You may also like

Violette Neatley Anderson
Violette Neatley Anderson is the first African American woman admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Jan
29
1926
Network news anchor
Max Robinson is the first African American to anchor network news. The network is ABC.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Apr
19
1978
The Flip Wilson Show premieres on NBC. It is the first prime time variety show
The Flip Wilson Show premieres on NBC. It is the first prime time variety show starring an African American male since the Nat King Cole Show.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by BARBinc
Sep
17
1970
Track star Carl Lewis born
Olympic track and field star Carl Lewis was born in Willingboro, New Jersey.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Jul
1
1961
Max Robinson, first African American news anchor for a major television network
Max Robinson, first African American news anchor for a major television network died today.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Dec
20
1988
Death of pianist Art Tatum
Death of pianist Art Tatum (46), Los Angeles.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by Greater Boston Veterans Collaborative
Nov
5
1956
Founder of Pro-Line
Comer Cottrell, founder and president of Pro-Line Corporation (1970), the largest African American owned business in the Southwest and the first African American to be part owner of a major league baseball team (1989), the Texas Rangers, born
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Dec
7
1931
Six-day insurrection started in L.A.
Six-day insurrection started in Watts section of Los Angeles. National Guard was mobilized on August 13, Rebellion toll: 34 killed, 1,032 injured, 3,952 arrested, $35 million in property damage.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Boston Professional Chapter
Aug
11
1965
A commemorative stamp is issued by the U.S. Postal Service to honor Henry Ossawa
A commemorative stamp is issued by the U.S. Postal Service to honor Henry Ossawa Tanner, the first African American artist elected to the National Academy of Design
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sep
10
1973
Garey Coleman born
Diminutive actor Gary Coleman was born in Zion, Illinois. Despite a childhood of medical troubles, Coleman went on to become a television star in numerous situation comedies.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Feb
8
1968
Ambassador
Clifton Wharton is sworn in as ambassador to Norway. Clifton Wharton was the 1st Black person to earn a PhD in economics from University of Chicago in as well as the first Black president of Michigan State, predominantly White university.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Mar
9
1961
First Prizefighter Bill Richmond born
Bill Richmond, son of a slave, became the first African American to distinguish himself as a prizefighter. On this date, Richmond knocked out Jack Holmes in England.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) Boston Professional Chapter
Jul
8
1805
Alabama Educational Television Commission
Alabama Educational Television Commission has its application for license renewal denied by the Federal Communications Commission because of racial discrimination against African Americans in employment and programming.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Jan
8
1975
First African American Intercollegiate football
Livingstone and Biddle College (now Johnson C. Smith) play the first African American intercollegiate football game
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Dec
27
1892
Bertram M. Lee and Peter C.B. Bynoe sign an agreement to purchase the National B
Bertram M. Lee and Peter C.B. Bynoe sign an agreement to purchase the National Basketball Associations Denver Nuggets for $54 million. They become the first African American owners of a professional basketball team.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Oct
21
1989
Jan Earnest Matzeliger
Jan Earnest Matzeliger was born on September 15, 1852 in
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sep
15
1852
Zora Neale Hurston, writer/anthropologist born
Zora Neale Hurston
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by Pride Academy
Jan
7
1891
Phillis Wheatley freed
Poet Phillis Wheatley, born a slave in 1754, was freed and her first book of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was published. The book of poetry is said to have been widely acclaimed in the United States and England.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Jan
21
1773
Wally "Famous" Amos's signature panama hat and embroidered shirt are donated to
Wally Famous Amoss signature panama hat and embroidered shirt are donated to the National Museum of American Historys Business Americana collection. It is the first memorabilia added to the collection by An African American entrepreneur and recognizes the achievement of Amos who built his company
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by Intellitech
Nov
18
1980
Anti-Slavery Society started
American Anti-Slavery Society
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Dec
4
1833
William H. Lewis
William H. Lewis appointed assistant attorney general of the United States.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Mar
26
1910
Basketball star Moses "The Mailman" Malone born
