Black - African American History Facts

John Adams Hyman, North Carolina's first black Congressman, died in Washington, DC, on this date in 1891.

Edward Franklin Frazier, sociologist, historian, and author of Black Bourgeoisie (a book that criticizes the black middle class for isolating themselves from poor blacks), was born in Baltimore, MD, on this date in 1894.

The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the admittance of James Meredith to the University of Mississippi on this date in 1962. Mississippi's Board of Higher Education faced contempt if they did not obey.

Robert E. Chambliss, white supremacist, was charged with first-degree murder in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL, on this date in 1977. Addie Mae Collins, Carol Robertson, Denise McNair, and Cynthia Wesley were killed.

John T. Walker was installed as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC, on this date in 1977. Walker was the first black person to hold this position.

Barbara C. Harris, an ordained Priest serving in the Philadelphia Church of the Advocate, became the first woman Bishop on this date in 1988. Harris was elected a Suffragan in the Episcopal Church.