On May 12, 1951, Oscar Stanton De Priest died. Oscar DePriest was an influential civil rights activist and politician. Oscar DePriest was the first black alderman of Chicago, Illinois.
Category Archives: Today in History
Bob Marley passed away in 1981
On May 11, 1981, Bob Marley passed away at the age of 36. Bob Marley was born in Jamaica in the 1940’s. He produced hits like “No Woman, No Cry” and “Positive Vibrations.” Today, Bob Marley is remembered as one of the best reggae artists in music history.
Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1944
On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president. Nelson Mandela is widely known for his role in ending years or racial apartheid in South Africa. Mandela served 27 years in prison for political causes, before becoming the first democratically elected president of South Africa. He served as president from 1994 to 1999.
Singer and songwriter Tamia was born in 1975
On May 9, 1975, Tamia was born. Tamia is a singer and songwriter. Tamia is known for hit songs like “So Into You” and “Stranger in My House.”
Carole Annie-Marie Gist, the first African American to be crowned Miss USA, was born 1969
On May 8, 1969, Carole Annie-Marie Gist was born. Carole Annie-Marie Gist became the first African American to be crowned Miss USA in 1990.
GRAMMY award-winning singer Thelma Houston was born in 1946
On May 7, 1946, Thelma Houston was born in 1946. Thelma Houston is a GRAMMY award-winning singer.
Legendary baseball player Willie Mays was born in 1931
On May 6, 1931, Willie Mays was born. Willie Mays is looked at as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
Moneta Sleet became the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize in journalism in 1969
On May 5, 1969, Moneta Sleet became the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize in journalism. In 1969, Moneta Sleet received a Pulitzer Prize for the photo he took of Coretta Scott King at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral.
Ella Fitzgerald became the first African American woman to win a GRAMMY award in 1959
On May 4, 1959, Ella Fitzgerald became the first African American woman to win a GRAMMY award.
The Black Student Sit-In took place at Northwestern University in 1968
On May 3, 1968, the Black Student Sit-In took place at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. In 1968, black students at Northwestern University took control of Bursar’s Office and orchestrated a monumental sit-in.
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