Category Archives: Today in History

 On January 1, 1804, Haiti first declared independence after leading a successful revolution starting in 1791.

On December 31, 1900, Selma Burke was born in 1900. Selma Burke is famously known for the art piece she did on President Franklin Roosevelt. To educate and guide other artists, Selma Burke opened the Selma Burke School of Sculpture in NYC and the Selma Burke Art Center in Pittsburgh.

On December 30, 1984, LeBron James was born. LeBron James is a professional basketball player and philanthropist. LeBron James is recognized as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. LeBron James is the NBA’s all time scoring leader.

On December 29, 1907, Robert C. Weaver was born. In 1966, Robert C. Weaver became the first secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development making him the first African American to be appointed to a U.S. presidential cabinet.

On December 28, 1954, Denzel Washington was born. Denzel Washington is a famous actor. Denzel Washington has starred in several popular films like He’s Got Game (1998), Remember the Titans (2000), and Training Day (2001).

On December 27, 1994, Marjorie Stewart Joyner died at the age of 98.
Marjorie Joyner was a prominent inventor, entrepreneur and beautician. In 1928, Joyner patented a wave machine to help Black women straighten their hair. Marjorie Joyner worked closely with other prominent women including Madam C.J. Walker.

On December 26,1944, Harriet Ida Pickens and Frances Eliza Wills became the first African American female U.S. Navy officers. In October of 1944, President Roosevelt and the U.S. Navy announced the decision to allow African Americans into the Navy. Shortly thereafter Harriet Ida Pickens and Frances Eliza Wills were selected to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Despite the integration of the U.S. Navy in 1944, African American men and women still faced discrimination, racism and lack of representation.

On December 25, 1971, Reverend Jesse Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971. It was later renamed the Rainbow PUSH Coalition after a merge between the Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH.

On December 24, 1898, Warren ‘Baby’ Dodds was born. Warren “Baby” Dodds was a jazz drummer.

On December 23, 1867, Madam C.J. Walker was born. Madam C.J. Walker was an influential during the early 1900s. Throughout her life, Madam C.J. Walker strived to uplift and empower Black women, oftentimes using her own resources to do so. Walker also devoted her time to several prestigious Black organizations including the NAACP.