Black History Facts

"Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations." -Dr. Mae Jemison #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/VYwgR9cr8g

— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) February 7, 2015

Black History Facts

The Old Towne Inn is a historic restaurant in Prince George’s County, MD. In the centuries of slavery, The Old Town Inn was only a few blocks away from a known slave auction block that still sits behind an old house down the street. Prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the restaurant was a segregated establishment and blacks were only allowed through the back door. Even well into the 1970’s, there were stories of discrimination and racist conversation among its ‘elite’ white customers. Now, The Old Towne Inn is a center of the Prince George’s community. Prince George’s county became one of the most affluent black communities in America.  The Old Towne Inn is now owned by Donnell Long, a black man. The restaurant sits next door to the county courthouse and is host to judges, lawyers and representatives. Long has given the historic place a facelift, complete with Tiffany chandeliers and wine-colored leather seating.

Black History Facts

The Jackson Rooming House, the “Boarding House of the Stars” in Tampa, Florida, served as the only lodging for black entertainers and civil rights leaders during segregation. Located at 851 Zack Street, the Jackson Rooming House was the place to stay for Count Basie, Cab Calloway, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. The home was built by Moses and Sarah Jackson in 1901, and in 2007 the building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Black History Facts

In 1934, Henry M. Morgan established Tyler Barber College, the first national chain of barber colleges for African Americans, in Tyler Texas. The colleges spread until nearly 80 percent of all black barbers in America were trained at Morgan’s schools.

Black History Facts

African American tech executive John Thompson has been appointed the new chairman of Microsoft Corporation, replacing chairman and co-founder Bill Gates. Thompson is the former CEO of Symantec Corporation and hopes to bring Microsoft into better competition with Apple and Google. He was the first and only African American leader of a major technology company and will continue the legacy with Microsoft. 

Black History Facts

During the 1930s, painter Charles Alston founded the 306 group, which convened in his studio space and provided support and apprenticeship for African-American artists, including Langston Hughes; sculptor Augusta Savage; and mixed-media visionary Romare Bearden.

Black History Facts

For the first time in history, an African American and openly gay judge has been nominated to the U.S. District Court of Illinois. Judge Staci Michelle Yandle was nominated last week by President Obama, who has nominated more African American  and more gay judges than any other president in American history. Yandle is a 20-year private practice judge who could represent the southern district of Illinois. This will also be the district’s first black judge.

28 Reasons

Black History Facts

Russell “Maroon” Shoatz  is a former Black Panther Party(BPP) member now serving two life sentences. Shoatz helped to found a revolutionist organization called the Black Unity Council in 1969. From August 1970 to January 1972, Shoatz was an active underground member of the Black Liberation Army, born from the BPP.

Black History Facts

Sammy Davis Jr. was the first African-American actor to play the President in 1933 film, Rufus Jones for President. It's short musical comedy in which he dreams of his own inauguration as a child.

Black History Facts

Allensworth is the first all-black Californian township, founded and financed by African Americans. Created by Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth in 1908, the town was built with the intention of establishing a self-sufficient city where African Americans could live their lives free of racial prejudice.

Black History Facts

Althea Gibson was the first African-American tennis player to compete in the U.S. Championships in 1950 and at Wimbledon in 1951. In 1957 she won the women's singles and doubles at Wimbledon in 1957, which was celebrated by a ticker tape parade when she returned home to New York City.

Black History Facts

Soul singer Aretha Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Black History Facts

In 1939, African-American George Gibbs became the first black man to explore the South Pole.

Black History Facts

Henry Ossian Flipper was the first African-American to graduate from West Point academy in 1877. He became the first black commander when he was assigned to the 10th Cavalry, a Buffalo Soldier regiment.

Black History Facts

M. Jocelyn Elders was the first African-American, and the second woman, to serve as the United States Surgeon General. Her term lasted for 15 months.

Black History Facts

Lee Elder was the first African-American golfer to play in the Masters Tournament in 1975. He has won 4 PGA tournaments and 8 Senior PGA tournaments in his career.

Black History Facts

Tony Dungy became the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl when the Colts defeated the Chicago Bears on February 4th, 2007.

Black History Facts

Baritone opera singer Todd Duncan became the first African-American to sing in a major opera company when he became a member of the New York City Opera in 1945.

Black History Facts

Poet Paul Laurence Dunbar founded the first African-American newsletter in Dayton, Ohio.