Black - African American History Facts

George Washington Williams, credited as being the first black historian of major significance, was born in Pennsylvania on this date in 1849.

The Harper's Ferry Insurrection began with John Brown attacking Harper's Ferry, VA, along with 13 whites and five blacks on this date in 1859. They took arms and seized the arsenal.

S. E. Thomas, inventor, patented the Waste Trap (curved metal plumbing pipe) on this date in 1883. Patent # 286,746.

Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr., commander of Harlem's 369th Coast Artillery (National Guard), became the first black General in the U.S. Army on this date in 1940. Davis commanded a brigade artillery unit based at Fort Riley, KS.

Tommie Smith and John Carlos (wearing gloves and socks) rose their fists in support of the struggle for black freedom while being awarded the 200-meter Olympic Gold and Bronze Medals respectively on this date in 1968.

Maynard Jackson was elected mayor of Atlanta, GA, on this date in 1973-the first black mayor of a major Southern city.

Bishop Desmond Tutu, activist and head of the South African Council of Churches, was awarded the "Nobel Peace Prize," on this date in 1984, for being a unifying figure in the campaign to resolve the problem of apartheid.

Art Blakey, jazz musician and bandleader, died in New York on this date in 1990.

Dr. Wilma King, Professor of History and author, published Stolen Childhood, the first book-length study of the slave child, on this date in 1995.

The Nation of Islam facilitated "The Million Man March, A Day of Atonement," on this date in 1995. This event, held in Washington, DC, marked the largest gathering of blacks in a demonstration. Nearly two million black men attended. The Million Family March to celebrate family and unity was also held on the Washington Mall on this date in 2000.