On January 21, 1963, Hakeem Olajuwon was born. Hakeem Olajuwon was a professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1985-2002. Today, he is honored as a basketball legend.
Category Archives: Today in History
Barack Obama was inaugurated as the first African American president of the U.S. in 2009
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated in Washington D.C. He became the first African American president of the United States. Barack Obama served as President from 2009-2017.
John H. Johnson, the founder of Ebony and JET magazine, was born in 1918
On January 19, 1918, John H. Johnson was born. John H. Johnson was an influential publisher during the 1900s. He founded Ebony and JET magazine.
Prominent politician and social activist Elijah Cummings was born in 1951
On January 18, 1951, Elijah Cummings was born. Elijah Cummings was an influential politician and social activist. He passed away in 2019.
Lawrence Douglas Wilder, the first African American to be elected as a U.S. Governor, was born in 1931
On January 17, 1931, Lawrence Douglas Wilder was born. Lawrence Douglas Wilder was the first African American to be elected as a U.S. Governor.
Singer Aaliyah was born in 1979
On January 16, 1979, Aaliyah was born. Aaliyah was a famous singer and actress. She is known for popular hit songs like “One in a Million “ “Rock the Boat.” Aaliyah tragically passed away in 2001.
Civil rights leader and activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in 1929
On January 15, 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered as an influential civil rights leader and activist. He was a key figure during the civil rights movement. Today, Dr. Martin Luther King is honored for his contributions to black history and U.S. history. MLK Day is celebrated as a federal holiday annually on the third Monday of January.
Famous novelist John Oliver Killens was born in 1916
On January 14, 1916, John Oliver Killens was born. John Oliver Killens was an influential writer during the 1900s.
Singer and songwriter Teddy Pendergrass died in 2010
On January 13, 2010, Teddy Pendergrass died. Teddy Pendergrass was a famous singer and songwriter. Teddy Pendergrass is known for his popular hits like “When Somebody Loves You Back” and “You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration” among others.
Lorraine Hansberry, the first African American woman to have a play performed on Broadway, died in 1965
On January 12, 1965, Lorraine Hansberry died. Lorraine Hansberry was the first African American woman to have a play performed on Broadway. The play was A Raisin in the Sun.
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