Black - African American History Facts

Billy Flora, a black patriot who fought against British forces in Virginia during the Battle of Great Bridge, displayed extraordinary bravery by being last patriot to leave a bridge being attacked by British forces on this date in 1775. Flora shot and reloaded his musket eight times while under concentrated fire.

P. B. S. Pinchback began serving as Governor of Louisiana (the first black state Governor) on this date in 1872.

Red Foxx, entertainer famous for his role as "Fred Sanford," was born in St. Louis, MO, on this date in 1922. Interestingly, his birth name was John Elroy Sanford.

Andrew "Rube" Foster, organizer of the Negro Baseball League, the first black baseball league, died on this date in 1930.

The African nation of Tanzania gained its independence on this date in 1961.

Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche, "Nobel Peace Prize" winner and Undersecretary of the United Nations (1955-1971), died at age 67 on this date in 1971.

Barbara Jordan, lawyer, educator, political leader, and stateswoman, received the 77th NAACP Spingarn Medal on this date in 1992 for her dedicated career as a public servant and for her strong belief in the equality of man and the community of the nation.