Black - African American History Facts

Joseph C. Price, President of Livingstone College, was elected President of the National Afro-American League, a pioneer black protest organization, on this date in 1890.

Gloria Naylor, writer, was born in Brooklyn, NY, on this date in 1950. The Women of Brewster Place and Mama Day are two of her most famous works.

Constance Baker Motley became the first black woman named to a federal judgeship on this date in 1966.

Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, opened her historic campaign for President on this date in 1972.

Nannie Mitchell-Turner, activist and co-founder of the St. Louis Argus, died in St. Louis, MO, on this date in 1975.

Black Entertainment Television (BET), a national cable network in America owned by blacks, began broadcasting on this date in 1980.

Controversy and protest was aroused on this date in 1985 when Bernard H. Goetz, a white man, accused of shooting four black youths on a New York Subway, was charged only with illegal possession of a weapon.

Terrell Davis, running back for the Denver Broncos, was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXII on this date in 1998. Davis rushed 30 times for 157 yards and three TDs in what has been called the "Best Super Bowl Ever."