Black - African American History Facts

James Monroe Gregory, the first graduate of Howard University, was born in Lexington, VA, on this date in 1849.

The Chicago Provident Hospital, founded by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, opened the first training school for black nurses on this date in 1891.

Althea Gibson was named "Female Athlete of the Year," becoming the first black female athlete to be so honored on this date in 1958.

The 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified by Congress on this date in 1964. This Amendment outlawed the poll tax, a tax that diminished the participation of blacks in federal elections.

Paul Robeson, actor, singer, athlete, and activist, died in Philadelphia, PA, on this date in 1976. The famous actor graduated from Rutgers University, became a Presbyterian minister, and obtained a law degree from Columbia University.

ABC-TV began televising the Roots mini-series on this date in 1977. Based on Alex P. Haley's book, Roots was the most watched mini-series in history, commanding some 130 million viewers.

Paul Revere Williams, NAACP Spingarn Medal recipient and architect who designed the Hollywood YMCA and fabulous homes for celebrities, died on this date in 1980.