Black - African American History Facts

Frederick Augustus Douglass was the only male to play a prominent role at the first Women's Rights Convention at Seneca Falls, NY, on this date in 1848. Douglass seconded the women's suffrage motion by their President Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Dr. Louis T. Wright, surgeon, received the 25th NAACP Spingarn Medal on this date in 1940 for his contributions to the field of medicine and for his dedication to the healing of mankind.

The first black airman's school (U.S. Army) was dedicated in Tuskegee, AL, on this date in 1941. This event marked the formal beginning of the 99th Pursuit Squadron.

The Fair Employment Practices Commission was established on this date in 1941. President Roosevelt's Executive Order 8802 the previous month served as the catalyst for forming the group. However, discrimination continued and the commission was a failure.

Asa Phillip Randolph, labor leader and President of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, received the 27th NAACP Spingarn Medal on this date in 1942 for his leadership in the field of labor organization and national affairs for over 30 years.

President Jimmy Carter appointed Howard University law professor, Patricia Roberts Harris, to the position of Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (now Health and Human Services) on this date in 1979. Harris was the first black woman to hold a Cabinet position.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson addressed over 11,000 people at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, GA, on this date in 1988. His speech challenged the morals of America as he used his familiar "Keep Hope Alive" message.