948, SGT. CORNELIUS F. ADJETEY became the FIRST MARTYR FOR NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE OF GHANA.

in 1956, ADRIAN DELANO DANTLEY, hall of fame basketball player, was BORN in WASHINGTON, DC. Dantley played college basketball at Notre Dame where he was a 2-TIME ALL-AMERICAN and the 1976 NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

                                     

He was also the leading scorer on the 1976 United States Olympic team that won the GOLD MEDAL at the Montreal Olympics. Dantley was selected by the Buffalo Braves in the 1976 NBA draft and in his first year was named the ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. Over his 15 season professional career, he was a 6-TIME ALL-STAR and 2-TIME NBA SCORING CHAMPION. Dantley retired after the 1991 season and his uniform NUMBER 4 was RETIRED BY THE UTAH JAZZ in 2007. He was inducted into the NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME in 2008. Dantley currently serves as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets.

in 1964, THELONIOUS SPHERE MONK was featured on the COVER of TIME MAGAZINE. The piece inside the magazine, called “The Loneliest Monk,” by writer Barry Farrell, gave Thelonious the credit he deserved for helping bring jazz out of the Swing era. “Monk presided at the birth of bop,” Farrell wrote of Monk’s legendary tenure as the resident piano player at Minton’s Playhouse in New York City in the 1940s. Farrell not only characterized the “iconoclastic musical path” that Monk followed through the 1950s, but also of alluded to Monk’s well-known “eccentricity,” which his loved ones knew to be a longstanding but unnamed mental illness.

For his part, Monk made light of the issue to Farrell, even joking about an incident in which he was briefly hospitalized after being found wandering alone and speaking incoherently: “I can’t be crazy,” he said, “’cause they had me in one of those places and they let me go.” Mr. Monk, an icon, legend and innovator continued performing and pursuing a truly unique direction in jazz until his death on February 17, 1982.

in 1967, WILT CHAMBERLAIN sunk an NBA record 35TH CONSECUTIVE FIELD GOAL.

in 1967, PLATOON SERGEANT MATTHEW LEONARD, Medal of Honor recipient, DIED IN ACTION. Leonard was born November 26, 1929 in Eutaw, Alabama and served in the United States Army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. On February 28, 1967, Leonard was serving as a platoon sergeant (P/Sgt.) near Suoi Da, South Vietnam when his platoon came under attack. Leonard’s citation describes his actions during the battle: “Although the platoon leader and several other key leaders were among the first wounded, P/Sgt. Leonard quickly rallied his men to throw back the initial enemy assaults.

 During the short pause that followed, he organized a defensive perimeter, redistributed ammunition, and inspired his comrades through his forceful leadership and words of encouragement. Noticing a wounded companion outside of the perimeter, he dragged the man to safety but was struck by a sniper’s bullet which shattered his left hand. Refusing medical attention and continuously exposing himself to the increasing fire as the enemy again assaulted the perimeter, P/Sgt. Leonard moved from position to position to direct the fire of his men against the well camouflaged foe. Under the cover of the main attack, the enemy moved a machine gun into a location where it could sweep the entire perimeter. P/Sgt. Leonard rose to his feet, charged the enemy gun and destroyed the hostile crew despite being hit several times by enemy fire. He moved to a tree, propped himself against it, and continued to engage the enemy until he succumbed to his many wounds. His fighting spirit, heroic leadership, and valiant acts inspired the remaining members of his platoon to hold back the enemy until assistance arrived.” President Lyndon Johnson posthumously presented Platoon Sergeant Matthew Leonard with the MEDAL OF HONOR on DECEMBER 19, 1968.

in 1967, PFC JAMES ANDERSON, JR., the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN UNITED STATES MARINE RECIPIENT OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR, DIED. Anderson was born January 22, 1947 in Los Angeles, California. He enlisted in the marines in 1966. He was promoted to private first class after graduating from recruit training and sent to Vietnam. On February 28, 1967, he was mortally wounded when, according to his citation, “an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the Marines and rolled alongside Private First Class Anderson’s head. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he reached out, grasped the grenade, pulled it to his chest and curled around it as it went off.

 Although several Marines receive shrapnel from the grenade, his body absorbed the major force of the explosion. In this singular heroic act, Private First Class Anderson saved his comrades from serious injury and possible death.” Anderson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military decoration, on August 21, 1968.

in 1968, JUANITA HALL, musical theater and film actress, DIED. Hall was born November 6, 1901 in Keyport, New Jersey and after receiving classical training at Julliard School became a leading Broadway performer.

 She performed the role of Bloody Mary, a Pacific Islander, in the musical “South Pacific” for 1,925 performances on Broadway and in 1950 became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO WIN A TONY AWARD FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS for the role. In 1958, she reprised the role in the film version of “South Pacific.” She also performed on Broadway in “Flower Drum Song” as a Chinese-American.

in 1970, JAMES AMOS PORTER, artist and “FATHER OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART HISTORY,” DIED. Porter was born December 22, 1905 in Baltimore, Maryland. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University in 1927, he accepted a position at the university as instructor of painting and drawing.

 In 1933, he received the SCHOMBURG PORTRAIT PRIZE from the Harmon Foundation for his painting “Woman Holding a Jug” (1930). In 1937, he earned a Master of Arts degree in art history from New York University and in1943 he published “MODERN NEGRO ART,” the FIRST COMPREHENSIVE STUDY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART. Porter taught at Howard for more than 40 years and was the director of the Art Gallery from 1953 to 1970. In 1965, he was selected ONE OF THE BEST ART TEACHERS IN THE NATION and was presented the award by First Lady, “Lady Bird” Johnson.

in 1977, EDMUND LINCOLN “ROCHESTER” ANDERSON, radio, television and film actor, DIED. Anderson was born September 18, 1905 in Oakland, California. He began his show business career at the age of 14 in a song and dance act called Three Black Aces. Anderson was best known for playing Rochester van Jones, the valet for Jack Benny on radio and television. Anderson first appeared on the show in March, 1937 and remained with the show until 1955.

 Anderson also appeared in more than 60 films, including “What Price Hollywood?” (1932),

“Jezebel” (1938), “Gone with the Wind” (1939), and the all-black musical film “Cabin in the Sky” (1943). His last film appearance was in the 1963 comedy “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Anderson was one of the highest paid performers of his time and he invested wisely and became very wealthy. His home in Los Angeles was opened in 1989 as Rochester House and is dedicated to helping troubled men transition into society. In 2001, Anderson was posthumously inducted into the RADIO HALL OF FAME.

in 1984, MICHAEL JACKSON WON 8 GRAMMYS AWARDS. His album, “Thriller”, broke all sales records to-date, and remains one of the top-grossing albums of all time.

MICHAEL JACKSON at the 1984 Grammy Awards

in 1990, CORNELIUS GUNTER DIED, lead singer of the Coasters, was shot to death in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gunter, ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME inductee, joined the group in 1957 and was around for such hits as “Poison Ivy” and “Charlie Brown.”

in 1990, PHILIP EMEAGWALI was awarded the GORDON BELL PRIZE (COMPUTING’S NOBEL PRIZE) for solving one of the twenty most difficult problems in the computing field.

PHILIP EMEAGWALI

in 1991, in Los Angeles, “CURTIS MAYFIELD DAY” was held.

CURTIS MAYFIELD

 

in 1998, ROBERT TODD DUNCAN, baritone opera singer and actor, DIED. Duncan was born February 12, 1903 in Danville, Kentucky. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Butler University and a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University Teachers College. In 1933, he debuted in New York City with the Aeolian Opera, a black opera company. In 1935, Duncan originated the role of Porgy in “Porgy and Bess” and played the role more than 1,800 times.

 In 1936, he led the cast in protesting the policy of segregation at the National Theater in Washington, DC. Duncan stated that he “would never play in a theater which barred him from purchasing tickets to certain seats because of his race.” Eventually theater management gave in and allowed integrated seating for the first time. In 1945, Duncan became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO SING AT A MAJOR OPERA COMPANY WHEN HE PERFORMED WITH THE NEW YORK CITY OPERA. Duncan also had a successful career as a concert singer with over 2,000 performances in 56 countries. Duncan taught voice at Howard University for more than 50 years and after retiring opened his own voice studio. In 1984, he was awarded the GEORGE PEABODY MEDAL OF MUSIC from the Peabody Conservatory of Music at John Hopkins University.

in 1999, VENUS WILLIAMS and SERENA WILLIAMS both won tournaments, marking the FIRST TIME in Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) history that SISTERS WON A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL ON THE SAME DATE. Venus won in Oklahoma City, OK and Serena won in Paris, France.

VENUS WILLIAMS and SERENA WILLIAMS

DID YOU KNOW…

• ALEXANDER LUCIUS TWILIGHT became the FIRST BLACK COLLEGE GRADUATE TO RECEIVE A BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) in 1823 from Middlebury College?
• MARY JANE PATTERSON became the FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO RECEIVE A B.A. DEGREE in 1862 from Oberlin College?    

MARY JANE PATTERSON

• JAMES MCCUNE SMITH became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO RECEIVE A MEDICAL DOCTOR DEGREE (M.D.) in 1837 from the University of Glasgow?
• REBECCA LEE CRUMPLER became the FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO RECEIVE AN M.D. DEGREE. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College in 1864?
• EDWARD A. BOUCHET, in 1876, became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO RECEIVE A PH.D. when he graduated from Yale University?
• GEORGIANA SIMPSON, University of Chicago; SADIE TANNER MOSSELL ALEXANDER, University of Pennsylvania; and EVA BEATRICE DYKES, Radcliffe College became the FIRST BLACK WOMEN IN THE U.S. TO EARN A PH.D. in 1921?

GEORGIANA SIMPSON

 SADIE TANNER MOSSELL ALEXANDER

EVA BEATRICE DYKES

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 27th…

On February 27th…

in 1788, PRINCE HALL, Founder of the African Grand Lodge of North America, now known as Prince Hall Freemasonry and Revolutionary War Veteran, led a number of free men of Boston in filing a petition to the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The men protested the unlawful seizure of three free black men who were kidnapped in Boston Harbor and taken to the West Indies to be sold into slavery.  The petition stated, among other things, that while they, the petitioners, were aware of laws against such kidnappings, there was a troubling frequency of occurrence that prevented prudent freemen from making an honest living at sea, one of the few professions open to African Americans.  The petition, along with one by a group of Quakers, and one put forward by the Boston clergy, precipitated an act to prohibit the slave trade which was passed on March 26, 1788.

Prince Hall may have been BORN in BARBADOS. On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall along with 14 other men became the FIRST BLACK MEN TO BE MADE MASONS IN AMERICA in Lodge #441 of the Irish Registry attached to the 38th British Foot Infantry at Castle William Island in Boston Harbor, MA. However, after the conflict between England and America commenced, the British Foot Infantry left along with the lodge. Subsequently, African Lodge #1 was organized and petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, the Premier or Mother Grand Lodge of the world, for a or charter to organize a regular Masonic lodge, with all the rights and privileges on March 2, 1784. African Lodge #459, the Black Lodge in America was issued a charter by the Grand Lodge of England on September 29, 1784. Prince Hall remained the FIRST GRAND MASTER OF AFRICAN GRAND LODGE until his death in 1807. In 1847, the name of African Grand Lodge was officially changed toPRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE.

 

In addition to being a Veteran of the Revolutionary War, Prince Hall was a noted abolitionist. He lobbied relentlessly for the education rights of black children and spearheaded a Back-to-Africa Movement.

in 1844, The DOMINICAN REPUBLIC gained its INDEPENDENCE FROM HAITI.

in 1833, MARIA W. STEWARD delivered one of the four speeches which confirmed her place in history as the FIRST AMERICAN-BORN WOMAN TO GIVE PUBLIC LECTURES. Stewards lectures focused on encouraging African-Americans to attain education, political rights, and public recognition for their achievements. Her speech on this day delivered at the African Masonic Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, was titled “On African Rights and Liberty.”

