Category Archives: Today in History

On February 10, 1992, Alex Haley died. Alex Haley was a famous writer. Haley is the author of Roots: The Saga of an American Family and The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

On February 9, 1971, Leroy “Satchel” Paige was nominated to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Leroy “Satchel” Paige was a professional baseball pitcher during the mid 1920’s. He broke through color barriers during his career. Paige made history as the first African American pitcher to pitch in a World Series game. He was also as the oldest player to debut in the Major Leagues on his 42nd birthday.

On February 8, 1944, Harry McAlpin became the first black journalist to attend a White House press conference. 

On February 7, 1926, Negro History Week was first celebrated. Negro History Week was created in by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Negro History Week was created to increase the teaching of African American history in public schools.

On February 6, 1993, Arthur Ashe died. Arthur Ashe was a legendary tennis player during the late 1900s. Arthur Ashe made history in 1975 when he defeated Jimmy Connors, becoming the first black man to ever win at Wimbledon. That’s not his only achievement. Ashe was the first black man to win the U.S. Open in 1968. After a historical career, Arthur Ashe retired from competitive tennis in 1980.

On February 5, 1943, Hank Aaron was born.  Hank Aaron was a professional baseball player and civil rights advocate. Throughout his professional baseball career, Aaron faced a lot of adversity and racial discrimination, but that didn’t stop him from consistently making history and achieving greatness. Hank Aaron is famously known for breaking Babe Ruth’s long-standing record home-record in 1974, after hitting his 715th home run.

On February 4, 1913, Rosa Parks was born. Rosa Parks was a leading figure in the civil rights movement. Most know her as the woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus, but she did so much more than that. For all her efforts and contribution during the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks was named the “first lady of civil rights” and “mother of the freedom movement.”

On February 3, 1870, The 15th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was ratified. 

On February 2, 1990, South African President F.W de Klerk gave a monumental speech marking the end of apartheid in South Africa. 

On February 1, 1901, famous poet Langston Hughes was born.