Little Known Black History Facts
While fans are still absorbing the epic Super Bowl XLIX showdown between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, a historic moment occurred just seven years ago during the NFL’s championship game. On this day in 2008, Mike Carey became the first Black referee to officiate the Super Bowl. Carey, born in 1949, […]
Alan Leeds (pictured, R, with Nelson George and Quest Love) might not be a name familiar to those outside the tightly connected worlds of music and entertainment, but he has been behind the careers of some of the most respected Black acts in those fields. Leeds, who turned 68 this week, was instrumental in bringing […]
Leontyne Price is largely regarded as the first African-American opera singer to gain worldwide recognition. Ms. Price, an award-winning and beloved vocalist, didn’t set out to be an opera singer at first, but changed course much to the world’s benefit. Price was born Mary Violet Leontyne Price on February 10, 1927 in Laurel, Miss. […]
Major League Baseball legend and Chicago Cubs star Ernie Banks died last Friday, just days short of his 84th birthday. Affectionately known as “Mr. Cub,” the 14-time All-Star played his entire career in the Windy City, remaining a beloved figure beyond his playing days. Banks was born January 31, 1931 in Dallas, Texas. In […]
Little Rock’s KOKY-FM has a rich history in serving the African-American community of the Arkansas city. Although its station location has changed over the years, its aims in serving Black listeners in the region has not. The station was first established in 1956 on the AM dial at 1440. It is Arkansas’ first radio […]
William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton served as the nation’s 42nd president from 1993 to 2001, leaving behind one of the richest legacies of any world leader. In November 2004, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Ark. was opened to the public and houses many artifacts and memorabilia of the Clinton […]
Johnnie L. Cochran was one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in the nation after he represented former football great O.J. Simpson in an explosive murder trial. After the October 1995 verdict, the native of Shreveport, La. went on to represent other celebrates and entertainers in a variety of high profile cases. Cochran […]
Frank Robinson enjoyed a stellar 20-year career in Major League Baseball, winning countless awards and breaking racial barriers. Although Robinson was raised primarily in Oakland, Calif., he was born in Beaumont, Texas. Robinson was born on August 31, 1935. His family moved to West Oakland and the young Robinson starred as a baseball and […]
Lee P. Brown enjoyed a stellar career in law enforcement, leading the cities of Atlanta, New York and Houston to lowered crime rates with an emphasis on community policing.Dr. Brown made history in 1997 by becoming Houston’s first Black mayor, serving in the post for three terms. The 77-year-old Brown was born in Oklahoma […]
Although Ava DuVernay was snubbed by the Oscars for the Best Director category, her Selma film did notch Best Picture and Best Original Song nods. Common and John Legend’s moving “Glory” track, which recently won a Golden Globe, adds to a legacy of Black artists recognized by the Academy. Issac Hayes‘ “Theme From Shaft” […]
The city of Camden has been best known in recent years for its high poverty and crime rate which has become a thorn in the side for those who love the city. However, there are several examples of Black history worth noting in the southern New Jersey city just outside Philadelphia. One example is […]
Janet Emerson Bashen is recognized as the first African-American woman to hold a U.S. Patent for a software invention. Bashen’s LinkLine software is used by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to track claims, manage documents, and compile related reports. Bashen was born February 12, 1957 in Mansfield, Ohio. She attended Alabama A&M […]