On May 7, 1946, Thelma Houston was born in 1946. Thelma Houston is a GRAMMY award-winning singer.
Category Archives: Today in History
Legendary baseball player Willie Mays was born
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.
Influential engineer and inventor Elijah McCoy was born
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.
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 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.
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