Posts tagged with "black history month"

BHM: Robert Rice Sr. Preserved Black History in Dayton for Future Generations

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By Greg Lynch

 

Robert Rice was a Dayton school teacher for more than 40 years and was considered an expert on Black history in the area.

A cousin of famed poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, Rice traced his family lineage to a woman bought out of slavery by the Steele family, whose name was on the former Steele High School, in 1839. His father, Lucius Rice, was the city’s second Black police officer. His mother, Dora Rice, was the city’s first female Black police force member.

Rice’s grandfather, Richard Burton, was a Civil War veteran who escaped slavery to join the Union Army in Tennessee before coming to Dayton and opening up the city’s first Black laundry.

After graduating from Stivers High School, Rice attended Fisk and Wilberforce universities.

He returned to Dayton in 1936 and became a teacher at Dunbar High School, the only school that allowed for Black teachers at the time. He stayed there for 35 years.

In 1973, the city asked Black teachers to volunteer for reassignment in order to break down segregated teaching staffs. Rice volunteered and went to Meadowdale. A year later he retired from the Dayton school system and began teaching at Chaminade Julienne “to keep busy.”

Rice spent a lifetime collecting written and oral Black history from the area. A 1974 Dayton Daily News article called Rice a “talking history book.”

Over the years, Rice was interviewed and wrote columns for the Dayton Daily News many times. Here are some of the facts and stories he shared with us.

First Black residents arrive in Dayton

According to Rice, the first Black residents came to Dayton between 1796 and 1798, a year or two after white settlers arrived.

Several thousand people are believed to have made their way into Ohio as squatters prior to the official settlement of the region in the 1790s and there were Black residents — probably escaped slaves — among them.

The name of the very first Black resident is lost to history, but he is described as a servant of the family of Daniel Cooper, proprietor of the town.

In 1803, Cooper brought a second Black person, a girl who worked as a servant, to a farm south of the town. Shortly after arriving, she gave birth to the first Black child here and named him Harry Cooper, taking her employer’s family name.

The earliest Black settlement was downtown and on the East Side, in an area called Seely’s Ditch.

When the village officially became a city in 1841, there were about 400 Black residents out of a total population of 5,000.

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Rice liked to set the record straight on Black history in the city. One common error he cited was the belief that famed poet Paul Laurence Dunbar went to Steele High School. He graduated from Central High School in 1891. Steele High School didn’t open until 1894. When Central closed, all of the records were transferred to Steele, and that is how the error occurred, he explained.

Rice said that “when Paul Laurence Dunbar finished high school he couldn’t get a decent job so he became an elevator operator in the Callahan Building, which later became the Gem City building, making $4 a week.”

Black ‘firsts’ in Dayton

Rice uncovered many milestones through the years.

One of the first marriages of Black people was that of Joe Wheeler and Catherine Sills. They made their home on McLain Street As of 1976, one of their descendants still lived in Dayton.

The town’s first Black church, Wayman African Methodist Episcopal, began meeting in a log cabin on the corner of McLain and Potomac Streets in East Dayton. The congregation later moved to Eaker Street and later to Fifth and Bank Streets in West Dayton. Finally, in the 1920s, they moved to Westwood.

Dayton’s first Black-owned bank, Unity State Bank, opened in 1970.

The city’s first Black doctor had the last name of Burns. His office was located on 5th and Perry Streets, and he was the man that told Paul Laurence Dunbar that he had tuberculosis.

The first Black druggist in the city was LeRoy Cox. The drugstore he owned opened sometime during 1911 or 1912. It was located on Fifth and Charter streets. The drugstore had just opened for business when the Great Flood of 1913 ravaged the region. Cox went to work at the post office carrying mail until 1919, when he reopened for business.

Theaters and restaurants

Up until the early 1920s, Black residents could attend any theater or restaurant in Dayton.

Segregation of public facilities started when the Keith Theatre opened its new building at Fourth and Ludlow streets in 1923, and Black residents were barred from almost all downtown theaters, restaurants and other places. Three restaurants, at Union Station, the bus station and Mose Moore’s on Sixth Street were the only ones still open to Black residents.

