Know Your History!
Up to the early 20th century, most American knowledge of Black history was limited to the African American struggle through slavery and emancipation. The significance of Black history is recognition of the advancements and accomplishments of a group of people once defined by the Constitution as three-fifths of a person. As with all aspects of American history, Black history is an indispensable key to understanding the nation’s past, present, and future. With such an abhorrent beginning, the freedom and other achievements eventually earned by African Americans cannot be simply disregarded.
African-American Facts for the Week of: September 14th
September 14, 1940
Blacks enter all branches of the US Military Service
Blacks were allowed to enter all branches of the US Military Service, when President Franklin D Roosevelt signs Selective Service Act.
September 15, 1964
First Black Elected Officials
Rev. K.L. Buford and Dr. Stanley Smith were elected to Tuskegee City Council and became first Black elected officials in Alabama in twentieth century.
September 15, 1830
Philadelphia held the First National Negro Convention
Philadelphia held the First National Negro Convention, 1830.
September 16, 1848
The French abolish Slavery
The French abolish Slavery in all of their territories in 1848.
September 16, 1989
Debbye Turner is crowned Miss Missouri
In the summer of 1989, she won the Miss Missouri title and went on to win the 1990 Miss America crown. Turner was the third African-American national titleholder and the first, and only (as of July 1, 2013) Miss Missouri to be crowned Miss America.
September 17, 1973
Illinois becomes the first state to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
Illinois becomes the first state to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a holiday.
September 18, 1919
Football
Fritz Pollard becomes the first black to play Professional football for a major team, the Akron Indians. Pollard was also the first Black to play in the Rose Bowl.
September 19, 1865
Atlanta University was founded, 1865
Atlanta University, founded in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, with later assistance from the Freedmen’s Bureau, was, before consolidation, the nation’s oldest graduate institution serving a predominantly African-American student body.
September 19, 1881
Booker T. Washington, African-American educator, author, orator, and advisor.
Booker T. Washington opens Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
September 20, 1830
First National Black Convention Meets
First National Black convention met at Philadelphia’s Bethel AME church and elected Richard Allen president. Thirty-eight delegates from eight states attended the first national meeting of Blacks.
About Annette:
To me, the omission of any group from history teachings results in a limited understanding of history’s relationship with the present and future. Know your history.
Comments, I can be reached at:
Twitter: @Annette92J
