On May 2, 1844, Elijah McCoy was born. Elijah McCoy was an influential engineer and inventor. During his lifetime, McCoy received more than 50 patents. His most notable invention was a lubricating oil drip cup for engines.
Category Archives: Today in History
Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1950
On May 1, 1950, Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to receive a pilot’s license, died in 1926
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 died in 2019
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 died in 2008
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 was born in 1927
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.
Margaret Bonds, the first African American to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, died in 1972
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 became the first African American selected in a NBA draft in 1950
On April 25, 1950, Charles “Chuck” Cooper became the first African American selected in a NBA draft. Charles Cooper paved the way by breaking the color barrier in the NBA in 1950. Cooper was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round. Charles Cooper died in 1984.
Mathematician and educator David Blackwell was born in 1919
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 became the first African American woman to reach the North Pole in 2007
On April 23, 2007, Barbara Hillary became the first African American woman to reach the North Pole.
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