Theater segregation remained until 1941, when a group of Black businessmen and clergy fought for an end to the policy. In 1951, similar pressure was applied the the restaurant industry, ending segregation there as well.

In 1926, Black businessmen Carl Anderson and Augustus Giles built the Classic Theater at 817 W. Third St. The Classic Theater opened the next year, in 1927. Rice said silent movies were the first productions at the theater. Entertainers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Bassie, Billy Eckstine and the Mills Brothers performed there.

The Palace Theater on the corner of Fifth and Williams streets was founded in 1929 by Dr. Lloyd Cox (who was Black) and Valentine Winters. In 1933, the theater was converted to a nightclub.

Politics

The first Black person elected to office in the Dayton area was Frederick Bowers, a Jefferson Twp. real estate broker who was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives as a Republican in 1949 and again in 1951.

David Albritton, a former Golden Gloves boxer and Olympic athlete, won election to the Ohio House from the same district a short time later. C.J. McLin Jr. was elected to the state legislature in 1967 and served until 1988.

Important homes and places

At 205 Dunbar Ave., the first Black-owned taxicab company, West Side Taxi Co., was started by Jack Spicer.

The Mallory Building, at the corner of Fifth Street and Horace Avenue, was once the home of Robert Mallory, a captain in the Army during World War I. The Queen Anne-style home was built by Black contractors.

A home at 59 Horace Ave. was owned by Mose Moore, who was once the wealthiest Black person in Dayton before the turn of the century. Moore owned a combined restaurant, pool room, hotel and barbershop in downtown Dayton. He died in 1927.

A home on Shannon Street is where Hallie Q. Brown once lived. In the early 1900s, Brown founded the first school for Black adults in Dayton. She later was a professor at Wilberforce University. She died in 1930.

 

Overcoming White Americans Massive Resistance to Desegregation and Civil Rights

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The physical and emotional abuse many Black families suffered in pursuit of an education and civil rights in America was a traumatizing and arduous journey. Most of the stories have never been told. Some of the victims were as young as 6-years-old Ruby Bridges and 11-year-old Donna Jean Barksdale, who sat alone on her first day of school in Hoxie, Arkansas. Barksdale was one of 21 children to integrate the school in 1955.

School Integration in America
School integration in America refers to the process of desegregating schools and creating racially mixed learning environments. The fight for school integration was a key part of the broader civil rights movement in the United States, and it has had a profound impact on American society.


History of School Integration

  • Pre-1954: Prior to the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling in 1954, schools in the United States were largely segregated by race. This segregation was often enforced by law, and it created a system of education that was unequal and unjust.
  • Brown v. Board of Education: The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling in 1954 declared that racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. This ruling was a major victory for the civil rights movement, and it paved the way for the integration of schools across the country.
  • Challenges to Integration: Despite the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, the process of school integration was not easy. Many white communities resisted integration, and there were numerous instances of violence and intimidation directed at black students and families.
  • Progress of Integration: Over time, however, school integration has made significant progress. Today, most schools in the United States are integrated, and the vast majority of students attend schools that are racially diverse.

Impact of School Integration
School integration has had a positive impact on American society in a number of ways:

  • Improved educational outcomes: Studies have shown that students who attend integrated schools are more likely to achieve academic success. They are also more likely to develop positive attitudes towards people of other races.
  • Reduced prejudice: Integrated schools help to reduce prejudice and promote understanding between different racial groups. Students who attend integrated schools are more likely to have friends of other races, and they are less likely to hold negative stereotypes about other groups.
  • Increased social mobility: Integrated schools help to increase social mobility by providing all students with access to the same educational opportunities. This can help to break down the cycle of poverty and create a more just and equitable society.

School integration is a key part of the American civil rights movement, and it has had a profound impact on American society. Integrated schools help to improve educational outcomes, reduce prejudice, and increase social mobility. They are essential to creating a more just and equitable society for all.

