March 1, 1980 Emmett Littleton Ashford, the first African American umpire in major league baseball, died. Ashford was born November 23, 1914 in Los Angeles, California.
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February 29th in African American History – Cullen Jones
February 29, 1984 Cullen Jones, Olympic Gold medal winning freestyle sprint swimmer, was born in New York City, but grew up in Irvington, New Jersey. Jones learned to swim after he nearly drowned when he was five years old. He turned professional in 2006 and swam a leg in the world record breaking 4 by […]
February 27th in African American History – James Ager Worthy
February 27, 1961 James Ager Worthy, hall of fame basketball player, was born in Gastonia, North Carolina. Worthy was an All-American high school basketball player and after graduating enrolled at the University of North Carolina. In 1982, Worthy was an All-American and co-College Player of the Year. That year, he also led UNC to the […]
February 19th in African American History – Ollie Genoa Matson II
February 19, 2011 Ollie Genoa Matson II, hall of fame football player, died. Matson was born May 1, 1930 in Trinity, Texas. He played college football at the University of San Francisco and in 1951 led the nation in rushing yardage and touchdowns and was named an All-American.
February 15th in African American History – Leland Devon Melvin
February 15, 1964 Leland Devon Melvin, engineer and NASA astronaut, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. Melvin attended the University of Richmond on a football scholarship and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1985.
February 13th in African American History – Edward Gay Robinson
February 13, 1919 Edward Gay Robinson, hall of fame football coach, was born in Jackson, Louisiana. Robinson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Leland College in 1941 and in 1954 earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa.
February 12th in African American History – William Felton “Bill” Russell
February 12, 1934 William Felton “Bill” Russell, hall of fame basketball player and author, was born West Monroe, Louisiana, but raised in Oakland, California. Russell led the University of San Francisco to consecutive NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956 and also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956.