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. 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 Facts for Week of: December 14, 2014
December 14, 1968
Spingarn Medal: Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. awarded Spingarn Medal for his “superb and many-faceted talent,” and his contributions to the civil rights movement.
December 15, 1864
Blacks in Battle
In one of the decisive battles of the war, two brigades of Black troops helped crush one of the South’s finest armies at the Battle of Nashville. Black troops opened the battle on the first day and successfully engaged the right of the rebel line. On the second day Col. Charles R. Thompson’s Black brigade made brilliant charge up Overton Hill. Thirteenth U.S.C.T. sustained more casualties than any other regiment involved in the battle.
December 16, 1875
Institutions Of Higher Learning Established
Alabama A&M College, Knoxville College and Lane College established.
December 16, 1976
Andrew Young named Ambassador and Chief US Delegate to the United Nations
Andrew Young named Ambassador and Chief US Delegate to the United Nations.
December 17, 1991
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is named 1991 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.
December 18, 1865
The 13th Amendment
On December 18, 1865, the 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery in the U.S., was ratified.
December 18, 1959
BLACKS IN UNION ARMY
BLACKS IN UNION ARMY: The 185,000 Black soldiers in the Union army were organized into 166 all Black regiments (145 infantry, 7 cavalry, 12 heavy artillery, 1 light artillery, 1 engineer). Largest number of Black soldiers came from Louisiana (24,052), followed by Kentucky (23, 703) and Tennessee (20,133). Pennsylvania contributed more Black soldiers than any other Northern state (8,612). Black soldiers participated in 449 battles, 39 of them major engagements. Sixteen Black soldiers received Congressional Medals of Honor for gallantry in action. Some 37,638 Black soldiers lost their lives during the war.
December 19, 1875
Carter G. Woodson founder of Black History Month
Carter G. Woodson founder of Black History Month is born. Carter G. Woodson was an African-American Historian, Author, Journalist and the Founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Woodson was one of the first scholars to study African-American History and a founder of Journal of Negro History in 1916.
December 20, 1870
Institutions Of Higher Learning Established
Allen University, Benedict College and LeMoyne-Owen College established.
In the early 20th century, there were almost no mentions of the contributions of African-Americans in U.S. history textbooks. That is what inspired Historian and Educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson to start “Negro History Week” in 1926.
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