School Integration in Arkansas
School integration in Arkansas has been a complex and challenging process that began in the late 1950s and is still ongoing today. The process began with the Little Rock Nine crisis in 1957, when a group of nine African American students were forcibly integrated into the all-white Central High School in Little Rock. This event sparked a national controversy and led to the deployment of federal troops to protect the students. In the years since the Little Rock Nine crisis, Arkansas has made significant progress in integrating its schools. However, the state still faces challenges, such as poverty, segregation, and a lack of resources.

Key Events in School Integration in Arkansas

  • 1957: The Little Rock Nine crisis
  • 1968: The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968
  • 1972: The desegregation of the University of Arkansas
  • 1982: The passage of the Arkansas School Integration Act

Challenges to School Integration in Arkansas

  • Poverty: Arkansas is one of the poorest states in the United States, and this poverty has a significant impact on its schools. Poor students are more likely to attend underfunded schools with fewer resources.
  • Segregation: Despite the progress that has been made, segregation still exists in Arkansas schools. This is due to a variety of factors, including housing patterns, school zoning, and the lack of resources.
  • Lack of resources: Arkansas schools are chronically underfunded, and this lack of resources has a negative impact on all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

School integration in Arkansas has been a long and difficult process, but the state has made significant progress in the last 60 years. However, there are still challenges to be faced, such as poverty, segregation, and a lack of resources. By working together, Arkansans can ensure that all students have access to a quality education.

School Integration in Mississippi
The history of school integration in Mississippi is a complex and challenging one. In the early 1950s, Mississippi was one of the most segregated states in the United States. Public schools were segregated by race, and there were no black students enrolled in any white schools.

In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. The decision was a major victory for the civil rights movement, and it led to the gradual desegregation of schools across the country. However, Mississippi resisted school desegregation for many years. In 1962, James Meredith became the first black student to enroll at the University of Mississippi. His admission was met with violent protests by white segregationists, and federal troops had to be sent in to protect him.

Despite the resistance, school integration in Mississippi continued to move forward. By 1970, more than half of black students in Mississippi were enrolled in integrated schools. However, segregation continued to exist in many areas of the state, and it was not until the 1990s that Mississippi finally achieved full school integration. The process of school integration in Mississippi was a long and difficult one, but it was ultimately a success. Today, the state has a diverse and integrated system of public schools, and students of all races and ethnicities have the opportunity to learn and grow together.

Impact of school integration in Florida:
School integration in Florida has had a significant impact on the state’s education system. It has led to increased educational opportunities for black students, improved academic outcomes, and reduced racial isolation. However, school integration has also been controversial, and there are still some challenges to overcome.

Current challenges to school integration in Florida:

  • Resegregation: Some Florida school districts have become more segregated in recent years, as white students have moved to private schools or to other districts.
  • Lack of diversity: Many Florida schools still lack diversity, and black students are more likely to attend schools with predominantly black student populations.
  • Achievement gap: Black students in Florida continue to lag behind white students in academic achievement.

Despite these challenges and by continuing to work to desegregate schools and ensure equal educational opportunities for all students, Florida can create a more just and equitable society.

Read more about segregation in America by eji HERE.

Saluting Dangerfield Newby, The Real Django Unchained

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As part of the theme and commemoration of Black History Month, it is only fitting to highlight the power of love and family depicted in the film Django Unchained. Albeit a tragic love story, Dangerfield and Harriet Newby exemplify the true meaning of love and courage.

Editor’s Note: This account of Dangerfield Newby, the real Django, comes from African Archives. Please follow and support their historical storytelling of American history and culture.

