On January 18, 1951, Elijah Cummings was born. Elijah Cummings was an influential politician and social activist. He passed away in 2019.
Author Archives: The Black Blog
Lawrence Douglas Wilder, the first African American to be elected as a U.S. Governor, was born in 1931
On January 17, 1931, Lawrence Douglas Wilder was born. Lawrence Douglas Wilder was the first African American to be elected as a U.S. Governor.
Singer Aaliyah was born in 1979
On January 16, 1979, Aaliyah was born. Aaliyah was a famous singer and actress. She is known for popular hit songs like “One in a Million “ “Rock the Boat.” Aaliyah tragically passed away in 2001.
Civil rights leader and activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in 1929
On January 15, 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered as an influential civil rights leader and activist. He was a key figure during the civil rights movement. Today, Dr. Martin Luther King is honored for his contributions to black history and U.S. history. MLK Day is celebrated as a federal holiday annually on the third Monday of January.
Famous novelist John Oliver Killens was born in 1916
On January 14, 1916, John Oliver Killens was born. John Oliver Killens was an influential writer during the 1900s.
Singer and songwriter Teddy Pendergrass died in 2010
On January 13, 2010, Teddy Pendergrass died. Teddy Pendergrass was a famous singer and songwriter. Teddy Pendergrass is known for his popular hits like “When Somebody Loves You Back” and “You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration” among others.
Lorraine Hansberry, the first African American woman to have a play performed on Broadway, died in 1965
On January 12, 1965, Lorraine Hansberry died. Lorraine Hansberry was the first African American woman to have a play performed on Broadway. The play was A Raisin in the Sun.
Singer and songwriter Mary J. Blige was born in 1971
On January 11, 1971, Mary J. Blige was born. Mary J. Blige is a famous singer and songwriter. She has also used her talents to pursue an acting career.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was founded in 1957
On January 10, 1957, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was founded. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference was created to advocate for civil rights. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference was founded by Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders.
Earl G. Graves Sr., the founder of Black Enterprise, was born in 1935
On January 9, 1935, Earl G. Graves Sr. was born. Earl G. Graves Sr. founded Black Enterprise in 1970. He died in 2020 at the age of 85. Today, Black Enterprise magazine is run by his son Earl Graves Jr. Earl Graves Jr. currently serves as the President and CEO of Black Enterprise magazine.
TheBlack.Blog 