Black - African American History Facts

The Fairfax Resolve was signed by President George Washington on this date in 1774. This Act was proposed to end the importation and exportation of slaves. Interestingly enough, Washington was himself a slave owner.

Shaw University was founded in Raleigh, NC, on this date in 1865.

Louis Allen (Lou) Rawls, philanthropist, award-winning entertainer, and long-time host of the United Negro College Fund Parade of Stars Telethon, was born in Chicago, IL, on this date in 1936.

Rosa L. Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white person and was subsequently arrested, inspiring the Montgomery Bus Boycott on this date in 1955.

Alex Quaison-Sackey of Ghana became one of the first blacks to preside over the General Assembly of the United Nations on this date in 1964.

Willie Lewis Brown was elected Speaker of the California Assembly on this date in 1980. In 1996, Brown became the first black mayor of San Francisco.

Dancer and choreographer, Alvin Ailey, died in New York on this date in 1989. He founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. His best-known work, Revelations, was created in 1961.

Pearl Steward was named Editor of the Oakland Tribune on this date in 1992-the first black female editor of a major metropolitan daily newspaper.

Barack Obama nominated Eric Holder Attorney General on this date in 2008.

Barack Obama named Susan Rice Ambassador to the UN on this date in 2008.

Barack Obama nominated his rival Hillary Clinton Secretary of State on this date in 2008.