April 2, 1911 Charles “Honi” Coles, tap dancer and actor, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Coles developed his high-speed rhythm tapping on the streets of his hometown.
April 2nd in African American History – Willie M. “Bill” Pickett
April 2, 1932 Willie M. “Bill” Pickett, cowboy and rodeo performer, died after being kicked in the head by a horse. Pickett was born December 5, 1870 or 1871 in Travis County, Texas. After quitting school, he took up ranch work.
April 1st in African American History – Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr.
April 1, 1984 Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, was fatally shot. Gay was born April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C. He started as a member of The Moonglows in 1958 and after they disbanded in 1960, he moved to Detroit, Michigan and signed with Motown Records.
April 1st in African American History – William Manning Marable
April 1, 2011 William Manning Marable, educator, author, and activist, died. Marable was born May 13, 1950 in Dayton, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Earlham College in 1971, his Master of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1972, and his Ph. D. from the University of Maryland in 1976.
March 28th in African American History – Thaddeus Joseph “Thad” Jones
March 28, 1923 Thaddeus Joseph “Thad” Jones, jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, was born in Pontiac, Michigan. Jones was a self taught musician and began playing professionally at the age of 16. He served in the United States Army band from 1943 to 1946.
March 28th in African American History – Ed Wilson
March 28, 1925 Ed Wilson, sculptor, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. After serving in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946, Wilson earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1953.
March 28th in African American History – Cumberland Willis “Cum” Posey
March 28, 1946 Cumberland Willis “Cum” Posey, hall of fame Negro League player, manager and team owner, died. Posey was born June 20, 1890 in Homestead, Pennsylvania. In his early years, basketball dominated Posey’s life.