It was on this date in 1619 that 20 Africans arrive at Hampton, Virginia, aboard a Dutch ship. They were the first Africans on record to be forcibly settled as involuntary laborers in the North American British Colonies.
Africans came ashore at Point Comfort, present day Fort Monroe in Hampton, VA. President Barack Obama declared Fort Monroe a National Monument in 2011 in part because he said that is where the first Africans came ashore in North America.
learn moreOn this date we celebrate the birth of George Bonga in 1802. He was a Black fur trader and trapper.
learn moreOn this date, we focus on Jazz Music in America and the Black culture’s role in creating and influence its existence.
learn moreThis date marks the founding of Wilberforce University in 1856. The school is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
On this date, application was made to the authorities of Greene County and the State of Ohio under the name of “The Wilberforce University.” Wilberforce University is named to honor the British Abolitionist, Sir William Wilberforce.
learn moreThe birth of Roger Arliner Young in 1899 is celebrated on this date. She was an African American Zoologist. Zoology is the biological discipline which involves the study of animals.
learn moreThe birth of Otis Boykin in 1920 is marked on this date. He was an African American inventor.
learn moreIssac Hayes was born on this date in 1942. He was an African American singer, composer, and entertainer.
Hayes was born in Covington, TN. His parents died during his infancy, and he was raised by his grandparents. After making his public debut singing in church at the age of five, he taught himself piano, organ, and saxophone. At a young age, he moved to Memphis to work as a musician in the city’s club circuit. He played with a number of short-lived groups such as Sir Isaac and the Doo-Dads, the Teen Tones, and Sir Calvin and His Swinging Cats.
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