Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery in Maryland. She returned to the South nineteen times and brought out more than three hundred slaves.
ON this date in 1878, William Stanley Braithwaite was born. Called by W.E.B. Dubois “the most prominent critic of poetry in America” , William Stanley Braithwaite was born in Boston, Mass. On May 5, 1919, Mr. Braithwaite was awarded the Springarn medal by th N.A.A.C.P. for his literary achievements.
On this date in 1997, Lee Brown became Houston’s first black mayor narrowly defeating businessman Rob Mosbacher.
On this date in 1997, Grambling coach,Eddie Robinson who is the winningest coach in college football history, coaches his last game.
On this date in 1981, Grace Ann Bumbry participated in a benefit concert put on by Artists to End Hunger.
On this date in 1971, Lewis Franklin Powell confirmed as Supreme Court justice despite opposition of civil rights organizations.
On this date in 1961, Dr. Frantz O. Fanon author, dies in Washington, D.C.. He penned “Black Skins, White Masks”, and “Wretched of the Earth”
On this date in 1960, In Tucson, 500 store owners, Arizona signed pledges of nondiscrimination.
On this date in 1949, Blues legend Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter, dies
On this date in 1892, medicine pioneer, Theodore Lawless, was born.
On this date in 1890, Sgt. Thomas Shaw earned Congressional Medal of Honor.
On this date in 1875, Forty-fourth Congress (1875-77) convened with historic high of eight Blacks. One U.S. senator, Blanche K. Bruce, Mississippi. Seven Black congressmen: Jeremiah Haralson, Alabama; Josiah T. Walls, Florida; John R. Lynch, Mississippi; John A. Hyman, North Carolina; Charles E. Nash, Louisiana; Joseph H. Rainey, Robert Sma…
On this date in 1871, P.B.S. Pinchback is elected president pro tem of the Louisiana Senate and acting lieutenant governor. He is the first African American to serve in these positions in state government.
On this date in 1869, National Black labor convention met in Washington.
On this date in 1869, James M. Harris of North Carolina elected president.
On this date in 1869, Clark, Claflin, Dillard and Tougaloo Colleges and universities were founded.
