Black - African American History Facts

The War Department created the Bureau of Colored Troops and began an aggressive effort to recruit black soldiers on this date in 1863.

Claude McKay, novelist, "Harlem Renaissance" poet, and the first black person to write a best seller in fiction-Home to Harlem (1928)-died on this date in 1948.

Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr., the nation's first black General in the U.S. Air Force, was promoted to Major General on this date in 1959.

William "Bill" Cosby, famed entertainer, received an "Emmy Award" for I Spy on this date in 1966. Cosby won the best actor in a dramatic series award-the first black winner in this category.

Langston Hughes, poet laureate, author, and playwright, died in New York City on this date in 1967. His writings about experiences gathered from his life have undoubtedly influenced many other writers.