Category Archives: Today in History

On March 2, 1867, Howard University was founded. Today, Howard University is a prestigious historically black university (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C.

On March 1, 1914, Ralph Ellison was born. Ralph Ellison was a famous author and novelist. Ralph Ellison is the author of The Invisible Man and Juneteenth.

On February 28, 1968, Juanita Hall was born. Juanita Hall was the first African American to win a Tony award.

On February 27, 1872, Charlotte Ray graduated from law school. Charlotte E. Ray is remembered as the first female African American lawyer in the United States. She was also the first female lawyer to practice law in Washington D.C. Charlotte Ray was a graduate of Howard School of Law (1972).

On February 26, 2012, Travyon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman. 

On February 25, 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was founded.  Cheyney University  of Pennsylvania is the oldest historically black university.

On February 24, 2006, Octavia Butler died. Octavia Butler was a famous author and novelist. Octavia Butler is the author of Parable of the Sower and Kindred.

On February 23, 1868, W.E.B Du Bois was born. W.E.B. Du Bois was a well-known scholar, who advocated for the intellectual empowerment of black people throughout the 1900s.  W.E.B. Du Bois died in 1963.

On February 22, 1911, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper died.  Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was the first African American woman to publish a short story.

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated.