African-American Facts for Week of: September 21st
September 21, 1872
1st Black Student at Annapolis Naval Academy.
John Henry Conyers of South Carolina became the first Black student at Annapolis Naval Academy. Upon his arrival, he was shunned and constantly and brutally harassed.This included severe, ongoing hazing, including verbal torment, and beatings. He later resigned.
September 22, 1862
President Lincoln’s Promise.
President Lincoln, in preliminary Emancipation Proclamation warned South that he would free slaves in all states in rebellion on January 1, 1863.
September 23, 1863
First Black person to serve on the DC board of education, Mary Church Terrell was born, 1863.
She was the daughter of former slaves. She became an activist who led several important associations, including the National Association of Colored Women, and worked for civil rights and suffrage.
September 24, 1957
Nine Black students started Little Rock high school, 1957.
On September 24, the President ordered the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army to escort Nine Black students inside Little Rock Central High School.
September 25, 1861
Secretary of U.S. Navy authorized enlistment of slaves.
The Secretary of the Navy authorizes the enlistment of African Americans in the Union Navy. The enlistees could achieve no rank higher than “boys” and receive pay of one ration per day and $10 per month.
September 26, 1962
A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., becomes the first African American member of the Federal Trade Commission.
A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., becomes the first African American member of the Federal Trade Commission. He was also appointed a federal district judge and U.S. Circuit Judge of the Third Circuit.
September 27, 1950
Ralph J. Bunche
Ralph J. Bunche, director of the UN Trusteeship division and former professor of political science at Howard University, awarded the Nobel Peace prize (September 22) for successful mediation of the Palestine conflict. He was the first Black to receive a Nobel citation.
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.
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Twitter: @Annette92J
