Black - African American History Facts

Robert Purvis, Sr., abolitionist and civil rights leader, was born in Charleston, SC, on this date in 1810.

Daniel Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, legendary trumpet player, was born in New Orleans, LA, on this date in 1901. Until recently, Armstrong was believed to have been born July 4, 1900.

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, educator and pioneer heart surgeon, died on this date in 1931. Without using anesthesia, Williams performed the world's first successful open-heart surgery at Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL, in 1893-a hospital he founded.

Barack Obama, Jr. was born in Honolulu, HI, to Ann Dunham (Obama) and Barack Obama, Sr. on this date in 1961.