 Sixty-seven years later in Boston on this same day, African-American teacher and poet Angelina Weld Grimke was born. Grimke was a descendant of the famous white abolitionist and feminist sisters Angelina and Sarah Grimke.

in 1865, MAJOR MARTIN ROBINSON DELANY was commissioned as the FIRST BLACK LINE FIELD OFFICER IN THE U.S. ARMY.

 Major Delany, a judge, abolitionist, journalist, physician and writer, was arguably the first proponent of American Black Nationalism. He was one of the first three blacks admitted to Harvard Medical School.

in 1869,  JOHN WILLIS MENARD, the FIRST BLACK PERSON ELECTED TO CONGRESS, presented his case for having been denied the Louisiana Second Congressional District seat on this date in 1869. In doing so, Mr. Menard became the first Black Person to make a speech on the floor of the House.

 Congressman James A. Garfield of the examining committee said “it was too early to admit a Negro to the U.S. Congress.” Therefore, while he was never seated, Mr. Menard was the first Black person to be elected.

in 1872, CHARLOTTE E. RAY, the FIRST BLACK WOMAN LAWYER, GRADUATED from Howard University.

in 1883, WILLIAM B. PURVIS of Philadelphia, PA received PATENT No. 273,149 for a SELF-INKING HAND STAMP. It was specifically designed for postage stamp cancellation and dating the envelopes simultaneously. Between 1884 and 1897, Purvis received patents for the fountain pen, a paper bag machine, a bag fastener, an electric railway device, an electric railway switch and a magnetic car-balancing device.

in 1890, MABEL KEATON STAUPERS, a leader in breaking down racial barriers in nursing, was BORN inBARBADOS. Ms. Stauper and her family immigrated to the United States when she was 13. In 1917, she graduated from Freedmen’s Hospital School of Nursing and in 1920 helped two physicians establish the first hospital in Harlem to treat blacks with tuberculosis. 

 In 1934, Nurse Stauper became Executive Secretary of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and over the next 12 years she increased membership, established a citizen advisory committee, built coalitions with other medical groups, and dismantled many racial barriers, including integrating the Armed Forces Nurse Corps in 1945 and the American Nurses Association in 1948. Nurse Stauper earned many honors, including the NAACP SPINGARN MEDAL in 1951. In 1961, she published her autobiography, “No Time for Prejudice: A Story of the Integration of Negroes in Nursing in the United States.” Stauper died November 29, 1989.

in 1897, MARIAN ANDERSON was BORN in PHILADELPHIA, PA. Marian Anderson always claimed she was born on February 17, 1902, however her birth certificate is reported to give her birth date as February 27, 1897. At the age of six, Anderson began singing at local functions for small change.  In 1925 she got her first big break when she won a singing competition sponsored by the New York Philharmonic. Ms. Anderson’s music teacher entered her in the competition where she came in first place over 299 other singers. After being awarded a Rosenwald Fellowship in 1930, Ms. Anderson went to Europe to study for a year. After a brief return to the U.S., Ms. Anderson went back to Europe in 1933 to debut in Berlin and in Austria in 1935. On Easter Sunday in 1939, Ms. Anderson was scheduled to perform at the concert hall at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Daughters of the American Revolution, who controlled the hall, refused permission for Anderson to sing to an integrated audience in Constitution Hall.

 As a result, with the aid of President and Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt, Anderson performed a critically acclaimed concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to a crowd of more than 75,000 people and a radio audience of millions. On January 7, 1955, Ms. Anderson became the FIRST BLACK PERSON TO PERFORM AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA and in 1963 she sang at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. She also sang for PRESIDENT DWIGHT EISENHOWER’S INAUGURATION in 1957 andPRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY’S in 1961. In 1956, she published her autobiography, “My Lord, What a Morning.” The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Anderson received the NAACP SPINGARN MEDAL in 1939, thePRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM in 1963, the CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL in 1977, the KENNEDY CENTER HONORS in 1978, the NATIONAL MEDAL OF ARTS in 1986, and a GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD in 1991. Anderson died April 8, 1993 and the United States Postal Service issued a COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP in her honor.

In 1999, a one-act play entitled “My Lord, What a Morning: The Marian Anderson Story” was produced by the Kennedy Center and in 2001 the 1939 documentary film, “Marian Anderson: The Lincoln Memorial Concert,” was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” A number of biographies of Anderson have been published, including “Marian Anderson: A Singers Journey” (2002) and “The Voice that Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights” (2004). Anderson’s name is enshrined in the Ring of Genealogy at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan.

in 1907, HILTON LEE SMITH, Negro League pitcher, was BORN in SOUR LAKE, TX. Smith made his professional debut in 1932 and from 1937 until his retirement was a star pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs. Over his career, he was a 6-TIME NEGRO LEAGUE ALL-STAR. After retiring, Smith worked as a schoolteacher and scout for the Chicago Cubs. Smith died November 18, 1983 and was posthumously inducted into the BASEBALL HALL OF FAME IN 2001.

HILTON LEE SMITH

 

in 1923, DEXTER KEITH GORDON, jazz tenor saxophonist and actor, was BORN in LOS ANGELES, CA. Gordon played the clarinet from the age of 13 before switching to the saxophone at 15. Between 1940 and 1943, Gordon was a member of the Lionel Hampton Band and in 1943 he made his first recording under his name. During the first half of the 1960s, Gordon produced some of his most highly regarded work, including “Doin’ Alright” (1961) and “A Swingin’ Affair” (1962). In 1962, Gordon moved to Europe where he experienced less racism and greater respect for jazz musicians. While there he produced “Our Man in Paris” (1963), “One Flight Up” (1964), and “Getting Around” (1965). Gordon returned to the United States in 1976. In 1987, he starred in the movie “Round Midnight” which earned him an ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST ACTOR. In 1978 and 1980, he was voted MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR by Down Beat magazine and in 1980 he was inducted into the DOWN BEAT JAZZ HALL OF FAME. In 1986, Gordon was designated a NEA JAZZ MASTER by the National Endowment for the Arts and he died April 25, 1990.

in 1942, CHARLAYNE ALBERTA HUNTER-GAULT, journalist and foreign correspondent, was BORN in DUE WEST, SOUTH CAROLINA. Hunter-Gault attended Wayne State University from 1959 to 1961, the year that she and Hamilton Holmes became the first African Americans to attend the University of Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the university in 1963.

 Hunter-Gault was the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN REPORTER FOR THE NEW YORKER and the SECOND FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES. She was the chief correspondent in Johannesburg, South Africa for CNN from 1977 to 1999 and the bureau chief from 1999 to 2005. She won two Peabody Awards and two Emmy Awards for her series “Apartheid’s People.” In 1992 Hunter-Gault published her memoir, “In My Place,” about her experiences at the UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA and in 2001the university renamed its academic building the HUNTER-HOLMES ACADEMIC BUILDING. Hunter-Gault is the recipient of more than TWO DOZEN HONORARY DEGREES and in 2005 she was inducted into the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS’ HALL OF FAME.

in 1956, Specialty Records released LITTLE RICHARD’S “SLIPPIN’ AND SLIDIN’.”

in 1960, SMOKEY ROBINSON AND THE MIRACLES made their first TV appearance on “AMERICAN BANDSTAND.”

in 1961, JAMES AGER WORTHY, hall of fame basketball player, was BORN in GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA. Worthy was an All-American high school basketball player and after graduating enrolled at the University of North Carolina. In 1982, Worthy was an ALL-AMERICAN and CO-COLLEGE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. That year, he also led UNC to the NCAA basketball championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

 Worthy was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1982 NBA Draft and over his 12 season professional career was a 7-TIME ALL-STAR and 3-TIME NBA CHAMPION. Worthy retired in 1994 and in 2003 was inducted into theNAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME and the COLLEGE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME. Worthy is Chief Executive Officer of Worthy Enterprises and dedicates significant time and resources to non-profit community organizations.

in 1964, ANNA JULIA HAYWOOD COOPER, author, educator, and scholar, DIED. Cooper was born August 10, 1858 in Raleigh, North Carolina and at the age of nine received a scholarship to attend Saint Augustine’s Normal School and Collegiate Institute, a school for training teachers to educate formerly enslaved blacks and their families.

                                                             

 After completing her studies, Cooper remained at the institution as an instructor. In 1892, Cooper published her FIRST BOOK, “A VOICE FROM THE SOUTH: BY A BLACK WOMAN OF THE SOUTH,” which is widely considered the FIRST ARTICULATION OF BLACK FEMINISM. Its central thesis was that the educational, moral, and spiritual progress of Black women would improve the general standing of the entire African American community and that it was the duty of educated and successful Black women to support their underprivileged peers in achieving their goals. In 1914, Cooper began courses for her doctorial degree at Columbia University but due to family obligations was forced to stop. In 1924, at the age of 65, she earned her Ph. D. in history from the University of Paris-Sorbonne, the FOURTH BLACK WOMAN TO EARN A DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE. In 2009, the United States Postal Service issued a COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP in her honor and onPAGES 26 AND 27 OF EVERY NEW UNITED STATES PASSPORT there is the following QUOTE FROM COOPER, “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class – it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.”

in 1968, FRANKLIN JOSEPH “FRANKIE” LYMON, R&B singer and songwriter, DIED. Lymon was born September 30, 1942 in Harlem, New York. At the age of 12, he began singing in a group that called itself both The Ermines and The Premiers. In 1955, they wrote the song “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.” On the day of recording, the original lead singer was late so Lymon stepped in and sang the lead. The song became their first hit, topping the Billboard R&B singles chart for five weeks. Over the next year or so five other top ten singles followed, including “I Want You to Be My Girl” and “The ABC’s of Love.” The group’s last single, recorded in 1957, was “Goody Goody.” After that Lymon went solo but was not nearly as successful as he was with the group. Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and in 1998 a fictionalized version of Lymon’s life was told in the film “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.”

in 1988, DEBRA JANINE “DEBI” THOMAS, M.D., a U.S. Figure Skater, became the FIRST BLACK PERSON TO WIN A MEDAL AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS in Calgary when she was awarded the Bronze Medal for her Long Program performance.

in 1997, DON CORNELIUS received a STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME.

in 1999, OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, a retired Nigerian Army General, a Christian of Yoruba descent WON THE 1999 ELECTIONS, the first in sixteen years, as the People’s Democratic Party candidate for President of Nigeria with 62.6% of the vote.

 

DID YOU KNOW…

ROBERT H. LAWRENCE, JR.

 

• ROBERT H. LAWRENCE, JR. was the FIRST BLACK ASTRONAUT in 1967 but he died in a plane crash during a training flight and never made it into space?
• GUION BLUFORD became the FIRST BLACK ASTRONAUT TO TRAVEL IN SPACE in 1983?
• MAE JEMISON became the FIRST BLACK FEMAL ASTRONAUT in 1992?

• DR. BERNARD A. HARRIS, JR. became the FIRST BLACK ASTRONAUT TO PERFORM A “SPACEWALK” in1995
• FREDERICK D. GREGORY was the FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN SHUTTLE COMMANDER in 1998?

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 26th…

On February 26th…

in 1844, JAMES EDWARD O’HARA, lawyer and congressman, was BORN in NEW YORK CITY to an Irish merchant and a West Indian woman. O’Hara studied law in North Carolina and at Howard University and served as a clerk for the 1868 North Carolina state convention that drafted a new state constitution. From 1872 to 1876, O’Hara served as chairman of the board of commissioners for Halifax, North Carolina.

