On April 1, 1940, Wangari Maathai was born. Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She was also the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree.
Category Archives: Today in History
Olympian Jesse Owens died in 1980
On March 31, 1980, Olympic track star Jesse Owens died at the age of 66. Jesse Owens is known as one of the greatest track and field athletes in history. In 1936, Jesse Owens won his first Olympic gold medal at the Berlin Olympics. He would go on to win a total of four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
GRAMMY winner Tracy Chapman was born in 1964
On March 30, 1964, Tracy Chapman was born. Tracy Chapman is a singer, songwriter, and GRAMMY award winner.
Michael Jordan won a NCAA championship with the North Carolina Tar Heels in 1982
On March 29, 1982, Michael Jordan won a NCAA championship with the North Carolina Tar Heels. In 1982, Michael Jordan hit the game-winning shot against Georgetown leading the Tar Heels to a NCAA title.
Dr. Benjamin Mays, the first African American president of the Atlanta Board of Education, died in 1984
On March 28, 1984, Dr. Benjamin Mays died. Dr. Benjamin Mays was an influential leader and educator. Dr. Benjamin Mays gained higher education from Bates College and the University of Chicago. Afterward, he began his career as an educator, working for prestigious institutions like Howard University and Morehouse College.
Arthur Mitchell, the first black dancer to join the New York City Ballet, was born in 1934
On March 27, 1934, Arthur Mitchell was born. Arthur Mitchell was a ballet dancer and choreographer. He was the first black dancer to join the New York City Ballet and co-founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Singer and songwriter Teddy Pendergrass was born in 1950
On March 26,1950, Singer and songwriter Teddy Pendergrass was born. Teddy Pendergrass is known for his popular hits like “When Somebody Loves You Back” and “You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration” among others.
The “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin was born in 1942
On March 25, 1942, Aretha Franklin was born. Aretha Franklin was an iconic singer and performer. Aretha Franklin is known as the “Queen of Soul.”
Halle Berry became the first black actress to win an Academy Award for best actress in 2002
On March 24, 2002, Halle Berry became the first black actress to win an Academy Award for best actress.
Marcus Garvey arrived in the U.S. in 1916
On March 23, 1916, Marcus Garvey arrived in the U.S. His intention was to attend a lecture tour and meet with influential leader Booker T. Washington. Unfortunately, Washington died before he arrived.
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