Dangerfield Newby is the actual man on which the movie Django Unchained is loosely based. He was a member of the John Brown raiders. He joined the gang to save his wife, Harriet and children from slavery. —Dangerfield Newby (1815 – October 17, 1859) was the oldest of John Brown’s raiders, one of five black raiders, and the first of his men to die at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

Born into slavery in Fauquier County, Virginia, Newby married a woman also enslaved. Newby’s father was Henry Newby, a landowner in Fauquier County. His mother was Elsey Newby, who was a slave, owned not by Henry, but by a neighbor, John Fox. Elsey and Henry lived together for many years and had several children, although interracial marriage was illegal in Virginia. Dangerfield was their first child. Dangerfield Newby, his mother and his siblings were later freed by his father when he moved them across the Ohio River into Bridgeport, Ohio.

John Fox, who died in 1859, apparently did not attempt to retrieve Elsey, Dangerfield, or any of his siblings. Dangerfield’s wife and their seven children remained in bondage. A letter found on his body revealed some of his motivation for joining John Brown and the raid on Harpers Ferry. Dangerfield Newby’s wife, Harriet Newby, was the slave of Jesse Jennings, of Arlington or Warrenton, Virginia. Newby had been unable to purchase the freedom of his wife and seven children. Their master raised the price after Newby had saved the $1,500 that had previously been agreed on. Because all of Newby’s other efforts had failed he hoped to free them by force.

Harriet’s poignant letters, found on his body, proved instrumental in advancing the abolitionist cause. Newby was six foot two. On October 17, 1859, the citizens of Harpers Ferry set to put down the raid. Harpers Ferry manufactured guns but the citizens had little ammunition, so during the assault on the raiders they fired anything they could fit into a gun barrel. One man was shooting six inch spikes from his rifle, one of which struck Newby in the throat, killing him instantly.

After the raid, the people of Harpers Ferry took his body, stabbed it repeatedly, and amputated his limbs. His body was left in an alley to be eaten by hogs. In 1899 the remains of Newby-plus remains of nine other raiders-were reburied in a common grave near the body of John Brown in North Elba, New York. Dangerfield Newby’s wife, Harriet and her children were sold to a Louisiana slave owner after the raid.

Additional information and an official biography, by Virginia Changemakers also states that Dangerfield Newby (ca. 1820-1859) was born in Culpeper County, the oldest child of Henry Newby, a white man, and Elsey Newby, an enslaved black woman. In 1858, Henry Newby sold his land in Culpeper and moved with his family to Bridgeport, Ohio, thereby freeing his wife and their children.

Honoring Black History Month Using Art as a Platform for Social Justice

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African Americans and the Arts is this year’s theme in commemoration of Black History Month. 

The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) is marking the occasion with a host of events throughout February. BHM events are organized around five weekly focus areas that celebrate the Black people who have used art as their platform for social justice.

Black History Month, celebrated annually in February in the United States and in both February and March in Canada, stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements and enduring contributions of African Americans to the fabric of global history and culture. Far beyond a mere commemoration, this month-long observance serves as a vital platform for education, understanding, and collective growth.

A Time for Reflection and Celebration

Black History Month provides a crucial opportunity to reflect on the pivotal role that African Americans have played in shaping the very foundation of our nations. It invites us to delve into the rich tapestry of their experiences, struggles, and triumphs, paying homage to the countless individuals who have left an indelible mark on society.

Simultaneously, this month is a joyous celebration of the vibrant culture and heritage of African Americans. Through music, art, literature, and culinary traditions, we come together to appreciate the beauty and diversity that emanates from this remarkable community.

Fostering Education and Understanding

One of the paramount values of Black History Month lies in its potential as an educational platform. It offers an invaluable chance to rectify the omissions and distortions that have plagued the teaching of history for far too long. By shedding light on the contributions and perspectives of African Americans, we strive to cultivate a more complete and accurate understanding of our collective past.

Furthermore, Black History Month provides an avenue to promote tolerance and foster a greater sense of empathy among people of all backgrounds. By engaging in open dialogue, sharing stories, and acknowledging the shared humanity that binds us all, we work towards dismantling the barriers of prejudice, racism and discrimination.

Strengthening Community and Pride

For the African American community, Black History Month serves as a beacon of unity and a source of immense pride. It is a time to come together, celebrate shared heritage, and draw strength from the indomitable spirit of resilience that has defined the African American experience and shaped American culture. 

