Victor Okocha, Author at

Independent Historian

Victor Okocha who grew up in the Skyway area of Seattle is now a senior at the University of Washington, majoring in finance. He is affiliated with many organizations on the UW campus. Currently he is a student outreach ambassador, treasurer for the Association of Black Business Students (ABBS), and a mentor for the Young Executives of Color (YEOC). Victor is a member of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men.

William Pickens (1881-1954)

William Pickens was born January 15, 1881 in Anderson County, South Carolina. His parents were liberated slaves who migrated to Arkansas when he was a young boy. Young Pickens worked in cotton fields and in sawmills while attending the local segregated public school. Pickens entered … Read MoreWilliam Pickens (1881-1954)

John S. Rock (1825-1866)

John S. Rock was born to free black parents in Salem, New Jersey in 1825. He attended public schools in New Jersey until he was 19 and then worked as a teacher between 1844 and 1848. During this period Rock began his medical studies with … Read MoreJohn S. Rock (1825-1866)

Whitney M. Young Jr. (1921-1971)

Whitney Moore Young, Jr. was born July 31, 1921 in Lincoln Ridge, Kentucky on the campus of Lincoln Institute where his father was President. Young received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kentucky State College for Negroes in 1941. Upon graduation, Young joined the Army … Read MoreWhitney M. Young Jr. (1921-1971)

Edith Spurlock Sampson (1901-1979)

Edith Spurlock was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 13, 1901. She grew up in a working class family, one of seven children, and attended Pittsburgh’s Peabody High School. Upon graduation, she married Rufus Sampson, a field agent for Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. After … Read MoreEdith Spurlock Sampson (1901-1979)

Patricia Roberts Harris (1924-1985)

Patricia Roberts Harris was born on May 31, 1924 in Mattoon, Illinois. She excelled academically and received a scholarship to Howard University. During her time at Howard, Roberts was elected Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1945. While she was in college … Read MorePatricia Roberts Harris (1924-1985)

W.C. Handy (1873-1958)

Musician and composer William Christopher “W.C.” Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. Widely known as the “Father of the Blues,” Handy is recognized as one of the leaders in popularizing blues music. Young Handy’s interest in music was discouraged by his … Read MoreW.C. Handy (1873-1958)

William S. Scarborough (1852-1926)

William S. Scarborough was born in 1852 in Macon, Georgia to a free black father and a multiracial mother, who was enslaved. Scarborough learned to read and write from his white neighbors and a free black family in Macon. He continued his education in Macon’s … Read MoreWilliam S. Scarborough (1852-1926)

Reginald Lewis (1942-1993)

Reginald Francis Lewis was born to a working class family in East Baltimore on December 7, 1942. His strong work ethic was evident early when in high school he earned four varsity letters in baseball, three in football, and two in basketball. Lewis graduated from … Read MoreReginald Lewis (1942-1993)

Fritz Pollard (1894-1986)

Fredrick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard, born in 1894, was raised in Chicago, Illinois. In high school he was an all-around athlete, excelling as a running back, a three-time Cook County track champion, and a talented baseball player. Upon graduation, for a short time, he played football … Read MoreFritz Pollard (1894-1986)

Vertner Woodson Tandy (1885-1949)

Vertner Woodson Tandy, one of seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, was born on May 17, 1885, in Lexington, Kentucky to Henry A. Tandy, a successful entrepreneur and building contractor, and Emma Brice Tandy. Young Tandy was educated at the Candler School in … Read MoreVertner Woodson Tandy (1885-1949)