On May 1, 1950, Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
Author Archives: The Black Blog
Bessie Coleman dies at the age of 34
On April 30, 1926, Bessie Coleman died at the age of 34. In 1926, Bessie Coleman died in a plane crash during a test flight. Many African American leaders attended her funeral including Ida B. Wells.
Famous Director John Singleton dies at the age of 51
On April 29, 2019, John Singleton died at the age of 51. John Singleton was a famous director and screenwriter known for his work in several popular films and tv shows.
Legendary head coach Will Robinson dies at the age of 96
On April 28, 2008, Will Robinson died at the age of 96. Will Robinson was the first African American Division 1 head coach. Robinson made history when he was selected as the head basketball coach of Illinois State University in 1970.
Civil rights activist and leader Coretta Scott King is born
On April 27, 1927, Coretta Scott King was born. Coretta Scott King was an influential civil rights activist, leader, and the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Famous composer and pianist Margaret Bonds dies
On April 26, 1972, Margaret Bonds died. Margaret Bonds was a famous composer and pianist, most known for her collaborations with Langston Hughes. Margaret Bonds was the first African American to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Charles “Chuck” Cooper becomes the first African American selected in a NBA draft
On April 25, 1950, Charles “Chuck” Cooper became the first African American selected in a NBA draft.
Mathematician and educator David Blackwell is born
On April 24, 1919, David Blackwell was born in 1919. David Blackwell was the first African American inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. He was also the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the seventh African American to receive a Ph.D. in Mathematics.
Barbara Hillary becomes the first African American woman to reach the North Pole
On April 23, 2007, Barbara Hillary became the first African American woman to reach the North Pole.
Charles Hamilton Houston dies at the age of 54
On April 22, 1950, Charles Hamilton Houston died in 1950 at the age of 54. Charles Hamilton Houston was an influential lawyer and civil rights activist. Throughout his life, Charles Hamilton Houston used his law and ethical skills to contribute to the civil rights movement. His contributions include architecting the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling in 1954, serving as the dean of Howard University Law School and mentoring Thurgood Marshall.
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