July 3, 1945 Ruth Jean Simmons, the first black president of an Ivy League institution, was born in Grapeland, Texas. Simmons earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University in 1967 and her Master of Arts and doctorate in Romance Literature from Harvard University in 1970 and 1973, respectively. Simmons served in various capacities […]
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July 2nd in African American History – The National Black Network
July 2, 1972 The National Black Network began operation as the first coast-to-coast radio network totally owned by African Americans. The network was put together by Eugene D. Jackson, Sydney L. Small, and Del Raycee. It started with 25 affiliates and aired 5 minute newscasts at the hour and sportscasts several times a day at […]
July 2nd in African American History – Anthony Overton
July 2, 1946 Anthony Overton, the first African American to lead a major business conglomerate, died. Overton was born enslaved on March 21, 1865 in Monroe, Louisiana. After the Civil War, his family moved to Kansas and in 1888 Overton earned a law degree from Washburn College. After admission to the bar, Overton practiced for […]
July 1st in African American History – Luther Ronzoni Vandross
July 1, 2005 Luther Ronzoni Vandross, R&B singer, songwriter, and producer, died. Vandross was born April 20, 1951 in New York City. He began playing the piano at the age of three and was performing with groups in high school. He attended Western Michigan University for a year before dropping out to pursue a music […]
July 1st in African American History – Renaldo “Obie” Benson
July 1, 2005 Renaldo “Obie” Benson, member of the Four Tops, died. Benson was born June 14, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan. In 1954, Benson and three friends formed a singing group called the Four Aims. Two years later, they changed their name to the Four Tops and signed with Motown Records. By the end of […]