Know Your History!
While slavery in America hosts the background of Black history, the African American impact on history reaches beyond the country’s early history, as African Americans have made significant contributions to every field of endeavor, including politics, science, culture, social causes, arts, literature, athletics and the economy.
African-American History for Week of: August 17th
August 17, 1981
Father of Black Nationalism Born
Marcus Garvey, the father of the Black Nationalist and pan African movements was born on this day in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica.
August 18, 1963
The first Black person admitted to the University of Mississippi, James Meredith, graduates from University of Mississippi, 1963
August 19, 1954
Diplomat and first Black winner of Nobel Peace Prize, Ralph J Bunche, named undersecretary of the United Nations, 1954
August 20, 1954
Spingarn Medal: Charles R. Drew
Spingarn Medal presented to Charles R. Drew “who set up and ran the blood plasma bank in the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City which served as one of the models for the widespread system of blood banks now in operation for the American Red Cross.”
August 21, 1943
Harriet M. West was the first Black woman major in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).
August 22, 1979
Two hundred Black leaders, meeting in New York, expressed support for Andrew Young and demanded that Blacks be given a voice in shaping American foreign policy.
August 23, 1826
First Blacks in America to graduate College
John Brown Russwurm is considered to be the first Black in America to graduate college. Two years after entering Bowdoin College, he received his baccalaureate degree on September 6,1826. A lesser known Black student, Edward Jones graduated just two weeks before on August 23,1826 from Amherst College. Both men received their Masters, John in 1829 and Edward in 1830.
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
