May 16, 1990 Sammy Davis, Jr., singer, dancer, film, and stage actor, died. Davis was born December 8, 1925 in New York City. He began performing almost as soon as he could walk as part of the vaudeville Mastin Troupe. After serving in the army, in 1955 Davis recorded his first album, “Starring Sammy Davis, […]
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May 7th in African American History – Dwight Hal Johnson
May 7, 1947 Dwight Hal Johnson, Medal of Honor recipient, was born in Detroit, Michigan. Johnson was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and in June, 1968 was serving in Company B, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. His citation partially reads: “Specialist Johnson’s tank, upon reaching […]
May 6th in African American History – William Howard “Willie” Mays
May 6, 1931 William Howard “Willie” Mays, hall of fame baseball player and “The Say Hey Kid,” was born in Westfield, Alabama. Mays began his professional baseball career in 1947 in the Negro Baseball Leagues. In 1950, Mays was signed by the New York Giants and he began his major league career in 1951. Mays […]
May 2nd in African American History – Isaiah Mays
May 2, 1925 Isaiah Mays, Medal of Honor recipient, died. Mays was born enslaved on February 16, 1858 in Carters Bridge, Virginia. By May 11, 1889, he was serving as a corporal in Company B of the 24th Infantry Regiment. On that day, he was involved in an engagement with robbers and his actions earned […]
Dwight Hal Johnson – April 30th in African American History
April 30, 1971 Dwight Hal Johnson, Medal of Honor recipient, died. Johnson was born May 7, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and in June, 1968 was serving in Company B, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. His citation partially reads: […]
Parren James Mitchell – April 29th in African American History
April 29, 1922 Parren James Mitchell, the first African American elected to Congress from Maryland, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Mitchell served as an officer in the 92nd Infantry Division during World War II and earned the Purple Heart. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University in 1950 and that year successfully sued […]
April 19th in African American History – Joseph B. Williams, Sr.
April 19, 1992 Joseph B. Williams, Sr., the first African American graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, died. Williams was born in Annapolis, Maryland and graduated from Hampton Institute in 1942. In 1942, he graduated from the academy and served in the U. S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War.