Arthur Zang of Cameroon is the inventor of the Cardiopad, a device that remotely monitors and examines the heart conditions of patients from far distances for physicians. Zang claims that his device is Africa’s first medical tablet and his invention has helped him become an award-winning public figure as a result. Zang, 28, began […]
Guion “Guy” Bluford made his dreams of flying among the stars a reality on this day in 1983, becoming the first African-American astronaut in space. Bluford logged well over 600 hours in space before retiring, and still managed to accomplish goals even beyond his historic achievement. Guion Stewart Bluford Jr. was born November 22, 1942 […]
An athlete addressing the race issue in the country is not new. But it’s still fascinating to see how the legendary Jackie Robinson, in his 1972 autobiography, I Never Had It Made, described the moment when he realized that he could not “stand and sing the anthem,” nor “salute the flag. ” Well, after reading that, if […]
Malvin R. Goode was a pioneer in broadcast journalism, becoming the first African-American news correspondent for a major television network on this day in 1962. Goode arrived at the pinnacle of his career later in life, but his accomplishment serves as a testament to the work ethic he developed in the steel mills of Pittsburgh. […]
Tony Dungy, one of the NFL’s class acts, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last weekend making him the first African-American coach to achieve the honor. Dungy has already etched his name in the history annals by becoming the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl in the NFL. Dungy, […]
Simone Manuel of the United States and 16-year-old Penny Oleksiak of Canada tied for the gold medal in the women’s 100-meter freestyle, upsetting world-record holder Cate Campbell. Manuel becomes the first African-American woman to win a gold medal in swimming. American swimmer Cullen Jones, also made history with his gold medals, was one of the […]
The Watts Rebellion, often referred to as the Watts Riot, began this day in 1965. Until 1992, it was the largest such disturbance the city has ever seen and historians point to a longstanding tension between police and the Black community as the impetus. Marquette Frye, then 21, and his brother Ronald were driving in […]
Mary Ann Shadd Cary made her mark as the first Black woman publisher in North America, and as the first woman publisher in Canada. Mrs. Cary was also an abolitionist, teacher, activist, and lawyer in her lifetime, and established a racially integrated school just across the border from Detroit. Cary was born Mary Ann Shadd […]
Matthew Henson is believed to be the first African-American explorer and is credited alongside Robert Edwin Peary as one of the first two men to reach the North Pole. Henson’s contributions to Peary’s expeditions went largely unnoticed up until his death in 1955, but history reveals that he was an invaluable assistant and explorer. Henson […]
From Tommie and John’s Black Power salute to Gabby Douglas becoming the first African American to win an individual gymnastics title, here are some of the most memorable moments for African Americans in the Olympics.
The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio are quickly approaching, and the racial diversity of the Games has improved greatly over the years. Just over 90 years ago, DeHart Hubbard made a significant dent in history by becoming the first Black person to win individual Olympic gold at the Summer Games. Born William DeHart Hubbard on […]
Stetson Kennedy, a white author and folklorist, became an infamous figure of the 20th Century after he made the daring move to infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. Kennedy also collaborated with the famed author Zora Neale Hurston and went on to become a notable activist. Kennedy was born October 5, 1916 in Jacksonville, […]
