September 30, 1935 John Royce “Johnny” Mathis was born in Gilmer, Texas. As a teenager, Mathis was known for his singing and athletic abilities. At San Francisco State College he broke classmate Bill Russell’s high jump record and in 1955 had to decide whether to pursue a recording career or tryout for the 1956 Olympics. […]
"Olympic"
Basketball
Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)April 16, 1947 Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), hall of fame basketball player, coach, actor and author, was born in New York City. Abdul-Jabbar began his record breaking basketball accomplishments in high school when he led Power Memorial Academy to three straight New York City Catholic championships. Abdul-Jabbar played college basketball […]
Groups of Interest
One of the many ways to help us understand the tremendous impact of our famous and most influential leaders is to look at their achievements throughout history. The awards, the championships, the organizations that have been built by individuals are part of the legacy of these trailblazers. African Americans have made their marks all around […]
September 25th in African American History – Scottie Maurice Pippen
September 25, 1965 Scottie Maurice Pippen, hall of fame basketball player, was born in Hamburg, Arkansas. Pippen played college basketball at the University of Central Arkansas. He was selected by the Seattle Supersonics in the 1987 NBA Draft but is best known for his time with the Chicago Bulls. Over his 17 season professional career, […]
September 18th in African American History – Robert Lee “Bullet Bob” Hayes
September 18, 2002 Robert Lee “Bullet Bob” Hayes, Olympic Gold medal sprinter and hall of fame football player, died. Hayes was born December 20, 1942 in Jacksonville, Florida. While a student at Florida A&M University, Hayes was the AAU 100 yard dash champion from 1962 to 1964 and in 1964 was the NCAA champion in […]
September 13th in African American History – Michael Duane Johnson
September 13, 1967 Michael Duane Johnson, world record holding track and field athlete, was born in Dallas, Texas. Johnson attended Baylor University where he won several NCAA championships in both indoor and outdoor sprints and relays. He graduated from Baylor in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in business. Johnson won Gold Medals at the 1992 […]
September 2nd in African American History – Lennox Claudius Lewis
September 2, 1965 Lennox Claudius Lewis, hall of fame boxer, was born in London, England but raised in Ontario, Canada. Lewis was a dominant amateur boxer and in 1983 won the World Amateur Junior championship. In 1988, he won the super heavyweight boxing Gold medal at the Seoul Olympic Games. After the Olympics, Lewis turned […]