 Most notably, Rep. O’Hara served from 1883 to 1887 for two terms in the forty-eighth and forty-ninth congress as a Delegate to the United States House of Representatives. After being defeated for reelection, he resumed his private law practice and died September 15, 1905.

in 1869, the FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT guaranteeing the RIGHT TO VOTE SENT TO THE STATES FOR RATIFICATION.

in 1870, WYATT OUTLAW, Town Commissioner in Graham, NC and Black leader of the Union League in Alamance County, NC, was LYNCHED by the “White Brotherhood,” The Ku Klux Klan (KKK).  Outlaw was President of the organization which was an anti Ku Klux Klan group which also helped to establish the Republican party in North Carolina and advocated establishing a school for African Americans. The KKK hung him from an oak tree near the Alamance County Courthouse.  Dozens of Klansmen were arrested for the murders of Outlaw and other African Americans in Alamance and Caswell Counties. Many of the arrested men confessed, but, despite protests by Governor William W. Holden, a federal judge in Salisbury ordered them released.

in 1877, in WASHINGTON, DC‘s Wormley Hotel, SUPPORTERS OF RUTHERFORD B. HAYES MET with southern leaders to negotiate the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. The action paved the way for Hayes’ presidential election.

in 1921, DR. CARTER GODWIN WOODSON FOUNDED “ASSOCIATED PUBLISHERS” to provide a forum for publication of valuable books on African history not then acceptable to most publishers.

in 1926, DR. CARTER GODWIN WOODSON FIRST INSTITUTED THE CELEBRATION OF NEGRO HISTORY WEEK. In subsequent years, it would be celebrated during the intended week of February which coincides with President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ Birthdays with Douglass’ Birthday being the default week when they did not fall on the same week. In 1976, the week was expanded to the currently recognized “Black History Month.” Dr. Woodson became known as the “Father of Black History” for his efforts in promoting knowledge of black historical achievements. When explaining the need for the celebration, Dr. Woodson once explained, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

in 1926, THEODORE “GEORGIA DEACON” FLOWERS a.k.a. “Tiger” defeated Harry Greb to become the FIRST AFICAN AMERICAN TO WIN THE WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT BOXING TITLE.

in 1928, ANTOINE DOMINIQUE “FATS” DOMINO, pianist, singer and songwriter, was BORN in NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. Domino first attracted national attention with the 1949 release, “Fat Man” which is widely regarded to be the first rock and roll record to sell more than a million copies. Over his career, Domino recorded 37 top 40 singles, including “Ain’t That a Shame” (1955), “Blue Monday” (1956), and “Blueberry Hill” (1956), his biggest hit which was number 1 on the R&B charts for 11 weeks and sold more than 5 million copies. In 2001, “Blueberry Hill” was voted the 18th most popular song of the 20th century in a National Endowment for the Arts poll. Domino was inducted into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME IN 1986, received the GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN 1987, received the PIONEER AWARD FROM THE RHYTHM AND BLUES FOUNDATION IN 1995, and was presented with the NATIONAL MEDAL FOR THE ARTS BY PRESIDENT WILLIAM CLINTON IN 1998. On November 8, 2007, at a star studded affair at “The Pink Elephant”, formerly the infamous Studio 54 night club, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, presented Fats Domino with a KEY TO THE CITY. The affair would highlight the music of New Orleans and the legendary Fats Domino.

After Hurricane Katrina, it was incorrectly reported that Domino had died when in fact he was rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter. In 2006, Domino released an album, “Alive and Kickin’,” to support New Orleans’ musicians. Domino has sold more than 110 million records in his career.

Antoine was the youngest of eight children born into a Creole family that spoke French as its first language. Domino’s father was a fiddle player, but it was his much older brother-in-law, Harrison Verrett, who taught young Antoine the piano. By age 10, Antoine was playing professionally in New Orleans honky-tonks, where he earned the nickname “Fats” from bandleader Bill Diamond. In 1949, he caught the eye and ears of trumpeter, band leader and Imperial Records talent scout Dave Bartholomew, and a legendary partnership was born.

The first record Fats Domino put out with Bartholomew as his producer/collaborator was 1949’s “The Fat Man,” a big, foot-stomping boogie-woogie that established Domino’s signature sound. Over the next half-decade, Domino’s backbeat-heavy, rolling piano played a vital role in defining the shape of rock and roll. “Ain’t That A Shame” needed a boost from Pat Boone’s white-bread cover version before finding its way to the pop charts in 1955, but that breakthrough paved the way for two more top-five pop hits in “Blueberry Hill” and “I’m Walkin'” in 1956 and 1957, respectively.

After three decades as a major international star—a star who sold an estimated 65 million records worldwide—Domino went into semi-retirement in the 1980s, announcing that he would no longer travel outside his native New Orleans. A man of his word, Domino was not enticed to travel even to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, a National Medal of the Arts from President Bill Clinton or induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Domino remained a neighborhood fixture in the Ninth Ward, however, living in his colorful double-shotgun mansion and making occasional forays out to local clubs in his enormous, bright-pink Cadillac. Not surprisingly, Fats Domino returned to New Orleans as soon as he could following Hurricane Katrina.

Fats Domino was the best selling R&B artist of the 1950s according to Billboard books.

New York City Mayor, Michael R. Bloomberg presents Fats Domino with a Key to the City

in 1930, “THE GREEN PASTURES”  OPENED at Mansfield Theater.

in 1933,  GODFREY MACARTHUR CAMBRIDGE, comedian and stage and film actor, was BORN in NEW YORK CITY. Cambridge made his Broadway debut in “Nature’s Way” (1951) and later appeared in “The Blacks” (1961), in a performance that earned him an OBIE AWARD. In 1967, he appeared on screen in “The President’s Analyst” and in 1970 in “Watermelon Man” and “Cotton Comes to Harlem.” Cambridge also appeared on television shows as a stand-up comedian. Cambridge died on November 29, 1976 while on the set of the movie “Victory at Entebbe.”

in 1962, WILT CHAMBERLAIN, of the NBA Philadelphia Warriors, SCORED 67 POINTS against the New York Knicks.

in 1965, JIMMIE LEE JACKSON, an unarmed Civil Rights protestor, was SHOT TO DEATH BY AN ALABAMA STATE TROOPER. Mr. Jackson, a Deacon in Marion, Alabama, was only 26 years old on the day of the shooting. On February 18, 1965, approximately 500 people attempted a peaceful walk to the Perry County Jail where a young Civil Rights worker was being held. The demonstrations were designed to get the attention of the Johnson administration in Washington, DC. The protesters were met by Marion City police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and Alabama State Troopers who began to beat the protesters. When Jackson attempted to protect his mother, a trooper shot Mr. Jackson twice in the abdomen and he died from the wounds a week later. Trooper James Bonard Fowler admitted to shooting Jackson but in September, 1965 a grand jury declined to indict him. On May 10, 2007, 42 years after the crime, Fowler was charged with first and second degree murder for the death of Jackson. In 2010, two weeks before he was scheduled to go to trial, Fowler pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor second-degree manslaughter charge and was sentenced to six months in jail. Civil rights activists, outraged by his death, planned a march from the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma to Montgomery.

in 1966, ANDREW BRIMMER became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN GOVERNOR OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD when he was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

ANDREW BRIMMER

in 1971, ERICA ABI WRIGHT a.k.a. ERYKAH BADU was BORN in SOUTH DALLAS, TEXAS. Ms. Badu is considered one of the pioneers of the Neo-Soul genre of music. She has a number of critically acclaimed hits including “On & On”, “You Got Me” featuring “The Roots”, “Bag Lady” and “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)” featuring Common.

ERICA ABI WRIGHT a.k.a. ERYKAH BADU

 in 1973, MARSHALL WILLIAM FAULK, hall of fame football player, was BORN IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. Faulk played collegiate football at San Diego State University and was a 3-TIME FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN. Mr. Faulk entered the NFL Draft in 1994 in lieu of his senior year and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts. For his performance that season, he was elected NFL OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. Over his 13 season professional career, Faulk was a 7-TIME PRO BOWL SELECTION, 3-TIME NFL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, and in 2001 won the BERT BELL AWARD as the PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

 Marshall is the only player to have more than 12,000 yards rushing and 6,000 yards receiving over his career. He also holds the NFL record for most games with over 200 yards rushing with 14. Faulk’s number 28 JERSEY wasRETIRED BY THE ST. LOUIS RAMS in 2007 and he was inducted into the PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME in2011. In 1999, Faulk established the MARSHALL FAULK FOUNDATION “to provide assistance to inner-city youth organizations and underprivileged children.” Since inception, the foundation has DONATED MORE THAN $500,000. Faulk is currently an analyst for various NFL television programs.

in 1983, MICHAEL JACKSON‘s album “THRILLER” album hits number one on the pop charts and stays there for 37 WEEKS.

MICHAEL JACKSON

 

in 1985, CHARLES EDWARD ANDERSON a.k.a. CHUCK BERRY received a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT GRAMMY at the 27th Grammy Awards. Lionel Richie won Best Album of the Year for “Can’t Slow Down” and Tina Turner was a big winner with Best Song, Best Record and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Female for “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”

CHARLES EDWARD ANDERSON a.k.a. CHUCK BERRY

 

in 1987, MICHAEL JORDAN, scored 58 POINTS IN A GAME for the Chicago Bulls franchise record. This broke the 53 point record Jordan broke on January 8, 1987 which was second for both the franchise and home court records. Jordan, would go on to be the only player to break his own record 5 more times with the highest, and still the team record, of 69 points coming in March 28, 1990 in Cleveland and the Chicago Stadium record of 64 points coming against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 1993.

in 1989, ROY DAVID ELDRIDGE, jazz trumpeter, DIED. Eldridge was born January 30, 1911 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He originally played drums, tuba, and trumpet. Eldridge led bands from his early years, moving to St. Louis and New York, where he played in various bands in the early 1930s. From 1941 to 1943, he played in the Gene Krupa Orchestra and then joined Artie Shaw’s band. Eldridge’s discography includes “Nuts” (1950), “Little Jazz” (1957), “Happy Time” (1975), and “Roy Eldridge & Vic Dickenson” (1978). Eldridge was inducted into the DOWN BEAT JAZZ HALL OF FAME in 1971 and was designated a NEA JAZZ MASTER BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS in 1982. His biography, “Roy Eldridge, Little Jazz Giant,” was published in 2002.

in 1998, A TEXAS JURY REJECTED AN $11 MILLION LAWSUIT by TEXAS CATTLEMEN who blamed OPRAH WINFREY for price drop after on-air comment about mad-cow disease.

in 2005, Oscar winner HALLE BERRY accepts a RAZZIE AWARD for her role in Catwoman. In a show of humor and humility, Berry shocked everyone by coming onstage at the Ivar Theatre to accept her statuette for Worst Actress.

 Grasping her cheap Razzie in one hand and her Academy Award in the other, she made a lengthy speech (which she later admitted to have spent two days working on) that parodied her 2002 Oscar acceptance speech. “It was just what my career needed,” she claimed. “I was at the top and now I’m at the bottom.”

HALLE BERRY

DID YOU KNOW…

• BOB PETTIT and KOBE BRYANT are the only two players to win the ALL-STAR GAME MVP 4 TIMES?
• OSCAR ROBERTSON, MICHAEL JORDAN, and SHAQUILLE O’NEAL have each won the award 3 TIMES?
• BOB COUSY, JULIUS ERVING, ISIAH THOMAS, MAGIC JOHNSON, KARL MALONE, ALLEN IVERSON, and LEBRON JAMES have all won the award 2 TIMES?
• LEBRON JAMES‘ first All-Star MVP in 2006 made him the YOUNGEST TO HAVE EVER WON THE AWARD at the age of 21?
• FOUR NBA ALL-STAR GAMES HAD JOINT WINNERS? Elgin Baylor and Bob Pettit in 1959, and John Stockton and Karl Malone in 1993, Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan in 2000 and Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in 2009.
• SHAQUILLE O’NEAL became the FIRST PLAYER IN ALL-STAR HISTORY TO SHARE TWO MVP AWARDS?
• TIM DUNCAN of the U.S. Virgin Islands is the ONLY WINNER NOT BORN IN THE UNITED STATES?

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 25th…

On February 25th…

in 1853, the FIRST BLACK YMCA was FOUNDED by ANTHONY BOWEN, a freed slave, in WASHINGTON, DC. It was the FIRST NON-CHURCH BLACK INSTITUTION IN AMERICA, predating Lincoln University in Oxford, Pa., by a year. With the help of a group of friends, Mr. Bowen, the principal founder organized the “YMCA for Colored Men and Boys.” This YMCA was founded only nine years after the world’s first YMCA was founded in London, England and less than two years after the first North American YMCAs were organized in Boston and Montreal. This milestone was achieved eight years before the Civil War and ten years before slavery officially ended in the United States.

