Week of October 17-23
October 17
1720—Jupiter Hammon, the first Black American poet, is born in slavery. He was a Calvinist and self-educated writer.
1787—Led by Black...
Week of October 10-16
October 10
1778—What is believed to be the first formal school for Blacks—the Africa Free School—opens in New York City.
1899—Black inventor Isaac...
Week of October 3-October 9
October 3
1856—Journalist and fiery advocate for Black rights T. Thomas Fortune is born in Marianna, Jackson County, Fla. He was...
Week of September 26-October 2
September 26
1867—Maggie L. Walker is born. She would become the most prominent Black businesswoman in the Richmond, Va., area and...
Week of September 19-25
September 19
1865—Atlanta University is founded in Atlanta, Ga. It was one of many educational institutions established during the Reconstruction period after...
Week of September 12-18
September 12
1913—Track and field athletic legend Jesse Owens is born on this day in Oakville, Ala. Owens would achieve international fame...
Week of August 29-September 4
August 29
1920—Jazz legend Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born on this day in Kansas City, Mo. The saxophonist and composer was...
Week of August 22-28
August 22
1791—The Haitian Revolution begins. It was the most successful Black slave revolt in world history. Led by Toussaint L’Ouverture, a...
Week of August 15-21
August 15
1975—In another of those highly publicized “trials of the century,” which frequently grip national attention, 20-year-old Joan Little is found...
