February 17, 1938 Mary Frances Berry, the first black woman to head a major research university, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Berry earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Howard University in 1961 and 1962, respectively and her Ph.D. and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan in 1966 and […]
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February 3rd in African American History – Edwin Bancroft Henderson
February 3, 1977 Edwin Bancroft Henderson, the “grandfather of black basketball,” died. Henderson was born November 28, 1884 in Washington, D.C. In 1904, he became the first African American certified to teach physical education and from 1920 to 1954 was director of physical education in Washington’s segregated schools.
January 25th in African American History – Sarah Louise “Sadie” Delany
January 25, 1999 Sarah Louise “Sadie” Delany, educator, author and civil rights pioneer, died. Delany was born September 19, 1889 in Lynch Station, Virginia. She graduated from Saint Augustine’s School (now college) in 1910 and moved to New York City in 1916 where she began teaching for the public school system.
January 23rd in African American History – Robert Parris “Bob” Moses
January 23, 1935 Robert Parris “Bob” Moses, educator and civil rights activist, was born in Harlem, New York. Moses earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College in 1956 and his Master of Arts degree from Harvard University in 1957. In 1960, he became field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
January 21st in African American History – Fannie Jackson Coppin
January 21, 1913 Fannie Jackson Coppin, educator and journalist, died. Coppin was born enslaved on October 15, 1837 in Washington, D.C. She gained her freedom at the age of 12 when her aunt, who worked for $6 per month and saved $125, was able to purchase her freedom. In 1860, she enrolled at Oberlin College […]
January 17th in African American History – Anna Arnold Hedgeman
January 17, 1990 Anna Arnold Hedgeman, educator, author and civil rights leader, died. Hedgeman was born July 5, 1899 in Marshalltown, Iowa. In 1918, she enrolled at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, becoming their first African American student, and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1922.
January 8th in African American History – James Edward Cheek
January 8, 2010 James Edward Cheek, educator and theologian, died. Cheek was born December 4, 1932 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. He served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1951. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and history from Shaw University in 1955, his Master of Divinity […]