Anthony Bowen, a true trailblazer, was born a slave in 1809 and was the FIRST BLACK MAN TO BECOME A CLERK IN THE U.S. PATENT OFFICE. It was a white co-worker, William Chauncy Langdon, a member of the board of the year-old Washington YMCA for white men and boys who first told Mr. Bowen about the YMCA. With black people barred from membership in any organizations of the day, Bowen decided that a “Black YMCA” was needed.

As Anthony Bowen’s work in the 1850s indicates, African Americans embraced the YMCA early on, but social and financial conditions for black people made it difficult for the movement to grow very quickly. However, by the late 1860s, the movement grew roots in the black community and gave life to associations in New York City, Philadelphia, Charleston, SC and Harrisburg, PA. In 1867, E. V. C. Eato of New York City became the first black delegate to attend the YMCA’s annual convention.

The DC branch of the organization was incorporated on June 6, 1892. Its first building at Twelfth Street, N.W. in Washington DC was dedicated on 12 May 1912. African American citizens of Washington contributed $27,000 toward the cost. In 1972, the name was officially changed from “Twelfth Street YMCA” to the “Anthony Bowen Branch YMCA” in honor of its founder and first president.

in 1837, CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY, the OLDEST INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, was founded in CHEYNEY, PA, west of Philadelphia. At its founding, the university was named theAFRICAN INSTITUTE however the name was changed several weeks later to THE INSTITUTE FOR COLORED YOUTH. In subsequent years, the school was named CHEYNEY TRAINING SCHOOL FOR TEACHERS, CHEYNEY STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE, and CHEYNEY STATE COLLEGE. Today the university has approximately 1,300 undergraduate students, 180 graduate students and 125 faculty members. Notable alumni include Bayard Rustin, Ed Bradley, Robert W. Bogle, Congressman Curt Weldon, and Ambassador Joseph M. Segars.

in 1870, two days after Mississippi was granted representation in Congress for the first time since it seceded in 1861, HON. HIRAM RHODES REVELS was sworn in, becoming THE FIRST BLACK U.S. SENATOR. Sen. Revels represented Mississippi from Feb. 25, 1870, to March 4, 1871, during reconstruction. However, because, there were no black delegates in the House of Representatives, Sen. Revels is also the FIRST BLACK PERSON TO SERVE IN THE U.S. CONGRESS. During the Civil War, Revels, a college-educated minister, helped form African American army regiments for the Union cause, started a school for freed men, and served as a chaplain for the Union army. Posted to Mississippi, Revels remained in the former Confederate state after the war and entered into Reconstruction-era Southern politics.

 In 1867, the first Reconstruction Act was passed by a Republican-dominated U.S. Congress, dividing the South into five military districts and granting suffrage to all male citizens, regardless of race. A politically mobilized African American community joined with white allies in the Southern states to elect the Republican Party to power, which in turn brought about radical changes across the south. By 1870, all the former Confederate states had been readmitted to the Union, and most were controlled by the Republican Party, thanks in large part to the support of African American voters. On January 20, 1870, Hiram R. Revels was elected by the Mississippi legislature to fill the Senate seat once held by Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy.

in 1919, Monford Merrill “MONTE” IRVIN, hall of fame baseball player, was BORN IN HALEBURG, ALABAMA. Irvin began playing baseball professionally in the Negro League where he starred until 1949 when he was signed by the New York Giants of the Major Leagues. Despite being interrupted by serving in the military from 1943 to 1945, Irvin was a 5-TIME NEGRO LEAGUE ALL-STAR. In his eight season Major League career, Irvin was anALL-STAR ONCE and LED THE NATIONAL LEAGUE IN RBIS in 1951. After retiring, Irvin worked as a scout for the New York Mets for two years and from 1968 to 1984 served as a public relations specialist in the baseball commissioner’s office. Irvin was inducted into the BASEBALL HALL OF FAME in 1973 and continues to campaign for recognition of deserving Negro League veterans.

in 1928, ALOYISUS LEON HIGGINBOTHAM, JR., civil rights advocate, author, and federal judge, was BORN IN EWING, NEW JERSEY. Higginbotham earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949 from Antioch College and his law degree from Yale University in 1952. From 1954 to 1962, he worked in private practice as a member of theFIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN LAW FIRM IN PHILADELPHIA. In 1962, President John Kennedy appointed Higginbotham a commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission, the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN APPOINTED A COMMISSIONER ON ANY REGULATORY COMMISSION.

 In 1964, he was appointed a District Court judge by President Lyndon Johnson and served 13 years before being elevated to the United States Court of Appeals by President Jimmy Carter. He was Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals from 1990 to 1991 before retiring from the bench in 1993. Higginbotham founded the South Africa Free Election Fund and raised several million dollars to support fair elections in South Africa and served as one of the international mediators of the 1994 election. After the election, he helped the government draft a new constitution. President William Clinton awarded Higginbotham the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM in 1995 and in 1996 the NAACP awarded him the SPINGARN MEDAL. Higginbotham died on December 14, 1998. “The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law” annually presents the A. Leon Higginbotham Corporate Leadership Award.

in 1928, “One-Man Show of Art by Negro, First of Kind Here, Opens Today,” read the headline of a front-page article in ‘The New York Times’ on this day. The article announced the opening of ARCHIBALD J. MOTLEY, JR.‘s show at the New Gallery on Madison Avenue. This was the FIRST TIME IN HISTORY THAT AN ARTIST HAD MADE THE FRONT PAGE OF ‘THE NEW YORK TIMES’ and it was the SECOND ONE-PERSON SHOW BY A BLACK ARTIST. HENRY OSSAWA TANNER had the FIRST ONE-PERSON SHOW BY A BLACK ARTIST.  

in 1930, ARCHIBALD HENRY GRIMKE, lawyer, journalist, diplomat and CO-FOUNDER OF THE NAACP, DIED. Grimke was born enslaved on August 17, 1849 in Charleston, SC. He and his family were freed by their owner upon his death. Grimke went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, and a Master of Arts degree from Lincoln University in 1870 and 1872, respectively. In 1874, he earned a law degree from Harvard University.

 After doing graduate work at Princeton Theological Seminary, Grimke was ordained a Presbyterian minister. Grimke served as the American Consul to the Dominican Republic from 1894 to 1898 and in 1909, was a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In 1919, Grimke was awarded theNAACP SPINGARN MEDAL. A biography of his life, “Archibald Grimke: Portrait of a Black Independent,” was published in 1993.

in 1948, REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. was ORDAINED as a Baptist minister

REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

in 1951, JOSEPH “CYCLONE JOE” WILLIAMS, Negro League baseball pitcher, DIED. Williams was born April 6, 1886 in Seguin, Texas. He began playing baseball professionally in 1905. Although records are sketchy, Williams was credited with 41 wins and 3 losses in 1914. He also pitched many games against major league stars in post-season barnstorming exhibitions and is credited with posting a record of 20 wins and 7 losses in those games.

 Williams retired in 1932 and although most modern sources consider Satchel Paige to be the greatest Negro League pitcher, a 1952 poll by the Pittsburgh Courier gave that title to Williams. Williams was inducted into theBASEBALL HALL OF FAME IN 2001.

in 1951, Olympic Gold Medalist, DONALD QUARRIE, One of the top sprinters in the world in his day was BORN in Kingston, Jamaica.

in 1964, before a crowd of 8,300 spectators at the Convention Hall Arena in Miami Beach, Fla., CASSIUS MARCELLUS CLAY, JR. was awarded a TKO (Technical Knockout) in 6 rounds OVER SONNY LISTON to win his FIRST OF THREE HEAVYWEIGHT TITLES. Clay was undefeated but had been knocked down and almost out by England’s Henry Cooper in his previous bout. Clay came into the match a 10-1 underdog against the seemingly invincible Liston. However, Clay predicted victory, boasting that he would “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” and knock out Liston in the eighth round. This loud taunting and high pulse rate before the bout convinced many that he was terrified of the Liston, then Champion. At the end of the fourth round, blinded by an unknown substance, Clay begged trainer Angelo Dundee to let him quit. Dundee did not oblige. Instead, Clay, nicknamed the “Louisville Lip,” proved to not be a bragging fraud. Clay danced and backpedaled away from Liston’s powerful swings and circled the onrushing Liston until his vision cleared. He peppered the Champion with quick, yet, punishing jabs to Liston’s head and a bevy of straight rights. Liston hurt his shoulder in the first round, injuring some muscles when he swung for and missed the fleet-footed and elusive. At the end of round 6, the Champ and Clay were almost equal in points. However, the Champion complained of the injured shoulder again and stayed on his stool. The loquacious 22-year old youngster had shocked the odds-makers with a seventh-round technical knockout. It is still rumored that Liston faked the injury and threw the fight, but there has never been any evidence, such as a significant change in bidding odds just before the bout, to support the claim.

Mr. Clay was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1942. He started boxing at age 12 and had amassed a record of over 100 wins in amateur competition by age 18. In 1959, he won the INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE and in 1960, a GOLD MEDAL IN THE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CATEGORY AT THE SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES IN ROME. Clay turned professional after the Olympics and went undefeated in his first 19 bouts, earning him the right to challenge Sonny Liston, who had defeated Floyd Patterson in 1962 to win the heavyweight title.

To celebrate winning the world heavyweight title, Clay went to a private party at a Miami hotel that was attended by his friend Malcolm X, an outspoken leader of the Black Muslim group known as the Nation of Islam. Two days later, a markedly more restrained Clay announced he was joining the Nation of Islam and defended the organization’s concept of racial segregation while speaking of the importance of the Muslim religion in his life. Later in 1964, Clay, who was the descendant of a runaway Kentucky slave, rejected the name originally given to his family by a slave owner and TOOK THE MUSLIM NAME OF MUHAMMAD ALI.

Muhammad Ali would go on to become one of the 20th century’s greatest sporting figures, as much for his social and political influence as his prowess in his chosen sport. After successfully defending his title nine times, it was stripped from him in 1967 after he refused induction into the U.S. Army on the grounds that he was a Muslim minister and therefore a conscientious objector. That year, he was sentenced to five years in prison for violating the Selective Service Act but was allowed to remain free as he appealed the decision. His popularity plummeted, but many across the world applauded his bold stand against the Vietnam War.

In 1970, Ali was allowed to return to the boxing ring, and the next year the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Ali’s draft evasion conviction. In 1974, he REGAINED THE HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE in a match against George Foreman in Zaire and successfully defended it in a brutal 15-round contest against Joe Frazier in the Philippines in the following year. In 1978, he lost the title to Leon Spinks but later that year DEFEATED SPINKS IN A REMATCH, making him the FIRST BOXER TO WIN THE HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE THREE TIMES. He retired in 1979 but returned to the ring twice in the early 1980s.

The former “Draft Dodger” would go on to become a notable figure in American and International diplomatic affairs. In 1990, Ali was inducted into the INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME and in 1996, he LIT THE OLYMPIC FLAME at the opening ceremonies of the Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia. On JANUARY 8, 2005, Muhammad Ali was presented with the PRESIDENTIAL CITIZENS MEDAL BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH. At a White House ceremony on NOVEMBER 9, 2005, Muhammad Ali was awarded the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM.  On DECEMBER 17, 2005 Mr. Ali received the “OTTO HAHN PEACE MEDAL IN GOLD” from the UN Association of Germany (DGVN) in Berlin for his work with the US Civil Rights Movement and the United Nations.

in 1967, CARL J. MURPHY, journalist, civil rights leader and educator, DIED. Murphy was born January 17, 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1911 and a Master of Arts degree from Harvard University in 1913. Murphy served as chairman of the German Department at Howard from 1913 to 1918. 

