People, Locations, Episodes

A Mobile Refrigeration Unit is Patented by a Black Man

On this date in 1949, one of the first mobile refrigeration units in the United States was patented by a Black man.   Frederick M. Jones’ designs for mobile refrigeration units positively impacted many industries, his patent number was # 2475,841.

The Black Hawk Nightclub, (San Francisco) a story

*The Black Hawk Nightclub is celebrated on this date in 1949.  This San Francisco nightspot, located on the corner of Turk Street and Hyde Street in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, featured live jazz performances until 1963. Guido Caccienti, Johnny, and Helen Noga owned the club.  The Black Hawk’s intimate atmosphere was ideal for small jazz groups, and […]

Lonnie G. Johnson, Inventor, Engineer, and Mathematician born

Lonnie G. Johnson, an African American inventor, businessman, and mathematician, was born on this date in 1949.

He is from Mobile, AL, where at the age of 18, he was awarded first place in a national competition for his invention of “Linex,” a remote-controlled robot made from junkyard scraps.

André Talley, Fashion Director born

*André Talley was born on this date in 1949. He is an African American fashion news director and businessman.

Birdland (Jazz Nightclub) Opens

On this date in 1949, Birdland opened it entertainment doors.

One of the top venues for jazz performances in the world, it is also an important step in the evolution in African American musical history. During the mid-to-late 1920s, top musicians were moving to New York, and Birdland was launched as a result. Birdland has been the jazz Mecca in the United States. Charlie Parker served as the inspiration for Birdland, played on its opening night on Broadway, a few blocks west of 52nd Street.

Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director born

*This date celebrates Virginia Johnson’s birth in 1950. She is a Black choreographer, former prima ballerina, journalist, and artistic director.   Virginia Johnson was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She began training in classical ballet at the age of three under Therrell Smith, a friend of her mother’s who had trained under Mathilde Kschessinska. When she was thirteen […]

A Black Man Receives a Patent for a Barber’s Chair

*On this date in 1950, Richard B. Spikes received a patent for a Horizontally Swinging Barber’s Chair. The Milwaukee Brewing Company purchased his invention.  U.S. Patent #2517936.

Gerald Boyd, Journalist born

*Gerald Boyd was born on this date in 1950. He was an African American journalist and editor.

From St. Louis, his mother, who had sickle cell anemia, died when he was very young. His father was a delivery truck driver and an alcoholic, moved to New York and played little role in his childhood. Boyd and his older brother, Gary, were raised by their paternal grandmother, who was also raising their two cousins. Their younger sister, Ruth, was raised by their maternal grandmother in California.

Ed Welburn Jr., Automobile Designer born

*Edward Welburn Jr. was born on this date in 1950. He is an African American automobile designer.

Michael Lee-Chin, Businessman born

*On this date in 1951, we celebrate the birth of Michael Lee-Chin. He is an African Chinese businessman and entrepreneur.

Drum, South African Magazine is Published

*The publication of DRUM is celebrated on this date in 1951. This is a South African (now) online family magazine. Drum is noted chiefly for its reportage of township life under apartheid in the early 1950s and 1960s. In 2005, it was described as “the first black lifestyle magazine in Africa.” In July 2020, the magazine became […]

Peter Bynoe, Lawyer and Businessman born.

*Peter Bynoe was born on March 20, 1951. He is a Black attorney and businessman. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Peter Charles Bernard Bynoe’s father, Victor C. Bynoe, emigrated from Barbados at age 13 and became a successful attorney; he represented Boston Celtics player Bill Russell. He also had an Uncle, John Bynoe, who was active […]

A Black Woman Patents a Device for Feeding the Disabled

*On this date in 1951, a Black woman received a patent for a feeding device for the disabled. Bessie Blount invented the machine that delivered food through a tube, one bite at a time, to a mouthpiece whether the patient was sitting up or lying down. When the person wanted more food, they bit down […]

Kenneth Chenault, Businessman born

*Kenneth Chenault was born on this date in 1951. He is an African American lawyer and businessman.

Stan O’Neal, Entrepreneur born

Stanley O’Neal was born on this date in 1951. He is an African American businessman, administrator, and entrepreneur.

He was born in Roanoke, AL, and the son of a farmer and the grandson of a former slave. He lived with his father, mother, sister, and two brothers, and grew up in the tiny rural farming community of Wedowee. His mother worked as a “domestic,” cleaning houses.