Black History Facts

Maya Angelou's autobiographical book I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is the first non-fiction work by an African-American woman to make the best-seller list.

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Black History Facts

In 1988, while at Temple University, scholar Molefi Asante founded the first Ph.D. program in African-American studies.

Black History Facts

It was 1955, and Claudette Colvin was in Montgomery, Alabama. Claudette was the first person who had refused to give up her seat. Her bravery helped inspire hundreds of others -- including Rosa Parks to fight back against racism, and her case led the Supreme Court to overturn segregation laws.

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Black History Facts

In 1993, Maya Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration. She was the first poet to do an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost spoke for President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

Black History Facts

Marian Anderson, a gifted contralto singer, was the first African-American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1955.

Black History Facts

The African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded by Richard Allen became the first national black church in the United States in 1816.

Black History Facts

Lawyer Macon Bolling Allen was the first black American Justice of the Peace and the first African-American licensed to practice law in the U.S.

Black History Facts

Macon Bolling Allen was the first African-American to pass the bar and practice law in the United States in 1845.

Black History Facts

BET was the first African-American controlled company to sell shares on the New York Stock Exchange.