February 11, 1920 Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr., the first African American to achieve the rank of General, was born in Pensacola, Florida. James earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee Institute in 1942. During World War II, he trained pilots but during the Korean War he flew 101 combat missions. In 1957, James graduated […]
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February 10th in African American History – Lusia “Lucy” Harris
February 10, 1955 Lusia “Lucy” Harris, hall of fame basketball player, was born in Minter City, Mississippi. Harris attended Delta State University and led them to the AIAW National Championship three consecutive years between 1975 and 1977. She was also named All-American each of those years. When she graduated, she held 15 of 18 Delta […]
February 10th in African American History – Alexander Murray Palmer Haley
February 10, 1992 Alexander Murray Palmer Haley, author of “Roots: The Saga of an American Family,” died. Haley was born August 11, 1921 in Ithaca, New York. In 1939, he enlisted in the military and began a 20 year career with the Coast Guard where he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After […]
February 9th in African American History – Beau Jack
February 9, 2000 Beau Jack, hall of fame boxer, died. Jack was born Sidney Walker on April 1, 1921 in Waynesboro, Georgia but raised in Augusta, Georgia. At the age of 15, he began to fight in battles royal, fights funded by rich white men for their entertainment in which six black men fought blindfolded […]
February 9th in African American History – James Cleveland
February 9, 1991 James Cleveland, gospel singer, arranger and composer, died. Cleveland was born December 5, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. He began singing as a boy and in 1950 he joined the Gospelaires. He subsequently worked with Albertina Walker and the Caravans and in 1954 made his first recording.
February 8th in African American History – Derrick Vincent Thomas
February 8, 2000 Derrick Vincent Thomas, hall of fame football player, died. Thomas was born January 1, 1967 in Miami, Florida. He played college football at the University of Alabama. In 1988, he was named an All-American and won the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in college football.
February 8th in African American History – James Oscar “Jimmy” Smith
February 8, 2005 James Oscar “Jimmy” Smith, jazz organist, died. Smith was born December 8, 1928 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Originally a pianist, he switched to the organ in 1953 and over his career recorded almost 100 albums, including “The Sermon” (1958), “Prayer Meetin’” (1963), “Root Down” (1972), and his last album “Black Cat/Daybreak” (2001).