Black - African American History Facts

Henry Ossian Flipper became the first black graduate of the West Point Military Academy on this date in 1877.

John Wesley Work, III, musician and professor, well-known for composing "Go Tell It On the Mountain," was born on this date in 1901.

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander became the first black person to receive a Ph.D. in Economics on this date in 1921. Alexander attended the University of Pennsylvania.

Erroll Garner, famed jazz pianist, was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on this date in 1921.

Bessie Coleman became the first black licensed pilot when she was awarded her pilot's certificate in France on this date in 1921.

A former Executive Director of the United Negro College Fund, Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., was appointed Executive Director of the National Urban League on this date in 1971.

Cheryl White became the first black female jockey on this date in 1971. The 17-year-old sensation appeared at the Thistledown Race Track in Cleveland, OH.

Rosa Parks was honored by President Clinton in the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on this date in 1999. Mrs. Parks also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor in 1996 for her efforts on behalf of racial harmony.