On April 19, 1986, professional basketball player Candace Parker was born. Candace Parker is a two-time WNBA champion and two-time WNBA MVP. Her accomplishments include being the first woman to appear on the cover of NBA 2K and the first woman to win a slam dunk contest.
Author Archives: The Black Blog
Bill Russell became the first African American head coach in the NBA in 1966
On April 18, 1966, Bill Russell became the first African American head coach in the NBA.
Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, the first Black person elected to public office in British Columbia, was born in 1823
On April 17, 1823, Mifflin Wistar Gibbs was born. Mifflin Wistar Gibbs was the first black person elected to public office in British Columbia.
Famous author and novelist Ralph Ellison died in 1994
On April 16, 1994, Ralph Ellison died. Ralph Ellison was a famous author and novelist. Ralph Ellison is the author of The Invisible Man and Juneteenth.
Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in 1947
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.
William H. Hastie Jr., the first African American federal judge, died in 1976
On April 14, 1976, William H. Hastie Jr. died. William H. Hastie Jr. was the first African American federal judge.
Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor in 1964
On April 13, 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor.
Emmett Ashford became the first Black umpire in Major League Baseball in 1966
On April 11, 1966, Emmett Ashford became the first black umpire in Major League Baseball.
Lee Elder became the first African American to play in the Masters in 1975
On April 10, 1975, Lee Elder became the first African American to play in the Masters.
Prominent performer and athlete Paul Robeson was born in 1898
On April 9, 1898, Paul Robeson was born in New Jersey. Paul Robeson was an influential performer, actor, singer and athlete. Early on in his career, Robeson practiced as a lawyer before shifting to singing and acting. Robeson gained higher education from Rutgers University before attending Columbia University Law School. Paul Robeson died in 1976 at the age of 77.
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