Facts

Facts

1909 – During a “call to action” meeting led by W.E.B DuBois and attended by many other black scholars and activists, the NAACP is founded.

Facts

1990 – After 27 years of imprisonment in South Africa, Nelson Mandela is released from jail and subsequently leads the charge to end Apartheid.

Facts

After 12 days of debate and voting on 125 amendments, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Facts

1986- Oprah Winfrey becomes the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show. It remains in production for 24 years.

Facts

1927 – University of Chicago and Harvard University Graduate, Carter G. Woodson creates Negro History Week. In 1976 it became Black History Month.

Facts

1945-Bob Marley, Jamaican reggae star is born in Nine Miles, Saint Ann, Jamaica. He continues to be an internationally recognized musical icon.

Facts

1934: Henry “Home Run King” Aaron, baseball superstar was born in Mobile, Alabama. He held the record for most career Home Runs for 31 years.

Facts

Rosa Parks was born on this day in Tuskeegee, AL in 1913. Ms. Parks earned numerous awards for her life-long dedication to social change and justice.

Facts

1956: Autherine J. Lucy becomes the first black student to attend the University of Alabama. She was expelled 3 days later “for her own safety.”

Facts

Eric Holder is sworn in as the first African-American U.S. Attorney General in 2009.

Facts

1865: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, was adopted by the 38th Congress. Ratification was completed December 6, 1865.

Facts

Etta Moten sings for President Roosevelt at a White House Dinner. It is the first time an African American actress performs at the White House in 1934.