National Basketball Association star, Moses The Mailman Malone is born in Petersburg, Virginia.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by Prospanica Boston Professional Chapter
Mar
23
1954
Juanita Hall becomes the first African American
Juanita Hall becomes the first African American to win a Tony award for her role as Bloody Mary in the musical South Pacific.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Apr
9
1950
William Levi Dawson
William Levi Dawson is born, first African American representative to chair a committee in Congress.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by Christo Rey New York High School
Apr
26
1883
Composer and violinist, Clarence C White, dies, 1880
Composer and violinist, Clarence C White, born
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Aug
10
1880
The Brooklyn Excelsiors is the first black baseballteam to tour the United Sta
The Brooklyn Excelsiors is the first black baseball team to tour the United States.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Jan
0
1860
Passing of Civil Rights Bill
U.S. Congress pass Civil Rights Bill banning racial discrimination in sale or rental of approximately 80 per cent of the nations housing.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by Diversity In Action
Apr
10
1968
Charles Wesley
Charles Wesley, historian, educator, and administrator, was born on this day. His published works included, Neglected History, Collapse of the Confederacy, Negro Labor in the United States, and 1850-1925: A Study of American Economic History.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Dec
2
1895
John Singleton, Director
John Singleton,the first African American director to be nominated for the Academy Award is nominated for best director and best screenplay for his first film Boyz N the Hood.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Feb
19
1992
White mob prevented enrollment of students
White mob prevented enrollment of students at Mansfield High School, Mansfield, Texas.
Read more
Source: Blackfacts.com
Sponsored by Pride Academy
Aug
30
1956
More from Houston Defender Network - Houston's Leading Black Community News & Information Source
‘Super Freak: The Rick James Story’ musical kicks off in Houston
March 14, 2024
Turkey Leg Hut faces additional legal complication: Judge orders payment of $900,000
Houston creative pioneer Isaac Yowman reflects on artistic journey, film, music
Nerdy Girl Success empowers Black girls to be leaders
Alberto Ramirez stands tall as Waltrip stand-out shortstop
NAACP urges Black student-athletes to consider alternatives to Florida schools
On Notice: HISD issues warning to 120 principals
How to Live Frugally and Still Enjoy Life to Its Fullest
Solution to Houston's illegal dumping in plain sight all along
What is the ‘summer melt,’ and how can you beat it?
Your chances of winning the Powerball, Mega Millions are slim
Texans DE Dylan Horton in remission after battle with Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma
Sports Briefs: UH’s Kelvin Sampson, Jamal Shead receive Big 12 top honors
Thousands could lose free Internet as program ends
Is Trump targeting Black votes with AI images?
Elon Musk's X platform cancels Don Lemon show after controversy with billionaire
'Shades of Brilliance' : Young authors share stories of family, friendship and culture
TSU, UH centers on a mission to improve health in the hood
Texas community colleges expand access with tuition waivers
How did Houston become the nation’s top foodie town?
Top 5 Black female powerhouse singers
Top 10 most promising Black movies for (the rest of) 2024
Top 5 mistakes to avoid when starting a small business
KTSU Sports Talk keeps the conversation going in community
How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
Jalen Hurts pays for funeral of 18-year-old North Shore murder victim Jarvon Coles
Survey: Texas leads nation in highest age-based workplace discrimination
Drowning in student loan debt? Black millennials share keys to financial freedom
City to give firefighters $650 mil in historic settlement
55th NAACP Image Awards honors Usher, New Edition, Fantasia Barrino, ‘Color Purple’
Austin HS infielder Andrew Hernandez sees hard work pay off
Do You Have Chronic Heart Disease? You May Be At Risk for Pneumococcal Pneumonia
PVAMU student Jaquavous Doucette to run for city council
Dual enrollment programs: A solution to college debt woes
Inspired by Beyoncé, Walker Brothers re-release country hit ‘I Love Houston’
Spring Branch ISD eliminates all librarian positions amid budget cuts
Celebrate the history-making Black women in your life
We’re claiming March and April to celebrate ‘Black Women's History Month’
Judge allows Trump election interference case, but requires former romantic partner's departure
Houston ranks 4th for best city for Black professionals
Shekira Dennis gives clients maximum political, community impact
Madison HS second baseman Tyren Reaves has dentistry in his sights
Previous crime stats questioned amid HPD suspended cases review
Black women! Protect yourself from cervical cancer, get screened,
Michigan leaders critical of Biden after skipping visit to Black church
Navigating the Online Dating Landscape: A Safety Guide
March 21, 2024
HISD alumni sparks need for after-school programs during TED Talk
Communities in Schools of Houston recognizes top social workers

Arts Facts

Recent Facts

Literature Facts

African American Facts