 In 1922, he assumed control of the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper and over the next four decades solidified it as a major African American newspaper, increasing circulation from 14,000 to more than 200,000 with over 200 employees. Under his leadership, the newspaper was deeply involved in the organization of the 1965 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Murphy was awarded the NAACP SPINGARN MEDAL in 1955. The Murphy Fine Arts Center and the Carl J. Murphy Scholarship Fund at Morgan State University are named in his honor.

in 1975, ELIJAH MUHAMMAD, leader of the Nation of Islam, DIED. Muhammad was born Elijah Poole on October 7, 1897 in Sandersville, Georgia. By the fourth grade, he left school to work in the fields and at 16 left home to work in factories and businesses in the area. In 1923, Poole and his family moved to Hamtramck, Michigan. In 1931, he converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad and in 1932 he took over leadership of Temple No. 1 in Detroit. In 1934, Muhammad was named Minister of Islam. In 1942, he was charged with eight counts of sedition for instructing his followers not to register with Selective Service or serve in the military. Found guilty, he served four years in prison. Following his release from prison, the Nation of Islam grew significantly and by the 1970s they owned businesses, farmland, schools and a bank. In 1972, Muhammad stated that the NOI had a net worth of $75 million. In the early 1990s, the City of Detroit renamed part of Linwood Avenue, “Elijah Muhammad Boulevard.” Several books have been published about Muhammad, including “An Original Man: The Life and Times of Elijah Muhammad” (1998) and “The Messenger: The Rise and Fall of Elijah Muhammad” (2001).

in 1978, DANIEL “CHAPPIE” JAMES, JR., the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO ACHIEVE THE RANK OF 4 STAR GENERAL IN THE U.S. AIR FORCE, DIED at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. General James was born February 11, 1920 in Pensacola, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee Institute in 1942. As a Tuskegee Airman, During World War II, he trained pilots but flew 101 combat missions during the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, James flew 78 combat missions, including “Operation Bolo” in which seven Communist planes were destroyed, the highest total kill of any mission during the war.

Gen. Daniel James Jr. Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. (U.S. Air Force photo)

 In 1975, James was promoted to four star grade and assigned as commander in chief, NORAD/ADCOM, where he had operational command of all United States and Canadian strategic aerospace defense forces. During his career, James received the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, LEGION OF MERIT, and the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. James retired from the Air Force three weeks prior to his death. As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., General James is a LAUREL WREATH LAUREATE, the fraternity’s highest honor. In 2003, General James’ name was enshrined in the Ring of Genealogy at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan.

 

in 1980, Asa Bundy Sheffey, a.k.a. ROBERT E. HAYDEN, poet, DIED. Hayden was born on August 4, 1913 in Detroit, Michigan and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Detroit City College, later renamed Wayne State University, in 1942.

 Hayden published his first book of poetry, “Heart-Shape in the Dust,” in 1940 and he gained international recognition in 1966 when he was awarded the grand prize for poetry at the First World Festival of Negro Arts for his book “Ballad of Remembrance.” In 1976, he was appointed the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN CONSULTANT IN POETRY, LATER NAMED POET LAUREATE, TO THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

in 1987, Edgar Daniel “E.D.” NIXON, civil rights leader and primary figure in the Montgomery Bus Boycott DIED in Montgomery, AL.

in 1989, MIKE TYSON BEAT FRANK BRUNO in 5 rounds by TKO (Technical Knockout) to defend his UNIFIED HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING TITLE.

in 1991, ADRIENNE MITCHELL, the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO DIE IN COMBAT IN THE PERSIAN GULF WAR was killed in her military barracks in Dharan, Saudi Arabia 

in 1992, JAMES BROWN received the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT GRAMMY AWARD.

in 1994, Arnold Raymond Cream a.k.a. JERSEY JOE WALCOTT, hall of fame boxer, DIED. Mr. Walcott was born on January 31, 1914 in Merchantville, New Jersey. He made his professional boxing debut in 1930 and in 1951 won the heavyweight championship at the age of 37. Over his 23 year professional boxing career, he had a record of 51 wins, 18 losses and 2 draws. After retiring, Walcott worked as a boxing referee and in 1972 became Sheriff of Camden County. From 1975 to 1984, he served as Chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission. In 1990, Walcott was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

in 1994, the mayor of MARIETTA, GEORGIA proclaimed February 25th “LONNIE G. JOHNSON DAY.” Mr. Johnson, an inventor from his childhood years, is most notably, the INVENTOR OF THE SUPER SOAKER.

in 1998, Ellas Otha Bates a.k.a. BO DIDDLEY received the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT GRAMMY AWARD.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW…

• ALAIN L. LOCKE became the FIRST BLACK RHODES SCHOLAR in 1907?
• DANIEL A. PAYNE became the FIRST BLACK COLLEGE PRESIDENT in 1856 when he took the lead atWILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY in Ohio?
• DR. RUTH SIMMONS became the FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF AN IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL at BROWN UNIVERSITY in 2001?

DR. RUTH SIMMONS

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 24th…

in 1811, BISHOP DANIEL ALEXANDER PAYNE, D.D, L.L.D, clergyman, educator, college administrator and author, was BORN IN CHARLESTON, SC. Payne taught himself mathematics, physical science, and classical languages while studying at home. In 1829, at the age of 18, he opened his first school which he was forced to close in 1835 after South Carolina enacted a law making teaching literacy to free and enslaved people of color grounds for imprisonment. In 1840, Payne joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in 1852 wasELECTED A BISHOP. In 1856, Payne was a founding member of the Board of Directors of Wilberforce University which was sponsored by the AME denomination to provide collegiate education to African Americans. Wilberforce University was the FIRST BLACK SCHOOL OF HIGHER LEARNING OWNED AND OPERATED BY AFRICAN AMERICANS.

When Bishop Payne became PRESIDENT OF WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY, he was the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT IN THE COUNTRY. He served in this capacity from 1865 to 1877. Payne authored his memoir, “Recollections of Seventy Years,” in 1888 and “The History of the A. M. E. Church” in 1891. Payne died on November 2, 1893. DANIEL PAYNE COLLEGE, a historically black college in Alabama that closed in 1979, was named in his honor. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY in Wilberforce, Ohio is also named in his honor.

in 1864, REBECCA DAVIS LEE CRUMPLER became the FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO RECEIVE AN M.D. DEGREE. After working as a nurse in Massachusetts from 1852-1860, Dr. Crumpler graduated from the New England Female Medical College.

in 1884, Hon. WILLIAM ALEXANDER CLARKE BUSTAMANTE, the first Prime Minister of Jamaica, was BORN IN HANOVER, JAMAICA. He took the name Bustamante to honor an Iberian sea captain who befriended him in his youth. After traveling the world, Bustamante returned to Jamaica in 1932 and became a leader in the struggle against colonial rule. In 1937, he became treasurer of the Jamaica Worker’s union. As a result of these activities, he was imprisoned for subversive activities from 1940 to 1942. Jamaica was granted independence in 1962 and Bustamante served as THE INDEPENDENT COUNTRY’S FIRST PRIME MINISTER FROM 1962 TO 1967. In 1969, he was PROCLAIMED A “NATIONAL HERO OF JAMAICA.”

in 1906, CLARENCE ALBERT BACOTE, historian, scholar and political activist, was BORN IN KANSAS CITY, MO. Dr. Bacote earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1926 and both masters and doctorial degrees in history from the University of Chicago in 1929 and 1955, respectively. In 1930, he joined the history faculty at Atlanta University where he taught until his retirement in 1977. Dr. Bacote was a specialist in Reconstruction history and published numerous scholarly articles. In 1933, he became the FIRST DIRECTOR OF THE CITIZENSHIP SCHOOLS established by the Atlanta branch of the NAACP to educate blacks on the operation of their government. In 1946, he helped establish, and served as the chairman of, the Atlanta All-Citizens Registration Committee to register blacks to vote. Within five months, black registered voters increased from 6,976 to 21,244. As chair of the organization until 1953, Bacote is credited with registering thousands of African American voters and organizing them into a political force in Atlanta. After retiring from Atlanta University, Bacote taught history at Morehouse College until his death on May 1, 1981.

in 1915, AMANDA BERRY SMITH, evangelist, DIED. Smith was born enslaved in Long Green, Maryland. As a child, her father worked for years to save enough money to buy his family’s freedom and when she was 13 she moved to Pennsylvania to work. Smith became well known for her beautiful voice and evangelized throughout the South and the West. In 1876, she was invited to speak and sing in England and ended up staying for a year and a half conducting religious services. After her return to the United States, she founded the Amanda Smith Orphan’s Home for African American children in a suburb of Chicago. She continued to evangelize and became known as “God’s image carved in ebony.” In 1893, her autobiography, “The Story of the Lord’s Dealings with Mrs. Amanda Smith, the Colored Evangelist,” was published. Smith retired to Florida in 1912 where she lived until her death.

in 1952, Frederick Rudolph “FRED” DEAN, hall of fame football player, was BORN IN ARCADIA, LA. Dean played college football at Louisiana Tech University and was an All-Southland Conference defensive tackle. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 1975 NFL Draft and over his eleven season professional career was a 4-TIME PRO BOWL SELECTION, 2-TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMPION, and the 1981 NFC PLAYER OF THE YEAR. Dean retired in 1985 and was inducted into the PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME IN 2008 and theCOLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME IN 2009.

in 1952, RALPH WALDO ELLISON‘s novel “The Invisible Man” was published. The book became the FIRST MAJOR LITERARY WORK TO DESCRIBE AMERICA’S RACIAL TENSIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A BLACK MAN. Later that year, the book won the NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION.

RALPH WALDO ELLISON

 

in 1956, EDDIE CLARENCE MURRAY, hall of fame baseball player, was BORN in LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. Murray was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1973 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 1977 and won the AMERICAN LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD.

Over his 21 season professional career, Murray was an 8-TIME ALL-STAR SELECTION and 3-TIME GOLD GLOVE AWARD WINNER. He retired in 1997 with 3,255 HITS and 504 HOMERUNS and in 2003 was inducted into the BASEBALL HALL OF FAME. After retiring, Murray served as hitting coach for the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers.

in 1978, ALMA WOODSEY THOMAS, painter and art educator, DIED. Thomas was born September 22, 1891 in Columbus, Georgia. In 1924, she earned her BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS degree from Howard University, becoming the FIRST GRADUATE OF THE PROGRAM. In 1934, she became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO EARN A MASTER OF FINE ARTS DEGREE FROM COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY. She was also the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO HAVE A SOLO EXHIBIT AT THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART.

After 35 years of teaching in the Washington D. C. public school system, Thomas retired in 1960 but continued to offer her weekly art classes to children from Washington’s poorest neighborhoods. The Columbus Museum and the Smithsonian American Art Museum hold important collections of Thomas’ paintings and papers. “A Life in Art: Alma Thomas 1891 – 1978” was published in 1981 and “Alma W. Thomas: A Retrospective of the Paintings” was published in 1998.

in 1987, Antoine Dominique “FATS” DOMINO, Jr. received a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at the 29TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS.

FATS DOMINO

 

 

in 1987, Ferdinand Lewis “Lew” Alcindor, Jr. a.k.a. KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR, of the Los Angeles Lakers scored his 36,000TH NBA POINT. On the same night, Kareem scored HIS FIRST THREE-POINT SHOT in the NBA.

in 1989, President George Bush named WILLIAM LUCAS, a Detroit attorney, to the position of ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR CIVIL RIGHTS.

in 1992, EDWARD JOSEPH PERKINS, the FIRST BLACK AMBASSADOR TO SOUTH AFRICA in 1986, was nominated as UN Ambassador by President George Bush.

EDWARD JOSEPH PERKINS

 

in 1999, LAURYN HILL won FIVE GRAMMY AWARDS for her debut solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Although the album received ten nominations, the five it received was the MOST AWARDS EVER WON BY A WOMAN.

LAURYN HILL

in 2006, OCTAVIA ESTELLE BUTLER, award winning science fiction writer, died. Butler was born June 22, 1947 in Pasadena, California. She began writing at the age of 10 and at 12 began a lifelong interest in science fiction. In 1968, she earned an associate’s degree from Pasadena City College and then participated in a number of writing workshops. Her first published short story, “Crossover,” appeared in 1971. Butler’s works have won a number of awards, including the 1984 Hugo Award for Best Short Story for “Speech Sounds” and the 1999 Nebula Award for Best Novel for “Parable of the Talents.” Her novelette, “Bloodchild,” won the 1984 Nebula Award for Best Novelette, the 1985 Science Fiction Chronicle Award for Best Novelette, the 1985 Locus Award for Best Novelette and the 1985 Hugo Award for Best Novelette.