By honoring the sacrifices and successes of their ancestors, African Americans find inspiration to continue the fight for justice, equality, and a more inclusive society. Black History Month empowers them to embrace their unique identity, cultivate a sense of self-worth, and envision a brighter future for generations to come.

Creating a More Just and Inclusive Society

Ultimately, Black History Month transcends its historical significance to become a catalyst for social change. It compels us to confront the lingering vestiges of racism and inequality that continue to plague our societies. By acknowledging the past and celebrating the present, we lay the groundwork for a more just and inclusive future.

Through education, empathy, and collective action, Black History Month empowers us to challenge discriminatory practices, dismantle systemic barriers, and work towards creating a society where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.

The value and importance of Black History Month extend far beyond the confines of a single month. It is a time for learning, reflection, celebration, and action. By embracing its significance, we honor the legacy of African Americans and pave the way for a more united, equitable, and harmonious nation and world.

Radcliffe Bailey, Sculpture Artist

Vandals Strike Iconic Jackie Robinson Statue Ahead of Black History Month

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A prized Jackie Robinson statue was stolen from a public park in Kansas by thieves who sawed off the bronze sculpture, leaving behind the iconic baseball player’s feet.

The brazen theft slammed by officials as “horrendous” and “disgusting” took place just one week before the start of Black History Month. “More than frustrated, I am angry to see that this has happened,” said Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson. “This was disgusting. This should never happen.”

According to news reports the thieves struck sometime during the night at the League 42 baseball fields in McAdams Park, which is also home to the Jackie Robinson Pavilion. Surveillance footage shows at least two people topple the hefty statue and load it into a silver pick-up truck. City officials theorize the criminals are planning on selling the beloved statue as scrap metal. The sculpture cost the city upwards of $100,000 to install in 2021.

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,” Jackie Robinson

“It has a huge impact in regards to the history of our community, the history of baseball, what Jackie Robinson really means and this step is actually the opposite of everything that Jackie Robinson stood for. So it’s just appalling to me,” said Troy Houtman, the Director of Parks and Recreation.

According to Houtman, the park has been dealing with a string of vandalism in recent months, and officials are offering the opportunity to return the iconic statue “no questions asked.” “We move on and repair this statue. Hopefully, they’re wise enough to do that and bring the statue back so we can make the repair. If not, I think we’ll find some other actions might occur,” said Houtman. The Wichita Metro Crime Commission offered a reward of up to $2,500 for tips leading to arrests and another $5,000 for tips that lead to the statue’s recovery.

Update:

  • Charred remnants of the stolen Jackie Robinson bronze statue were found Tuesday inside a trash can at a Kansas park, officials said. Pieces of the statue were dumped in the garbage and lit on fire at Garvey Park in Wichita, a police spokesperson said during a press conference streamed by KWCH. 

Sen. Hiram Revels: First African American to Serve in Congress

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On this day in 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress. White officials tried to declare his election null and void.

One hundred and fifty-four years ago, on February 25, 1870, visitors in the packed Senate galleries burst into applause as Senator-elect Hiram Revels, a Republican from Mississippi, entered the Chamber to take his oath of office. Those present knew that they were witnessing an event of great historical significance. Revels was about to become the first African American to serve in the United States Congress. Just 22 days earlier, on February 3, the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, prohibiting states from disenfranchising voters “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Revels was indeed “the Fifteenth Amendment in flesh and blood,” as his contemporary, the civil rights activist Wendell Phillips, dubbed him.

Hiram Revels was born a free man in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on September 27, 1827, the son of a Baptist preacher. As a youth, he took lessons at a private school run by an African American woman and eventually traveled north to further his education. He attended seminaries in Indiana and Ohio, becoming a minister of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1845, and eventually studied theology at Knox College in Illinois. During the turbulent decade of the 1850s, Revels preached to free and enslaved men and women in various states while surreptitiously assisting fugitive slaves.

