Black - African American History Facts

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, legendary composer and bandleader, was born in Washington, DC, on this date in 1899. Ellington is famous for his songs: "Take the A Train," "Mood Indigo," and "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good" among others. He was commemorated on a U.S. postage stamp on this date in 1986.

Alex P. Haley won the "Pulitzer Prize" for Roots on this date in 1977.

Harold Washington was sworn in as the first black mayor of Chicago, IL, on this date in 1983.

The LA Rebellion, sparked by the acquittal of four white LAPD officers in the beating of Rodney King, began on this date in 1992. At least 50 people were killed, thousands were injured, and there were estimates of up to one billion dollars in property damage.

Barack Obama renounced Rev. Wright for comments he found offensive on this date in 2008.