 In 1995, she became the FIRST SCIENCE FICTION WRITER TO RECEIVE THE MACARTHUR FOUNDATION “GENIUS” GRANT. The Octavia E. Butler Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 to provide an annual scholarship for writers of color to attend one of the writing workshops where Butler got her start. In 2010, Butler was posthumously inducted into the SCIENCE FICTION HALL OF FAME.

DID YOU KNOW…

 

GWENDOLYN BROOKS

 

• GWENDOLYN BROOKS was the FIRST BLACK PULITZER PRIZE WINNER FOR POETRY in 1950 after her second book, “Annie Allen”.
• CHARLES GORDONE was the FIRST BLACK PULITZER PRIZE WINNER FOR DRAMA in 1970 for his play “No Place to Be Somebody.”

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 23rd…

in 1868, William Edward Burghardt “W.E.B.” DUBOIS was BORN in GREAT BARRINGTON, MA. Dr. DuBois was a brilliant scholar and an influential proponent of civil rights. The majority of Dr. DuBois’ life was dedicated to studying the position of blacks in America from a sociological point of view. In the fall of 1888, DuBois entered Harvard College after receiving a $250 scholarship and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in 1890.

In 1895, Du Bois became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO EARN A PH.D. FROM HARVARD UNIVERSITY. After teaching at Wilberforce University in Ohio, he spent a year at the University of Pennsylvania, where he wrote his first major book, The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study (1899), the first sociological case study of a black community. However, it was “The Souls of Black Folks” (1903) which gained national attention. The book explored the thesis that the “central problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line.”

In 1909, Dr. DuBois was a CO-FOUNDER THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE (NAACP). He also founded and served as the editor of the journal, “The Crisis” from 1910 to 1934.

Years later, after other publications and a change of political views, Dr. DuBois moved to and later became a citizen of Ghana. Dr. DuBois died on August 27, 1963 in Accra, Ghana at the age of ninety-five, one day before Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. At the March on Washington, Roy Wilkins informed the hundreds of thousands of marchers and called for a moment of silence in his honor.

in 1869, LOUISIANA’S governor, Henry C. Warmoth, signed the state’s PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION LAW which barred segregation on public accommodations and carriers. No longer would passengers be excluded from railroads, streetcars, steamboats, coaches or other vehicles based on race. The law also allowed for a person’s removal if they did not pay the fare, or engaged in disorderly conduct, or committed an act that injured the business of the carrier. The penalty for such incidents would be forfeiture of the license and closing of the place of business. Additionally, the offender would be liable to suit by the injured party to recover damages.

in 1895, WILLIAM H. HEARD, an A.M.E. Minister and educator, was NAMED MINISTER TO LIBERIA.

in 1908, RAYMOND BROWN, Negro League baseball pitcher, was BORN in ALGER, OH.

Brown attended Wilberforce University but left before graduating to pitch for the Homestead Grays. He continued his studies during the off-season and graduated in 1935.

 

Brown pitched for the Grays from 1932 to 1945 and compiled a record of 109 wins and 30 losses. He retired as a player in 1948 and served as a baseball manager for a number of years. Mr. Brown died February 8, 1965 and was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

in 1925, LOUIS STOKES, former member of the United States House of Representatives, was BORN in CLEVELAND, OH. Stokes served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946, graduated from Western Reserve University in 1948, and earned his law degree in 1953 from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. In 1968, he was elected to Congress, becoming the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN ELECTED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM OHIO where he served until 1998.

 Many buildings around the country have been named in honor of Stokes, including Howard University’s library, the Cleveland Public Library’s main building extension, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center. In September, 2007, the Louis Stokes Museum opened in Cleveland.

in 1929, ELSTON GENE HOWARD, a Negro League and Major League Baseball catcher, left fielder and coach was BORN in ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. Howard began playing professional baseball in 1948 with the Negro League Kansas City Monarchs. In 1965, Howard signed a $70,000 contract with the New York Yankees, becoming theHIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL at the time. During a 14-year baseball career, Howard was a 9-time All-Star, 2-time Gold Glove winner, and the FIRST BLACK PLAYER TO WIN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD in 1963 after finishing third in the league in slugging average and fifth in home runs. After his retirement in 1968, he served as a coach for the Yankees from 1969 to 1979 and an administrative assistant from in 1980 until his death on December 14, 1980. In 1984, the YANKEES RETIRED ELSTON GENE HOWARD’S UNIFORM NUMBER, 32, and dedicated a plaque in his honor. His biography, “Elston and Me: The Story of the First Black Yankee,” was published in 2001.

in 1937, CLAUDE BROWN, writer and social commentator, was BORN in NEW YORK CITY. At a young age, Brown began a life of crime including theft, truancy, gang wars and started drinking alcohol. However, Brown turned his life around and in 1965, graduated from Howard University with a degree in Government and Business. Later that year, his autobiography, “Manchild in the Promise Land,” was published. Brown was hailed as a powerful chronicler of the brutal reality of African American urban life in northern cities. In 1976, Brown published a second book, “Children of Ham,” which explored the lives of several black teenagers from Harlem who escape the clutches of heroin. Brown spent most of his professional life as a lecturer on issues such as at-risk adolescents and criminal justice and rehabilitation.

in 1938, JOE LOUIS KNOCKED OUT NATHAN MANN in 3 rounds to defend hisHEAVYWEIGHT BOXING TITLE.

JOE LOUIS

in 1942, Donald Luther Lee a.k.a. HAKI R. MADHUBUTI, author, poet and educator, was BORN in LITTLE ROCK, AR. Madhubuti served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963 and earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1984. Over his career, he has published 24 books and co-edited two volumes of literary works. Mr. Madhubuti was co-founder in 1969 of the institute of Positive Education/New Concept Development Center, and co-founder in 1998 of the Betty Shabazz International Charter School in Chicago. Currently, He is the publisher and Chairman of Third World Press which he founded in 1967 and the Distinguished Professor of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing and director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at Chicago State University.

in 1965, CONSTANCE BAKER MOTLEY was ELECTED MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT, the HIGHEST ELECTED OFFICE HELD BY A BLACK WOMAN IN A MAJOR CITY at the time.

CONSTANCE BAKER MOTLEY

in 1968, Wilton Norman “WILT” CHAMBERLAIN became the FIRST NBA BASKETBALL PLAYER TO SCORE 25,000 CAREER POINTS.

in 1969, Medal of Honor recipient, OSCAR PALMER AUSTIN, was KILLED IN ACTION. Austin was born January 15, 1949 in Nacogdoches, Texas and joined the United States Marine Corps in April, 1968. He was promoted to private first class in October, 1968 and deployed to the Republic of Vietnam where he served as ammunitions man with Company E, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On February 23, 1969, Austin’s observation post came under attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Seeing that one of his wounded companions had fallen unconscious in a position exposed to enemy fire, Austin unhesitatingly left the relative security of his fighting hole and, with complete disregard for his own safety, raced across the fire swept terrain to assist the Marine to safety. As he neared his companion, he saw an enemy grenade land nearby. Austin leaped between the grenade and the injured Marine and took the full force of the explosion. Although he was badly injured, Austin turned to help his fallen companion and saw a North Vietnamese soldier aiming a weapon at the unconscious man. Austin threw himself between the injured Marine and the hostile soldier and was mortally wounded. In recognition of his actions, Austin was posthumously awarded the MEDAL OF HONOR, America’s highest military decoration. The destroyer USS OSCAR AUSTIN, WHICH WAS COMMISSIONED IN 2000, is named in his honor.

in 1979, FRANK E. PETERSEN, JR. was promoted to Brigadier General becoming the FIRST BLACK MARINE CORPS GENERAL. Additionally, General Peterson was the FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN MARINE CORPS AVIATOR. In May 1983, he was advanced to the rank of major general; and was promoted to lieutenant general on 12 June 1986.

General Petersen relinquished duties as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia, on 8 July 1988. He served as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff from 8 July 1988 until 31, July, and retired from the Marine Corps on 1 August 1988. He was presented the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL for exceptionally meritorious service as the CG, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia, from June 1986 to July 1988, upon his retirement.

in 1990, ARTHUR A. FLETCHER, businessman, was named CHAIRMAN OF THE U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS (CCR) by President George Bush.

in 1995, David Melvin English a.k.a. MELVIN FRANKLIN, original member of The Temptations, DIED following a brain seizure IN LOS ANGELES, CA. Mr. Franklin was born on October 12, 1942 in Montgomery, Alabama, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan when he was nine. Franklin took his mother’s maiden name as his stage name and sang with a number of local groups.

 In 1960, he joined The Elgins who signed with Motown in 1961 and changed their name to “The Temptations.” Franklin performed with the group from then until 1994 and his deep vocals became one of the group’s signature trademarks. Franklin, along with five other members of The Temptations was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

in 1997, Anthony Tillmon “TONY” WILLIAMS, jazz drummer, DIED. Williams was born December 12, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois but grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. He began playing professionally at the age of 13 and at 17 joined Miles Davis’ “Second Great Quintet.” Davis called Williams “the center that the group’s sound revolved around.” Williams recorded his first album as a leader, “Life Time,” in 1964. Other albums include “Emergency” (1969), “The Joy of Flying” (1979), and “Young at Heart” (1996). Williams was posthumously inducted into the DOWN BEAT JAZZ HALL OF FAME IN 1997.

DID YOU KNOW…

PLESSY V. FERGUSON (1896)

The Court stated that segregation was legal and constitutional as long as “facilities were equal”—the famous “SEPARATE BUT EQUAL” segregation policy.

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION OF TOPEKA (1954)

REVERSED PLESSY V. FERGUSON “SEPARATE BUT EQUAL” RULING. “Segregation [in public education] is a denial of the equal protection of the laws.”

Breaker 1-9. Common and John Legend are the winners. Do you copy?

Dr. Mahalia and Lonnie Lynn, Sr. had no idea Little Lonnie would become “Common Sense”, the dude “tryna’ get the pu-na-ni” talkin’ ’bout “Weebie weeble wobble gobble gobble, I’m the turkey, Lord have mercy. Mercy, mercy, meeeeee…” in Breaker 1-9? But, who knew that same dude would change his image, purpose, and his name to simply, “Common”; his scope to include acting and activism through his art and would be a Grammy, Golden Globe, BET Hip-Hop, BET Awards and now Academy Award-Winning Artist.

Who knew, when fate, and a natural progression of his peers’ choice caused John Roger Stephens to use “Legend” as his stage name, he would become just that? With a host of awards and accolades, including, 9 Grammys from 22 nominations, Soul Train and NAACP Image awards, a Golden Globe Award, Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, invited performances for the likes of President and Mrs. Obama and now, an Academy Award, at only 36 with an undoubtedly incredible future ahead, he IS a Legend, already.

Notwithstanding the musical accomplishments of Prince and Herbie Hancock who placed Oscar on their fireplace mantle for “Best Original Song Score/Score” in 1984 and 1986, respectively, last night, Common and John Legend joined the short list and honorable ranks of Isaac Hayes, Irene Cara, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie, and Three 6 Mafia as the only African Americans to take, the now 87 year old, Oscar home for Best Original Song for “Glory” from the movie “Selma”.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 22nd…

in 1832, the FEMALE ANTISLAVERY SOCIETY OF SALEM, was formed. This was the first organization of its kind. MARY A. BATTYS was the FIRST PRESIDENT.

in 1841, GRAFTON TYLER BROWN, lithographer and painter of the American West, was BORN IN HARRISBURG, PA. Brown’s paintings are in the collections of museums throughout the United States, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Oakland Museum of California.

in 1881, JAMES REESE EUROPE, ragtime and jazz bandleader, arranger and composer, was BORN in MOBILE, AL. Europe moved to New York City in 1904 and in 1910 organized the Clef Club, a society for African Americans in the music industry. In 1912, they made history as the FIRST BAND TO PLAY PROTO-JAZZ AT CARNEGIE HALL when they played a concert for the benefit of the Colored Music Settlement School. The band played music solely written by black composers. In 1913 and 1914, Europe made a series of recordings that are some of the best examples of the pre-jazz ragtime style of the 1910s. During World War I, Europe saw combat as a lieutenant with the “Harlem Hellfighters” and went on to direct the regimental band to great acclaim.

