Category Archives: Today in History

On February 20, 1927, Sidney Poitier was born. Sidney Poitier was an influential actor and film director. He was the first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor. 

On February 19, 2002, Vonetta Flowers became the first black athlete to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics. 

On February 18, 1931, Toni Morrison was born. Toni Morrison became the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993.  Throughout her career, Morrison was praised for her literary works that often highlighted pivotal aspects of black history. In addition to winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1963, Morrison was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

On February 17, 1942, Huey P. Newton was born. Huey P. Newton was an influential activist and leader. He co-founded the Black Panther Party. Notable civil rights and political activists Huey Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party in 1966. The Black Panther Party looked to uplift and protect black communities and families by focusing on social reform and community initiatives.

On February 16, 1904, James Baskett was born. James Baskett was one of the first African Americans to win an Oscar. In 1948, he received an honorary Oscar for his role Uncle Remus in ‘Song of the South.’

On February 15, 1965, Nat King Cole died at the age of 45. Nat King Cole was a famous singer and jazz pianist during the mid 1900s.

On February 14, 1867, Augusta Institute, known today as Morehouse College, was founded by Reverend William Jefferson White. In 1929, the name was officially changed to Morehouse College. Today Morehouse College is a prestigious historically black university located in Atlanta, Georgia.

On February 13, 1920, The Negro National League was founded by Andrew Foster and others. The Negro National League welcomed black baseball players who were barred from joining the Major Leagues due to racial discrimination. Legendary baseball players like Jackie Robinson and Leroy “Satchel” Paige played in the Negro Leagues before joining the Majors. 

On February 12, 1909, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded. The NAACP was created to advocate, uplift and advance black people. Today, the NAACP still serves a powerful role in the black community. 

On February 11, 1958, Ruth Carol Taylor became the first black flight attendant. She made history during a flight from Ithaca to New York City.