On May 1, 1950, Gwendolyn Brooks became the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
Tag Archives: history lovers
Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to receive a pilot’s license, died in 1926
On April 30, 1926, Bessie Coleman died at the age of 34. In 1926, Bessie Coleman died in a plane crash during a test flight. Many African American leaders attended her funeral including Ida B. Wells.
Famous Director John Singleton died in 2019
On April 29, 2019, John Singleton died at the age of 51. John Singleton was a famous director and screenwriter known for his work in several popular films and tv shows.
Margaret Bonds, the first African American to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, died in 1972
On April 26, 1972, Margaret Bonds died. Margaret Bonds was a famous composer and pianist, most known for her collaborations with Langston Hughes. Margaret Bonds was the first African American to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Charles “Chuck” Cooper became the first African American selected in a NBA draft in 1950
On April 25, 1950, Charles “Chuck” Cooper became the first African American selected in a NBA draft. Charles Cooper paved the way by breaking the color barrier in the NBA in 1950. Cooper was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round. Charles Cooper died in 1984.
Barbara Hillary became the first African American woman to reach the North Pole in 2007
On April 23, 2007, Barbara Hillary became the first African American woman to reach the North Pole.
Prominent lawyer Charles Hamilton Houston died in 1950
On April 22, 1950, Charles Hamilton Houston died in 1950 at the age of 54. Charles Hamilton Houston was an influential lawyer and civil rights activist. Throughout his life, Charles Hamilton Houston used his law and ethical skills to contribute to the civil rights movement. His contributions include architecting the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling in 1954, serving as the dean of Howard University Law School and mentoring Thurgood Marshall.
Legendary singer and songwriter Prince died in 2016
On April 21, 2016, Prince died at the age of 57. Prince was a legendary singer and songwriter.
Iconic singer and songwriter Luther Vandross was born in 1951
On April 20, 1951, Luther Vandross was born. Luther Vandross was an iconic singer and songwriter. Luther Vandross is known for hit songs like “Never Too Much”, “Dance with My Father”, “Here and Now” and “A House Is Not a Home.”
Professional basketball player Candace Parker was born in 1986
On April 19, 1986, professional basketball player Candace Parker was born. Candace Parker is a two-time WNBA champion and two-time WNBA MVP. Her accomplishments include being the first woman to appear on the cover of NBA 2K and the first woman to win a slam dunk contest.
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