 After his return to the United States in 1919, he stated “I have come from France more firmly convinced than ever that Negroes should play Negro music. We have our own racial feelings and if we try to copy whites we will make bad copies.” On May 9, 1919, Europe was stabbed to death by one of his musicians. At the time of his death, he was the best known African American bandleader in the U. S. and he was granted the FIRST EVER PUBLIC FUNERAL FOR AN AFRICAN AMERICAN IN NEW YORK CITY. His biography, “A Lifetime in Ragtime: A Biography of James Reese Europe,” was published in 1995.

in 1888, self-taught painter, HORACE PIPPIN, was BORN in WEST CHESTER, PA. Pippin served in the 369th infantry during World War I, where he lost the use of his right arm. In 1930, Pippin started painting various works including portraits, landscapes and religious subjects. His painting of “John Brown Going to his Hanging” (1942) is in the collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and “Domino Players” (1943) is in the Phillips Collection. Other well known works include his “Self Portrait” (1941) and several versions of “Cabin in the Cotton.” The biography of Mr. Pippin, “I Tell My Heart: The Art of Horace Pippin,” was published in 1993.

in 1911, FRANCIS ELLEN WATKINS HARPER, abolitionist and poet, DIED. Harper was born September 24, 1825 in Baltimore, Maryland. She had her first volume of poems, “Forest Leaves,” published in 1845 and her second book, “Poems on Miscellaneous Subjects,” published in 1854. Other works by Harper include “Poems” (1857), “The Martyr of Alabama and Other Poems” (1892), and “Atlanta Offering” (1895). Ms. Harper was the most famous female poet of her day and the most famous African-American poet of the 19th century. Also a well-known orator, she spoke frequently in public, sometimes twice in one day, promoting equal rights for women and African-Americans.

 In 1853, Harper joined the American Anti-Slavery Society and became a traveling lecturer for the group. In 1892, Harper published “Iola Leroy, or Shadows Uplifted,” one of the first novels by an African American woman. In 1897, she was elected vice president of the National Association of Colored Women. Studies of Harper include Melba Joyce Boyd’s “Discarded Legacy: Politics and Poetics in the Life of Francis E. W. Harper.” Ms. Harper was also a worker for the Underground Railroad.

in 1928, LAWRENCE JOEL was BORN in WINSTON-SALEM, NC. Joel joined the United States Army in 1946 and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. On November 8, 1965, while serving as a medic with the rank of Specialist Five assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 503rdInfantry Regiment of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Joel’s heroism earned him the Medal of Honor. On that date, Joel and his battalion found themselves in a Viet Cong ambush, outnumbered six to one. Under heavy gunfire, Joel did his duty as a medic, administering first aid to wounded soldiers. Joel defied orders to stay on the ground and risked his life to help the many wounded. Nearly every soldier in the lead squad was either wounded or killed.

Even after being shot twice, Joel continued to do his job. He bandaged his wounds and continued to help the wounded in not only his unit, but in the nearby company as well. When his medical supplies were depleted, he hobbled around the battlefield for more, using a makeshift crutch. Joel attended to 13 troops and saved the life of one soldier who suffered from a severe chest wound by improvising and placing a plastic bag over the soldier’s chest in order to seal the wound until supplies were refreshed. On March 9, 1967, President Lyndon Johnson presented Joel with the MEDAL OF HONOR, America’s highest military decoration. Joel was the FIRST LIVING AFRICAN AMERICAN TO RECEIVE THE MEDAL SINCE THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR. Joel retired from the military in 1973 and died February 4, 1984. The Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, the Joel Auditorium at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and the U. S. Army clinics at Fort McPherson and Fort Bragg are all named in his honor.

in 1938, ISHMAEL SCOTT REED, poet, essayist, and novelist, was BORN in CHATTANOOGA, TN but grew up in Buffalo, New York. Reed attended the University of Buffalo before moving to New York City in 1962 and co-founding the “East Village Other,” a well-known underground publication. Reeds literary work includes nine novels and six plays. Reed has also edited 13 anthologies. Two of his books have been nominated for the National Book Awards and a book of poetry, “Conjure” (1972), was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Reed received theLANGSTON HUGHES MEDAL IN 1995, the JOHN D. AND CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP AWARD IN 1998, and the PHILLIS WHEATLEY AWARD IN 2004. Reed recently retired from teaching at the University of California after 35 years.

in 1950, hall of fame basketball player, JULIUS WINFIELD “DR. J” ERVING, JR., was BORN in ROOSEVELT, NY. Erving played college basketball at the University of Massachusetts and is one of only five players to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds in NCAA Men’s Basketball. In 1971, Dr. J began his professional career with the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association, adding great value to the league.

Erving became the highlight of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1976, when the ABA merged with the National Basketball Association. Over his 12 season NBA career, Erving was an 11-TIME ALL-STAR and the NBA MOST VALUABLE PLAYER IN 1981. In 1983, Dr. J. won the J. WALTER KENNEDY AWARD FOR “OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY.” Erving was also one of the first basketball players to endorse many products and to have a shoe marketed under his name. Erving retired in 1987 and in 1993 was inducted into theNAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME.

in 1962, Wilton Norman “WILT” CHAMBERLAIN sets NBA record with 34 FREE THROW ATTEMPTS.

in 1989, DJ JAZZY JEFF AND THE FRESH PRINCE won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for the hit single “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”. It was the FIRST GRAMMY EVER AWARDED FOR THE CATEGORY OF RAP.

DJ JAZZY JEFF AND THE FRESH PRINCE

 

in 2007, DENNIS WAYNE JOHNSON, hall of fame basketball player, DIED. Johnson was born September 18, 1954 in Los Angeles, California. Johnson played college basketball at Los Angeles Harbor College and Pepperdine University. He was selected by the Seattle Supersonics in the 1976 NBA Draft and over his 15 season professional career was a 5-TIME ALL-STAR and 9-TIME ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM MEMBER. Johnson won NBA championships in 1979 with the Supersonics and in 1984 and 1986 with the Boston Celtics. Johnson retired in 1990 and in 1991 the BOSTON CELTICS RETIRED HIS JERSEY NUMBER 3. After retiring, Johnson served as an assistant coach with various teams. Johnson was posthumously inducted into the NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME IN 2010.

DID YOU KNOW…

• In 1869, when EBENEZER D. BASSETT became minister-resident to Haiti, he was the FIRST BLACK U.S. DIPLOMAT?

 PATRICIA ROBERTS HARRIS     

 

• PATRICIA ROBERTS HARRIS became the FIRST BLACK FEMALE AMBASSADOR in 1965 to Luxembourg?
• ANDREW YOUNG was the FIRST BLACK U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UN in 1977 and until 1979?

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 21st…

in 1804, LEMUEL HAYNES, a Revolutionary War Veteran became the FIRST BLACK RECIPIENT OF AN HONORARY DEGREE FROM A WHITE COLLEGE when he was awarded the Master of Arts from Middlebury Collee. Rev. Haynes was also the FIRST BLACK MINISTER TO SERVE FOR A WHITE CONGREGATION.

in 1895, the NORTH CAROLINA LEGISLATURE, dominated by Black Republicans and white Populists, ADJOURNED FOR THE DAY in honor of Frederick Douglass’ passing the day before.

 

in 1917, Jazz musician THELONIOUS MONK was BORN in ROCKY MOUNT, N.C.

in 1933, Eunice Kathleen Waymon a.k.a. NINA SIMONE, “The High Priestess of Soul;” a singer, songwriter and civil rights activist, was BORN in TRYON, NC. Simone began playing the piano at the age of 3 and made her debut as a classical pianist at 12. In 1958, she released her debut album, “Little Girl Blue,” and over her career recorded more than 40 albums with songs that included “My Baby Just Cares for Me” (1958), “Mississippi Goddam” (1964), “Four Women” (1966), and “To Be Young Gifted and Black” (1970). Simone recorded her last album, “A Single Woman,” in 1993.

 Simone performed and spoke at many civil rights events including the Selma to Montgomery march and her songs often contained a civil rights message. Her regal bearing and commanding stage presence earned her the title “High Priestess of Soul.” Simone left the United States in 1970 for Barbados and Europe before settling in France where she died April 21, 2003. Her autobiography, “I Put a Spell On You,” was published in 1992.

in 1936, the Honorable BARBARA JORDAN was BORN in HOUSTON, TX. In addition to being a lawyer and educator, Ms. Jordan, a Congresswoman, was the FIRST BLACK PERSON TO GIVE THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT A NATIONAL POLITICAL CONVENTION and the FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO BE ELECTED TO THE TEXAS STATE SENATE where she served until 1972 when she was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives. In 1976, Del. Jordan became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO DELIVER THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION  The speech is considered by many historians to be the best convention keynote speech in modern history. Ms. Jordon was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1990 and in 1992 was awarded the NAACP Spingarn Medal. In 1994, Ms. Jordon was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the United States Military Academy’s Sylvanus Thayer Award in 1995, becoming only the second female recipient.

 When Ms. Jordan died January 17, 1996, she was the FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO BE BURIED IN THE TEXAS STATE CEMETARY IN AUSTIN. On April 24, 2009, a Barbara Jordan statue was unveiled at the University of Texas in Austin. Several schools in Texas are named in her honor as is the main terminal at Austin – Bergstrom International Airport. Her biography, “Barbara Jordan: American Hero,” was published in 2000 and a collection of her speeches, “Barbara Jordan: Speaking the Truth with Eloquent Thunder,” was published in 2007. Jordan’s name is enshrined in the Ring of Genealogy at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan.

in 1940, HON. JOHN ROBERT LEWIS, civil rights leader and politician was BORN IN TROY, AL. Mr. Lewis earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1961 in Theology from the American Baptist Theological Seminary and in 1963 in Religion and Philosophy from Fisk University. In 1960, Del. Lewis was a CO-FOUNDER OF THE STUDENT NONVIOLENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE and from 1963 to 1966 served as the organizations chairman. While participating in the Freedom Rides to desegregate the south in the spring of 1961, Mr. Lewis was beaten bloody in Montgomery, AL by a white mob. John Lewis was also the YOUNGEST SPEAKER AT THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM IN 1963. Councilman became Lewis’ title when he was elected to the Atlanta CITY COUNCIL IN 1981, and Delegate in 1986 when he was elected to the U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES where he currently serves. In 1999, Del. Lewis published his autobiography entitled “Walking With the Wind.” Among Del. Lewis’ many commendations are the SPINGARN MEDAL awarded by the NAACP in2002, and the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2010 by President Barack Obama.

in 1961, OTIS BOYKIN received U.S. PATENT NO. 2,972,726 for the ELECTRICAL RESISTOR. This resistor, one of Mr. Boykin’s first achievements, was a type of resistor used in computers, radios, television sets, and a variety of electronic devices including a control unit for artificial heart stimulators (Pacemakers). It was an improved electrical resistor which could be made more cheaply and quickly and could withstand extreme changes in temperature and tolerate and withstand various levels of pressure and physical trauma without impairing its effectiveness. Some of his other inventions included a variable resistor used in guided missiles and small component thick-film resistors for computers. The innovations in resistor design reduced the cost of producing electronic controls for radio and television, for both military and commercial applications. Other inventions by Otis Boykin also included a BURGLARPROOF CASH REGISTER and CHEMICAL AIR FILTER. In total, Boykin invented28 DIFFERENT ELECTRONIC DEVICES and earned 11 PATENTS.

in 1961, FREDERICK MCKINLEY JONES, inventor and businessman, DIED. Jones was born on May 17, 1893 in Cincinnati, OH and was orphaned at the age of nine. Mr. Jones boosted his natural mechanical ability and inventive mind through independent reading and study. In 1912, Mr. Jones moved to Hallock, Minnesota and after serving in the United States Army during World War I, taught himself electronics and built a transmitter for the town’s radio station. Around 1935, Jones designed a portable air-cooling unit for trucks carrying perishable food, and received patent number 2,303,857 for it on July 12, 1940. His air coolers made it possible for the first time to ship perishable food long distances during any time of the year. His units were important during World War II, preserving blood, medicine, and food. During his lifetime, Jones was awarded 61 patents, mostly for refrigeration equipment but also for portable X-ray machines, sound equipment, and gasoline engines. In 1944, Jones became the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO BE ELECTED INTO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF REFRIGERATION ENGINEERS. In 1991, Mr. Jones, posthumously, became the FIRST BLACK PERSON TO RECEIVE THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF TECHNOLOGY, awarded by President George Bush.

in 1965, one week after his home was firebombed, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, f.k.a. Malcolm Little,  MALCOLM X, Detroit Red and Detroit Little, a Black Nationalist and founder of the Organization of Afro-American unity (OAAU), was ASSASSINATED in New York City. While addressing the OAAU at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights, Malcolm X was assassinated by rival Black Muslims with The Nation of Islam. At his funeral, Ossie Davis delivered the eulogy and described Malcolm X as “our shining Black prince.” “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” was published shortly after his death and in 1992 the film “Malcolm X” was produced and directed by Spike Lee. Many streets and schools around the country are named after Malcolm X, including the EL-HAJJ MALIK EL-SHABAZZ ACADEMY in Lansing, Michigan.