When the Civil War began in 1861, Revels was serving as a pastor in Baltimore. Before long, he was forming regiments of African American soldiers in Maryland, serving as a Union army chaplain in Mississippi, and establishing schools for freed slaves in Missouri. He settled in Natchez, Mississippi, at war’s end, where he served as presiding elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1868 he gained his first elected position, as alderman for the town of Natchez. The next year he won election to the state senate, as one of 35 African Americans elected to the Mississippi state legislature that year.

In 2020 Senate Stories, a new Senate history blog, was created. And in recognition of Black History Month, its first blog post celebrated the sesquicentennial of the swearing in of Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American senator. Read the first full Senate Stories blog on Sen. Revels HERE.

marcus garvey_quote-epa front page feature

POTUS, The Time Is NOW To Exonerate Marcus Garvey

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BY JEANETTE LENOIR

Dr. Julius Garvey made another plea for the exoneration of his father, The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey. He says the push to clear his father’s name has been ignored during every administration since the exoneration movement started in the 1970s, including by the Obama administration when he thought they had a good chance to restore his father’s record and good name in Congress with help from the Congressional Black Caucus. Now, in his sunset years, the last living son of Marcus Garvey, a civil rights icon, staunch pan Africanist and Black freedom legend, is determined as ever to see this exoneration movement through.

“Can we do it? We can do it. We shall do it!” his father once exclaimed to galvanize Black people all over the world to work for their own freedom and self-determination. “Any leadership that teaches you to depend upon another race, is a leadership that will enslave you.” – Marcus Garvey 

This Black History Month, let us rededicate our efforts to request an official response from the White House and President Biden for a posthumous exoneration of the Rt. Honorable Marcus Garvey for his unjust persecution and imprisonment by the U.S. government in 1923.

As time goes by, will President Biden and his administration finally hear the call to exonerate Marcus Garvey?

Please join the movement and help exonerate Marcus Garvey: justice4garvey.org

“God and nature first made us what we are, and then out of our own created genius we make ourselves what we want to be. Follow always that great law. Let the sky and God be our limit and eternity our measurement.” Marcus Garvey

BHM: Holistic Health And Wellness In The Black Community

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BY JEANETTE LENOIR

As we close the month of February marking Black history in America, it’s important to reflect on our collective journey since the Diaspora out of Africa. And the stories that highlight our diverse experience as Black folks, like Anansi folktales, continue to shape our culture and humanity. The anthem, “I’m Black and I’m proud” takes on a whole new meaning when put in proper perspective these days. Our ancient life lessons are evident in countless modern stories, including that of Nathanial “Nate” Mines, a holistic health guru, retired firefighter and owner of Dynamic Health & Wellness in Washington, DC.

Nate, as most people affectionately call him, for years has advocated a return to nature and holistic living, especially for Black people. “Natural living is what I advocate for my people,” he said during our interview at his H St. NE location. And his holistic health and wellness business is growing, especially amongst his target audience: Black folks. And it’s a welcome sign Nate says, especially when data continually show African Americans have the greatest need for improvement when it comes to their health. And long-standing social factors—racism, poverty, education, housing, access to healthy foods, environmental exposures, violence, criminal justice—are still the main determinants of these health disparities.

Nate says our salvation lies in nature. And when we can’t access nature, supplements, exercise and healthy eating can make a difference. He says the holistic supplements, oils, herbs and books he carries have personally changed his life and he works to share the blessings of nature and holistic living and healing with others. “Everyone has a calling and this is mine.” Nate and his grandsons are planning to open another store in Atlanta and they’re in the middle of planning a Grand Opening in the coming days for the newest Dynamic Health & Wellness in Waldorf, MD. In addition to his herbs, oils and supplements, Nate leads a weekly Chess Club with fellow instructor, Vaughn Bennett. The two advocate teaching Chess to Black youths as a way to overcome structural racism and to break barriers. Bennett recently started a petition in partnership with Change.org to help end systemic racism in Chess.

To learn more about the petition click HERE.

