November 8, 1947 Minnie Julia Riperton, singer and songwriter, was born in Chicago, Illinois. As a teenager, Riperton received operatic vocal training and was urged to study the classics. However, she became interested in rhythm and blues. Riperton’s first solo album, “Come to My Garden,” was released in 1970 and, although commercially unsuccessful, it is […]
About Chimsima Zuhri
November 8th in African American History – Lester Bowie
November 8, 1999 Lester Bowie, jazz trumpeter and composer, died. Bowie was born October 11, 1941 in Frederick, Maryland but raised in St. Louis, Missouri. At the age of five, he began studying the trumpet with his father who was a professional musician. In 1966, he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he worked as a […]
November 7th in African American History – Vertner Woodson Tandy
November 7, 1949 Vertner Woodson Tandy, architect and one of the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, died. Tandy was born May 17, 1885 in Lexington, Kentucky. While attending Cornell University, in 1906 Tandy was one of the seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the first African American Greek letter fraternity. Tandy earned his […]
November 7th in African American History – Alexa Canady
November 7, 1950 Alexa Canady, the first African American female neurosurgeon, was born in Lansing, Michigan. Canady earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1971 and her medical degree cum laude in 1975 from the University of Michigan. In 1976, she became the first black female to enter the field of neurosurgery as a physician […]
November 6th in African American History – Stan Wright
November 6, 1998 Stan Wright, hall of fame track and field coach, died. Wright was born August 11, 1921 in Englewood, New Jersey. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and his master’s degree from Columbia University. In 1950, Wright began his coaching career at Texas Southern University. The TSU “Flying Tigers” became nationally […]
November 6th in African American History – George Lawrence “Larry” James
November 6, 1947 George Lawrence “Larry” James, hall of fame track and field athlete, was born in Mount Pleasant, New York. James started running track in the seventh grade and was a double medalist at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. He won the Silver medal in the 400 meter race and the Gold medal […]
November 5th in African American History – Kellen Boswell Winslow
November 5, 1957 Kellen Boswell Winslow, hall of fame football player, was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Winslow played college football at the University of Missouri and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in counseling psychology. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 1979 NFL Draft and over his nine season professional […]