In 1999, the United States Postal Service issued a COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP in his honor and in 2005 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY opened theMALCOLM X AND DR. BETTY SHABAZZ MEMORIAL AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER. The Malcolm X House Site in North Omaha, Nebraska is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of the importance of Malcolm X to American history and national culture. Malcolm X’s name is enshrined in the Ring of Genealogy at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan.

in 1968, CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS, MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT, was KILLED IN ACTION. Sims was born June 18, 1942 in Port St. Joe, Florida. By February 21, 1968, he served in the United States Army as a staff sergeant in Company D, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. His actions on that date near Hue in the Republic of Vietnam earned him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads, in part: “While continuing through the dense woods amidst heavy enemy fire, S/Sgt. Sims and his squad were approaching a bunker when they heard the unmistakable noise of a concealed booby trap being triggered immediately to their front. S/Sgt. Sims warned his comrades of the danger and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the device as it exploded, taking the full impact of the blast. In so protecting his fellow soldiers, he willingly sacrificed his life.”

 

in 1970, THE JACKSON 5 made their TV DEBUT on “American Bandstand.”

THE JACKSON 5

 

 

in 1992, EVA JESSYE, the FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL DISTINCTION AS A PROFESSIONAL CHORAL CONDUCTOR DIED in Ann Arbor, MI. Ms. Jessye was the choral director for the first Broadway production of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” Jessye was born January 20, 1895 in Coffeyville, KS, studied choral music and music theory at Western University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Langston University in 1919.

 An active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, Jessye DIRECTED THE OFFICIAL CHOIR AT THE 1963 MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM.

DID YOU KNOW…

• THE FIRST BLACK PATENT HOLDER was THOMAS L. JENNINGS in 1821 for a dry-cleaning process. SARAH E. GOODE became the FIRST BLACK WOMAN to receive a patent for a bed that folded up into a cabinet in1885.

• DR. CHARLES R. DREW was the INVENTOR OF THE BLOOD BANK in 1940.

DR. CHARLES R. DREW

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!! On February 20th…

in 1869, as a result of Ku Klux Klan activities, TENNESSEE GOV. W. C. BROWNLOW DECLARED MARTIAL LAW in nine counties.

in 1895, Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey a.k.a. FREDERICK DOUGLASS, orator and activist, DIED in ANACOSTIA HEIGHTS in WASHINGTON, DC. In addition to being the leading Black spokesman for almost fifty years, Mr. Douglass was also a lecturer and editor. Mr. Douglass was born a slave in Tuckahoe, MD. The date of his birth is unknown however it is believed to have been February 14, 1818.

in 1900, J. F. BICKERING patented his airship invention.

in 1927, SIR SIDNEY POITIER, actor, director and diplomat was BORN in MIAMI, FL. In 1963, Mr. Poitier became the FIRST BLACK ACTOR TO WIN THE ACADEMY AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR for his role in “Lilies of the Field.” Mr. Poitier was appointed AMBASSADOR OF THE BAHAMAS TO JAPAN in 1997.

 In 2002, Poitier received an HONORARY AWARD FROM THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURES ARTS AND SCIENCES “in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments as an artist and as a human being.” President Barack Obama awarded Mr. Poitier the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, America’s highest civilian honor in 2009.

in 1929, Harlem Renaissance Novelist, WALLACE THURMAN‘s play “Harlem” opens in NYC. It is the FIRST SUCCESSFUL PLAY BY AN AFRICAN AMERICAN PLAYWRIGHT.

WALLACE THURMAN 

in 1931, Army Lt. Gen. EMMETT PAIGE, JR. was BORN in JACKSONVILLE, FL.

in 1933, Beatrice Frankie Fowler a.k.a. BEA GADDY was BORN IN WAKE FOREST, NC. By the time Ms. Gaddy was in her mid-20s, she was a twice-divorced mother of five living in New York and working as a housekeeper in Brooklyn for $50 a week. In 1964 Ms. Gaddy moved to Baltimore and began her fight for the betterment of the City. After taking classes in Mental Health at Catonsville Community College, Ms. Gaddy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Antioch University in 1977. During the college years, MS. Gaddy worked with the East Baltimore Children’s Fund, opening her own home as a distribution point for food and clothing for needy families. With that experience, she later opened a homeless shelter which became the “Bea Gaddy Family Centers, Inc.”

 A 50-cent lottery ticket opened up the world for Ms. Gaddy and the community she was dedicated to empowering. With her $290 winnings, Ms. Gaddy bought enough food to feed 39 of her neighbors. This was the forerunner to her community kitchen for the needy. The annual Thanksgiving event became the foundation of Ms. Gaddy’s giving and the source of recognition which would aid in contributions.

In its infancy, the annual dinner was held on the sidewalk in front of Ms. Gaddy’s home as she cooked most of the meal. As the recognition fueled the monetary, food and time contributions, the event grew and would later be held at a local Middle School.

 Subsequently, Ms. Gaddy started a furniture bank and a program to refurbish abandoned row homes. In order to perform marriages and bury the poor at no cost, Ms. Gaddy became an ordained minister. Additionally, Ms. Gaddy was instrumental in running summer youth programs and assisting in voter education, registration and turnout. Ever the giver, it was no surprise to anyone when Ms. Gaddy ran for and was elected to the Baltimore City Council in 1999.

Quite naturally, Ms. Gaddy was the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Some of the notable citations include: Unsung Hero Award, 1972; Afro American Woman of the Year, 1984; Baltimore’s Best Award, 1984; National Council of Negro Women Humanitarian Award, 1988; Mayor’s Citation, 1988; and Baltimore City Council Award, 1987 and 1989.

On October 3, 2001, after a battle with breast cancer, Ms. Gaddy went from labor to refreshment and handed over her empire to her two daughters who ensured Ms. Gaddy’s purpose, drive and mission live on. On January 30, 2014, one of the two daughters, Ms. Sandra Chandler, transitioned to rest with her mother. The legacy is now entrusted in the care of her other daughter, Ms. Cynthia Brooks.

in 1936, educator, political activist, and former President of Atlanta University, JOHN HOPE, DIED. In 1898, Dr. Hope became professor of classics at Atlanta Baptist University, which is now MOREHOUSE COLLEGE, only to be appointed the institution’s FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT in 1906. Dr. Hope also joined W. E. B. Du Bois and William Monroe Trotter as FOUNDERS OF THE NIAGARA MOVEMENT. In 1928, Morehouse and Spelman College affiliated with Atlanta University and in 1929 Hope was chosen to be president, a position he held until his death. In 1936, Hope was posthumously awarded the NAACP SPINGARN MEDAL. “A Clashing of the Soul: John Hope and the Dilemma of African American Leadership and Black Higher Education in the Early Twentieth Century” was published in 1998.

in 1937, NANCY WILSON, pop and jazz singer, was BORN in CHILLICOTHE, OH. At the age of 15, Ms. Wilson won a talent contest sponsored by a local television station. The prize was an appearance on a show which she would later host. In 1956, she joined a big band and toured with them until 1958. She released her debut single “Guess Who I Saw Today” in 1960 when she signed with Capitol Records. Ms. Wilson has received numerous awards and acknowledgements including a Star no the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991, her 1999 induction into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame, the 2004 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship Award, the highest honor that the United States government bestows upon jazz musicians and her 2005 induction into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

in 1952, EMMETT L. ASHFORD became the FIRST BLACK CERTIFIED UMPIRE IN ORGANIZED BASEBALLwhen he was authorized to be a substitute in the Southwestern International League.

EMMETT L. ASHFORD

in 1963, CHARLES WADE BARKLEY, hall of fame basketball player, was BORN IN LEEDS, ALABAMA. Barkley played college basketball at Auburn University where he was a three-time All-SEC selection and 1984 Conference Player of the Year. Barkley was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1984 NBA Draft and over his 16 year professional career was an 11-TIME NBA ALL-STAR, 5-TIME ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM SELECTION, and the1993 NBA MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. Additionally, Barkley won GOLD MEDALS IN 1992 IN BARCELONA AND 1996 IN ATLANTA as a member of the UNITED STATES OLYMPIC BASKETBALL TEAMS. Barkley retired in April, 2000 and in 2002 published a memoir, “I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It.” In March, 2001, Barkley’s JERSEY NUMBER WAS RETIRED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AND THE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS, and in March, 2004, thePHOENIX SUNS followed suit. Barkley was inducted into the NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME IN 2006. Since retiring as a player, Barkley has had a successful career as an EMMY AWARD WINNING BASKETBALL COMMENTATOR.

 

in 1976, MUHAMMAD ALI knocked out Jean Pierre Coopman in 5 rounds for the Heavyweight Boxing Title.

in 1996, KWEISI MFUME, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman, was named EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NAACP.

in 2000, Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman a.k.a. ALBERT CLEAGE, JR., religious leader, DIED. Rev. Cleage was born June 13, 1911 in Indianapolis, IN and grew up in Detroit, MI. Cleage earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayne State University in 1942 and his Bachelor of Divinity from Oberlin Graduate School of Theology in 1943 and was ordained in the Congregational Church that same year. After clashing with white Presbyterian leaders over racial issues, in 1953 Cleage formed the Central Congregational Church with a commitment to minister to the downtrodden and offer programs for the poor. In 1967, he launched the Black Christian National Movement which called for black churches to reinterpret Jesus’ teachings to suit the social, economic and political needs of black people. At the same time, he renamed Central Congregational the Shrine of the Black Madonna. In 1968, he published “The Black Messiah,” which detailed his vision of Jesus as a black revolutionary leader and in 1972 he published “Black Christian Nationalism,” and inaugurated the Black Christian Nationalist Movement as a separate denomination. The name of the denomination was later changed to the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church and they continue the mission to uplift and liberate the Pan African world community through the teachings of Jesus, the Black Messiah.

 

DID YOU KNOW…

• BOOKER T. WASHINGTON was the FIRST BLACK PERSON TO BE PORTRAYED ON A U.S. POSTAGE STAMP in 1940 and again in 1956?

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

• VANESSA WILLIAMS was the FIRST BLACK MISS AMERICA? In 1984, Ms. Williams won the title representing the state of New York. After controversial photos emerged, Ms. Williams surrendered her crown to the runner-up, Suzette Charles, representing the state of New Jersey, who was also an African American. Since that time, six other Black Women have won the crown: 1990 – Debbye Turner, MO; 1991 – Marjorie Vincent, IL; 1994 – Kimberly Aiken, SC; 2003- Erika Harold, IL; 2004 – Ericka Dunlap, FL; 2010 – Caressa Cameron, VA.