1 January-Today's All facts
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers: Moanin' - All About Jazz

Art Blakey was a famous American drummer and bandleader who revolutionized the way jazz drums were played. His unique approach to drumming incorporated bits of swing, blues, funk and hard bop; a style which is heard today in drummers everywhere. Along with Max Roach and Kenny Clarke, he is considered to have invented the modern bebop style of drumming. For over 30 years, his band The Jazz Messengers launched the careers of a multitude of famous jazz artists, like Benny Golson, Wayne Shorter, Clifford Brown, Curtis Fuller, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Keith Jarrett, Wynton Marsalis and countless others. The Jazz Messengers not only produced phenomenal music, but served as a proving ground of sorts for young musicians, similar to Miles Davis’ band. Art Blakey’s style changed the way jazz sounded, and the way drums were played in modern bebop.

1863 - President Lincoln signed Emancipation Proclamation

President Lincoln signed Emancipation Proclamation which freed slaves in rebel states with exception of thirteen parishes (including New Orleans) in Louisiana, forty-eight countries in West Virginia, seven countries (including Norfolk) in Eastern Virginia. Proclamation did not apply to slaves in Border States.

1914 - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, founded.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, founded at Howard University.

1898 - C.W. Allen patents table (self-leveling)

C. W. Allen Self-leveling table Nov. 1, 1898 Patent No.613,436

1901 - Guardian Newspaper was founded on this date

The Guardian newspaper was founded by William Monroe Trotter in Boston, Massachusetts.

1983 - Julius Erving (Dr. J.) scores his 25,000th career point.

Julius Erving scores his 25,000th career point, becoming the ninth professional basketball player to achieve this mark.

1860 - Black Code instituted in Arkansas

On this date in 1860, a law went into effect in Arkansas which prohibited the employment of free blacks on boats and ships navigating the rivers of that state.

Kwanzaa Ends (Imani) Faith

Kwanzaa Ends (Imani) Faith

1943 - Singer, Dancer, Actress Lola Falana born

On this date in 1943, singer,dancer, actress Lola Falana was born.

1997 - Kofi Annan becomes first Black Secretary General of United Nations

On this date in 1997, Kofi Annan of Ghana becomes first black secretary of United Nations.

1960 - Cameroon becomes Independent

On this date in 1960, Cameroon gains independence

1956 - Sudan proclaimed independent

On this date in 1956, Sudan proclaimed independent.

1808 - The African Benevolent Society for Education was founded.

On this date in 1808, the African Benevolent Society for Education was founded.

1808 - The importation of African slaves prohibited.

On this date in 1808, the federal law prohibiting the importation of African slaves went into effect.

1962 - James Meredith starts school

ON this date in 1962, James Meredith starts school. He was the first Black student at University of Mississippi

It took, 3000 federal troops quell riots over his admission.