February 1, 1836 Francis Lewis Cardozo, clergyman, educator, and the first African American to hold a statewide office in the United States, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1858, he graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland and in 1864 was ordained a Presbyterian minister. In 1865, Cardozo became superintendant of an American […]
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Jackie Robinson Remembered – January 31st in African American History
Jackie Robinson is one of the most influential players in professional baseball to ever put on the jersey. This is not only because of his skill as a player, but his grace as well. He was the first African American to ever make it to the big leagues, and although he faced discrimination at every […]
Henry Johnson – January 31st in African American History
January 31, 1904 Henry Johnson, Medal of Honor recipient, died. Johnson was born June 11, 1850 in Boydton, Virginia. The Negro Cavalries were nicknamed “Buffalo Soliders” by the Native Americans that they fought. In 1866, Congress named six all African American Army regiments. The 9th and 10th Cavalries and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st infantry. These […]
Margaret Bush Wilson – January 30th in African American History
January 30, 1919 Margaret Bush Wilson, lawyer and activist, was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Wilson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Talladega College in 1939 and her law degree from the Lincoln University of Missouri School of Law. After passing the bar, she was the second woman of color admitted to […]
Richard (Dick) “Night Train” Lane – January 29th in African American History
January 29, 2002 Richard (Dick) “Night Train” Lane, hall of fame football player, died. Lane was born April 16, 1928 in Austin, Texas. He made his professional football debut with the Los Angeles Rams as a defensive back in 1952. In his rookie season, he set the NFL single season record for interceptions with 14 […]
William DeKova White – January 28th in African American History
January 28, 1934 William DeKova White, retired professional baseball player, sportscaster, and executive, was born in Lakewood, Florida. White made his major league debut in 1956 and during his 13 season professional career was a five-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove Award winner. After retiring as a player in 1969, White had an 18-year career […]
Angela Yvonne Davis – January 26th in African American History
January 26, 1944 Angela Yvonne Davis, political activist and retired professor, was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Davis was awarded a scholarship to Brandeis University and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude and a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 1965. She earned her Master of Arts degree from the University of California […]