Matt VanHouten, Author at • Page 2 of 3

Independent Historian

Matt Van Houten is a student at the University of Washington who plans on receiving his undergraduate degree in History. Matt currently plays soccer on the University of Washington soccer team and is a huge sports fan.

Henry McKee Minton (1870-1946)

Henry McKee Minton was an African American pharmacist and physician who was one of the six men who founded the first African American fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi, commonly known as The Boulé. The other five founders were Algernon Jackson, Edwin Howard, Richard Warrick, Robert Abele … Read MoreHenry McKee Minton (1870-1946)

Anna Arnold Hedgeman (1899-1990)

Political activist and educator Anna Arnold Hedgeman was the first African American woman to serve on the cabinet of a New York mayor when she worked during the term of New York City Mayor Robert Wagner from 1957 to 1958. Her career spanned more than … Read MoreAnna Arnold Hedgeman (1899-1990)

Jill Elaine Brown (1950- )

Jill Elaine Brown became the first African American woman to serve as a pilot for a major U.S. airline when she was hired by Texas International Airlines at the age of 28. Her passion for flying began as a teenager, leading her into the U.S. … Read MoreJill Elaine Brown (1950- )

Isiah Lord Thomas III (1961- )

Professional basketball star Isiah Lord Thomas III was the Detroit Pistons’ point guard from 1981-1994, helping to lead the team to back-to-back National Basketball Association (NBA) championships in 1989 and 1990. Thomas was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History during the … Read MoreIsiah Lord Thomas III (1961- )

Roy Campanella (1921-1993)

Roy Campanella was an African American baseball player who helped break the color barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB). He became the first African American catcher in MLB when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Campanella, nicknamed “Campy,” was born on November 19, 1921, in … Read MoreRoy Campanella (1921-1993)

Juan Antonio Marichal (1937- )

Pitcher Juan Antonio Marichal, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco (California) Giants from 1960 to 1973, was first Dominican-born baseball player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Marichal, nicknamed “The Dominican Dandy,” was born on October 20, 1937 in … Read MoreJuan Antonio Marichal (1937- )

Oscar Palmer Robertson (1938- )

Professional basketball player Oscar Palmer Robertson, nicknamed the “Big O,” was known as the most complete basketball player, with an excellent combination of scoring, passing, and rebounding skills. He still owns the record for most triple-doubles in a career with 181. Robertson played with the … Read MoreOscar Palmer Robertson (1938- )

Julius Winfield Erving II (1950- )

Professional basketball player Julius Winfield Erving II, respected by teammates and the fans alike, is best known for his on-court flair and inventive movements, introducing the slam dunk into the game of professional basketball. Erving, nicknamed “Dr. J,” was born on February 22, 1950 in … Read MoreJulius Winfield Erving II (1950- )

Ernest “Ernie” Banks (1931-2015)

Ernest “Ernie” Banks was the first African American baseball player for the Chicago (Illinois) Cubs and the first African American manager in Major League Baseball (MLB). Banks earned the nickname “Mr. Cub” while playing shortstop and first base from 1953-1971 for the team. Ernest Banks … Read MoreErnest “Ernie” Banks (1931-2015)

Gale Eugene Sayers (1943-2020)

Gale Eugene Sayers, nicknamed the “Kansas Comet,” was born on May 30, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas. Gale was born to Roger and Bernice Sayers and was the second of three sons. Gale’s father, Roger Sayers, worked as a mechanic for Goodyear until 1950 when the … Read MoreGale Eugene Sayers (1943-2020)