People, Locations, Episodes

The Bantu People, a brief story

*Bantu people of Africa are affirmed on this date in 1000 BCE.  They are Black African speakers of Bantu languages of several hundred indigenous ethnic groups.   The Bantu live in sub-Saharan Africa, spread over a vast area from Central Africa across the African Great Lakes to Southern Africa.  Linguistically, these languages belong to the Southern Bantoid branch of Benue Congo, one of the language families grouped within the Niger Congo phylum.  It is generally accepted that […]

Canadian Black History, a brief story

*A brief article on Black Canadian history before America’s Civil Rights movement is recognized on this date.

Henrietta Davis, UNIA-ACL supporter

On this date in 1860 we remember Henrietta Vinton Davis. She was an African American actress and an international leader of the Garvey movement.

Cornelius Fitzgerald, Lawyer born

Cornelius Fitzgerald, an African American lawyer, was born on this date in 1863.

William Alexander Scott II born

*William Alexander Scott II was born on this date in 1902.  He was a Black businessman and newspaper publisher.  Born in Edwards, Mississippi. Scott was the 4th child of nine children.  His father, the Rev. Dr. William A. Scott Sr., was a Christian Church minister and a printer. His mother, Emmeline Southall Scott, was active […]

Eddie Tolan, “The Midnight Express”

Eddie Tolan was born on this date in 1909. He was an African American sprinter.

Tolan was from Denver, Colo., and was that city and state champion in the 100- and 200-yard dashes. While attending high school in Detroit, he was often called The Midnight Express. At the University of Michigan, he attracted national attention in 1929 when he set a record in the 100-yard dash (9.5 seconds) and tied the record of 10.4 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

Edna Mae Harris born

*Edna Mae Harris was born on this date in 1914. She was an African American actress.

Harris was born in Harlem, New York, to Sam and Mary Harris. Her father was a boxer and customs inspector and her mother worked as a maid for gay 90s pin-up Lillian Russell. Harris’ family was among the first African American families to migrate to Harlem. They settled near the Lafayette Theater. After the relocation, Harris was encouraged to pursue a career in show business by performers Ethel Waters and Maud Russell who frequently dined at the Harris household.

Chuck Cooper, one of the NBA’s first Black players

On this date in 1926, Chuck Cooper was born. He was an African American basketball player and later a city official.

He was born in Pittsburgh, the son of Daniel and Emma Cooper. He played basketball and graduated from Westinghouse High School and attended West Virginia State before entering the Navy during World War II. After his service, the 6’5” Cooper attended Duquesne University and was one of the first Black All-Americans. On April 25, 1950 Cooper broke the color barrier in the National Basketball Association (NBA) when he was drafted by the Boston Celtics.

SS Booker T. Washington launched

On this date in 1942, The SS Booker T. Washington was launched at Wilmington, Delaware.

It was the first U.S. Merchant Ship commanded by a Black captain, Hugh Mulzac. The SS Washington was the first of 17 Liberty Ships (out of 2,700) named for an African American. Marian Anderson christened the Washington as its first honor.

Under Mulzac’s command, the SS Washington made 22 round-trip voyages between 1942-47, carrying 18,000 troops to Europe and the Pacific through dangerous waters.

Reference:
The Encyclopedia Britannica, Fifteenth Edition.

Gwen Ifill, Journalist and Moderator

Gwen Ifill was born on this date in 1955. She was an African American journalist.

She was born in Queens, New York City, the daughter of O. Urcille Ifill, Sr., a Methodist preacher, and Eleanor IFill. She has a sister and brother, Maria Ifill Philip and Roberto. In 1977, she graduated from Simmons College in Boston, where she majored in communications. Through an internship, she got her first hands-on experience as a journalist.

Senate overrides President Reagan’s veto

On this date in 1986, the United States Senate overrode President Ronald Reagan’s veto of legislation imposing economic sanctions against South Africa.

Reference:
Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue S.E.
Washington D.C. 20540

Former Secretary of Education makes Racist comments

On this date in 2005, White radio talk show host William Bennett was quoted as making racially divisive statements about African Americans in relation to abortion and crime. He spoke them on the program “Morning in America.” Here is the transcript from the show.