Black - African American History Facts

The black Masons in Boston, MA, formed the African Lodge No. 1 on this date in 1775.

Joseph H. Douglass, celebrated violinist and grandson of Frederick Douglass, was born in Washington, DC, on this date in 1871.

Charles Waddell Chestnutt, author, received the 14th NAACP Spingarn Medal on this date in 1928 for his outstanding work as a literary artist depicting the black plight and for his illustrious career as a scholar, worker, and freeman.

John Hope, President of Atlanta University, received the 22nd NAACP Spingarn Medal posthumously on this date in 1936 for his distinguished services at the school and for his leadership qualities.

Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player in the major leagues, became the first black person named to the Baseball Hall of Fame on this date in 1962.

The African nation of Algeria gained its independence on this date in 1962.

Wilson C. Riles, educator, received the 58th NAACP Spingarn Medal on this date in 1973 for his success and his devotion to the field of education for all students.

Benjamin Lawson Hooks, NAACP Executive Director, received the 71st NAACP Spingarn Medal on this date in 1986 for his outstanding career as a lawyer, minister, jurist, public servant, and orator, among others, and for his appointment as Federal Communications Commission Director.