People, Locations, Episodes

Charles ‘Cookie’ Cook, Tap Dancer born

*Charles ‘Cookie’ Cook was born on this date in 1914. He was a Black tap dancer. Charles Cook was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was the dance partner of Ernest “Brownie” Brown, whom he performed from the days of vaudeville into the 1960s. They performed in a 1942 film with Dorothy Dandridge, “Soundie,” Cow Cow Boogie, on […]

Charles Sebree, Artist, and Playwright born

*This date in 1914 is celebrated as the birth date of Charles Sebree. He was a Black artist and playwright best known for his involvement in Chicago’s black arts community of the 1930s and 1940s.  Charles Sebree was born in White City, located in eastern Kentucky. In 1924, his mother moved to Chicago, Illinois, which exposed Sebree […]

Noah Ryder, Choral Conductor, and Educator born

Noah Ryder was born on this date in 1914. He was an African American conductor, singer and educator.

Dean Dixon, Orchestral Conductor born

This is the day of Dean Dixon’s birth on this date in 1915. He was an African American orchestral conductor.

Elizabeth Catlett, Sculptor born

On this date in 1915, Elizabeth Catlett was born. She was an African American sculptor, currently a leader of the genre in Mexico.

Eldzier Cortor, Artist born

*Eldzier Cortor was born on this date in 1916. He was an African American artist.

He was born in Richmond, VA, to John and Ophelia Cortor, who were economically secure. His family moved to Chicago when he was about a year old. After a few years they moved to the West Side where Archibald Motley’s family lived. Cortor’s earliest influence in art was in comic strips. His favorite was “Bungleton Green,” created by Leslie Rogers. He would copy them and dream of creating his own.

Edward Loper Sr., Artist born

*Edward L. Loper, Sr. was born on this date in 1916.  He was a Black artist and teacher.  Edward Lionel Loper Sr. was born to a poor family on the east side of Wilmington, Delaware, in a racially mixed section called Frogtown. His mother was 16 at the time of his birth. Loper was raised primarily […]

Bel Abbey, Koasati Storyteller born

*Bel Abbey was born on this date on this date in 1916. He was a Black Native American Coushatta Indian Blowgun Maker, Wood Carver, herbalist, and Koasati Storyteller. Abbey was from a Koasati settlement five miles north of Elton, Louisiana. Abbey was the last generation raised in the traditional Koasati social and economic system. He […]

The Samba (Afro Brazilian Dance), a story

*Samba, also known as samba urbano carioca, is an Afro Brazilian music and dance genre that became popular in the early 20th century. It is celebrated on this date in 1916.   It originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; it has roots in the cultural expression of West Africa and Brazilian folk traditions, especially those linked […]

Ulysses Kay, Musician born

*Ulysses Kay was born on this date in 1917. He was an African American musician and composer.

Sandman Sims, Dancer born

*Sandman Sims was born on this date in 1917. He was a Black tap dancer. Howard “Sandman” Sims was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, one of 12 children. The family soon relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he was raised. Sims described his childhood as “just a big dancing family.” He learned to dance from […]

Janet Collins, Prima Ballerina born

*Janet Collins, an African American ballet dancer and painter, was born on this date in 1917.

From New Orleans, Louisiana, she moved with her family to Los Angeles as a young girl, attending Los Angeles City College and the Los Angeles Art Center School. As an accomplished painter, she was able to finance her relocation to New York to pursue a career in dance. In 1941, she performed with the new, but world-renowned Black dance troupe formed and directed by Katherine Dunham.

Robert H. McNeill, Photographer born.

*Robert H. McNeill was born on this date in 1917. He was a Black still photographer.  He was born in Washington, D.C., the son of a doctor and a schoolteacher, and grew up in the Shaw neighborhood. He became interested in photography at a young age after observing a demonstration on developing photographs. He joined […]

Pearl Bailey, Actress, and Entertainer born

*On this date, Pearl Bailey was born in 1918. This African American singer, actress and entertainer, known for her comedic timing and charm, was honored for her service to American troops, and named as special delegate to the United Nations (UN).

Charles White, Artist, and Instructor born

*On this date Charles White was born in 1918. He was an African American graphic artist, painter, and instructor.