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.
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February 2nd in African American History – Pete Brown
February 2, 1935 Pete Brown, the first African American to win a Professional Golfers Association Tour event, was born in Port Gibson, Mississippi, but grew up in Jackson, Mississippi.
January 31st in African American History – Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson
January 31, 1919 Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson, the first African American Major League Baseball player of the modern era, was born in Cairo, Georgia. Robinson attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he was a star athlete, from 1939 to 1941 and served in the United States Army as a first lieutenant from […]
January 24th in African American History – Flora Jean “Flo” Hyman
January 24, 1986 Flora Jean “Flo” Hyman, Olympic and professional volleyball player, died. Hyman was born July 31, 1954 in Inglewood, California. By the time she was 17, she had reached 6 feet 5 inches in height. Hyman attended the University of Houston as that school’s first female scholarship athlete and was a three-time All-American […]
January 20th in African American History – Curtis Charles Flood
January 20, 1997 Curtis Charles Flood, former professional baseball player, died. Flood was born January 18, 1938 in Houston, Texas and made his major league debut in 1956. Flood spent most of his 15 season professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals and was a three-time All-Star selection and a seven-time Golden Glove winner.
January 12th in African American History – Jacques Dominique Wilkins
January 12, 1960 Jacques Dominique Wilkins, hall of fame basketball player, was born in Paris, France where his father was stationed in the United States Air Force. Wilkins led his high school basketball team to consecutive Class 3-A State Championships and entered the University of Georgia in 1979. He was named the SEC Men’s Basketball […]
January 10th in African American History – Chandra Danette Cheeseborough
January 10, 1959 Chandra Danette Cheeseborough, hall of fame track and field athlete, was born in Jacksonville, Florida. Cheeseborough broke onto the international track scene at the age of 16 by winning two Gold medals at the 1975 Pan American Games. In 1976, she set the American junior record in the 100-meter race.