On December 22, 1960, Jean-Michel Basquiat was born. Jean-Michel Basquiat was a successful self-taught artist and painter. He was most influential during the 1970s.
Category Archives: Today in History
Olympic sprinter Florence Griffith-Joyner was born in 1959
On December 21, 1959, Florence “Flo-Jo” Griffith-Joyner was born. Florence Griffith-Joyner became known as “Flo-Jo” for her athletic talent. During her professional career, Joyner earned five Olympic medals.
Max Robinson, the first Black network news anchor, died in 1988
On December 20, 1988, Max Robinson tragically passed away. Max Robinson was a pioneering journalist. He was the first Black network news anchor. He was also a co-founder of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Historian Carter G. Woodson, the creator of Black History Month, was born in 1875
On December 19, 1875, Carter G. Woodson was born. Early on in his life Woodson developed a passion for Black history. He cemented his legacy by creating Black institutions that sought to educate Black people and preserve Black history. In 1915, he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. His most notable accomplishment is architecting the idea of Black History Month (1926).
Legendary rapper and entertainer DMX was born in 1970
On December 18, 1970, Earl Simmons, known as DMX, was born in Mount Vernon, New York. DMX was an iconic rapper, actor and entertainer. He grew in popularity during the 1990’s, producing hits like “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Slippin.” DMX also starred in several popular black films including Belly and Romeo Must Die.
Raven Wilkinson, the first African American woman to receive a contract to dance full time with a major ballet company, died in 2018
On December 17, 2018, ballerina Anne Raven Wilkinson died. Anne Raven Wilkinson was the first African American woman to receive a contract to dance full time with a major ballet company. She performed with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo of New York City
Charles L. Blockson, a leading expert on the Underground Railroad, was born in 1933
On December 16, 1933, historian and writer Charles L. Blockson was born in Pennsylvania. Charles Blockson was an influential historian, who worked to preserve African history in the U.S. and abroad. He is acknowledged as a leading expert on the Underground Railroad.
Maggie Lena Walker, the first woman to establish a bank in the United States, died in 1934
On December 15, 1934, Maggie Lena Walker died. Maggie Lena Walker was a prominent educator and civil rights activist. She was the first woman to establish a bank in the United States. She founded St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in 1903.
John Mercer Langston, the first Black man to become a lawyer in Ohio, was born in 1829
On December 14, 1829, John Mercer Langston was born. His accomplishments include being the first Black man to become a lawyer in Ohio, the first President of Virginia State University, and the founding dean of Howard University School of Law.
Activist and community organizer Ella Josephine Baker died in 1986
On December 13, 1986, Ella Josephine Baker died. Elle Josephine Baker was an influential activist and community organizer during the 1990s. She is known for her “grassroots” approach to the civil rights movements that differed from other activists.
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