Black - African American History Facts

Hale A. Woodruff, educator and painter, was born in Cairo, IL, on this date in 1900. Woodruff held shows at Atlanta University that helped showcase black artists.

William L. Dawson was elected as the first black Democratic Party Vice Presidential candidate on this date in 1943.

Dan Bankhead became the first Negro League pitcher in Major League Baseball on this date in 1947.

Valerie Simpson Ashford, composer, singer, and producer, was born in New York City, on this date in 1948.

The Rev. Channing E. Phillips of Washington, DC, was the first black nominated for President by a major party at the Democratic Convention in Chicago, IL, which began on this date in 1968.

Julian Bond was nominated as the Vice Presidential Candidate at the Democratic Convention in Chicago, IL, which began on this date in 1968. Bond, a 28-year-old, withdrew his name because the Constitutional minimum age for the office of Vice President is 35.