Here’s my conversation with the wise holistic health guru, Nate Mines:

29 Facts Black People Should Know In Honor Of Black History Month

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BY JEANETTE LENOIR

  1. The Thirteenth Amendment, (Amendment XIII) to the U.S. Constitution made slavery illegal. It was adopted on December 18, 1865.
  2. The 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.  It changed the legal status under federal law of more than 3.5 million enslaved African Americans.  
  3. Harriet Tubman used the Underground Railroad, a secret escape system, to lead hundreds of enslaved people to freedom. She was known as, “Moses of her People.”
  4. Alex Haley wrote the 1976 book, “Roots: The Saga of an American Family.”
  5. The initials NAACP stands for, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
  6. Carter G. Woodson is known as the Father of Black History. He worked tirelessly to establish Black History Month as a nationwide institution. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month.
  7. Opera singer Marian Anderson performed her famous 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial after the Daughters of the American Revolution barred her from singing in Washington D.C.’s Constitution Hall because she was black.
  8. The civil rights protests in the South in which blacks and whites rode together on buses were called Freedom Riders.
  9. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 declared that all people must be treated fairly no matter the color of their skin.
  10. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man.
  11. The Tuskegee Airmen was an African American fighter pilot group formed during World War II.
  12. Explorer, Matthew Henson, is the first African American to reach the North Pole during his 1908–09 expedition to Greenland.
  13. Thomas Dorsey is considered the Father of Gospel music.  
  14. In 1993 for the induction of President Bill Clinton, Maya Angelou became the first woman and first African American to read a poem at a presidential inauguration.
  15. The Color Purple, a novel by author Alice Walker, earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
  16. Brown v. Board of Education was the name of the Supreme Court case that opened all public schools to black students. The unanimous (9–0) decision was handed down on May 17, 1954.
  17. Charles Drew’s breakthrough work on blood storage and blood transfusions helped saved numerous lives during an era when blood transfusions were denied to black people. He also developed large-scale blood banks during World War II.
  18. Bessie Coleman was the first woman of African-American descent, and also the first of Native-American descent, to hold a pilot license. She was also the first black person to earn an international pilot’s license, which she obtained in France.
  19. Maggie Lena Walker was the first female bank founder and president in the U.S.
  20. Sidney Portiere was the first African American to earn an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the movie A Raisin in the Sun, a film adaptation of the play written by Civil Rights icon Lorraine Hansberry.
  21. Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress.
  22. Mae Carol Jemison was the first black female NASA astronaut. 
  23. Louis Armstrong, one of the greatest Jazz musicians was nicknamed, “Satchmo.”
  24. Ralph Johnson Bunche, an American political scientist, academic, and diplomat received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize for helping end the first Arab-Israeli War.
  25. Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Supreme Court Justice. He successfully argued several cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown v. Board of Education.
  26. John H. Johnson created Jet Magazine in 1945.
  27. Lewis H. Latimer received a patent on his invention of a longer lasting light bulb in 1881. He made the light bulb more practical and contributed to the invention of the first telephone. Latimer drafted the drawings that Alexander Graham Bell used to patent the first telephone in 1876 and also worked for Thomas Edison.
  28. The tallest structure in DC, The Washington Monument built in 1884, is the oldest symbol of resurrection honoring the traditions of ancient Egypt. The original, (6000 years old) African structure was first created in Kemet, (ancient Egypt) to represent its founding Father, Assad. Today, the Monument is attributed to America’s founding father, George Washington, but its design was taken from Africans.
  29. Anthony Browder is an author, publisher and cultural historian. Browder, founder and director of IKG Cultural Resources, is leading the excavation and restoration of the 25th dynasty tomb of Karakhamun in Luxor, Egypt. He’s unraveling the thread of knowledge, connecting black people to their past, hidden in plain sight across America and especially in Washington, DC, in an effort to empower us with stories of our ancient past and contributions that continue to shape and impact the world today. Knowledge of self is love of self. Make every day a celebration of your black history.