February 7, 1926 The first day of Negro History Week, originated by historian Carter G. Woodson. Carter was born December 19, 1875 in Virginia. He studied at Berea College, University of Chicago and completed a PHd at Harvard University. In 1915, he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History as a […]
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Melvin Beaunorus Tolson – February 6th in African American History
February 6, 1898 Melvin Beaunorus Tolson, educator and poet, was born in Moberly, Missouri. Tolson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Lincoln University in 1923 and his Master of Arts degree in English and comparative literature from Columbia University in 1940. Shortly after receiving his undergraduate degree, Tolson took a position as […]
Thomas Kilgore – February 4th in African American History
February 4, 1998 Thomas Kilgore, one of the few men to lead two major national Baptist organizations, died. Kilgore was born February 20, 1913 in Woodruff, South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College in 1935 and earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in 1957. Kilgore began […]
John William “Johnny” Bristol – February 3rd in African American History
February 3, 1939 John William “Johnny” Bristol, musician, songwriter, and record producer, was born in Morganton, North Carolina. After serving in the United States Air Force, Bristol recorded several singles before his label was absorbed by Motown Records in the mid-1960s. At Motown, he teamed with Harvey Fuqua to write and produce some of their […]
Alfred L. Cralle – February 2nd in African American History
February 2, 1897 Alfred L. Cralle received patent # 576,395 for a lever operated ice cream scoop, a design still widely used today. Cralle was born September 4, 1866 in Kenbridge, Virginia and as a young man became interested in mechanics. Part of his education was completed at Wayland Seminary in DC. Later, he moved […]
Francis Lewis Cardozo – February 1st in African American History
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 […]
February 29th in African American History – Robert Sengstacke Abbott
February 29, 1940 Robert Sengstacke Abbott, lawyer and newspaper publisher, died. Abbott was born November 24, 1870 in Frederica, St. Simons Island, Georgia. From 1892 to 1896, Abbott studied the printing trade at Hampton Institute. In 1898, he earned his law degree from Kent College of Law. However, due to racial prejudice, he was unable […]