It took nearly a century for Philip Jordan to receive proper recognition as a first-hand observer and informal reporter on the Russian Revolution of 1917. Believed to be the son of a slave, Jordan was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, in 1868. He spent his … Read MorePhilip Jordan (1868-1941)
Composer, Lyricist, balladeer, R&B baritone Luther Thomas Ingram was born on November 30, 1937, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Richard Lee and Callie Ingram, both musicians at Walnut Grove Baptist Church located in Jackson. Luther’s early education began at the West Bemis Rosenwald School in 1943. … Read MoreLuther Ingram (1937-2007)
Rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur known by his stage name, Nelly, was born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas to Rhonda (Mack) and Cornell Haynes. Haynes’ father was in the U.S. Air Force, and shortly after his birth, the family … Read MoreCornell “Nelly” Iral Haynes Jr. (1974- )
Who are they: Eleven-year-old Sarah Rector became the “richest colored girl in America” when she inherited millions of dollars. Why are they important to know about: Native Americans and black people who were citizens of Indian Territory, and who had money and property, had to … Read MoreSarah Rector (1902-1967) [Children’s Edition]
The Fifth Dimension emerged with clean, breezy harmonies in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, as the Versatiles. The group was composed of jazz singer Lamonte McLemore, opera singer Ron Townson, born on January 29, 1933, St. Louis, Missouri, who received the Bachelor of Arts degree … Read MoreThe Fifth Dimension (1965- )
Sherman A. James is a social epidemiologist and most notably known for the concept of “John Henryism.” Most recently, Dr. James served as a research professor of epidemiology and African American studies at Emory University. Before arriving at Emory University, he served as the inaugural … Read MoreSherman A. James (1944- )
Renowned composer and pianist John Daniel Carter was born on April 19, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri but was reared in Tallahassee, Florida. He was the only child of John Hannibal Carter, a pianist, and his first music teacher, and Lilly Carter. John Carter quickly … Read MoreJohn Daniel Carter (1932-1981)
Mabel Byrd, a life-long educator, researcher, and civil rights activist, was the first African American to attend the University of Oregon. Born in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania on July 3, 1895, Byrd was the youngest daughter of Robert Byrd, a bricklayer, and Jennie Byrd. She moved with … Read MoreMabel Janet Byrd (1895-1988)
William Augustus Hinton was an American bacteriologist and the first Black Professor at Harvard University. Hinton was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 15, 1883, to former slaves Maria Clark and Augustus Hinton. He spent his formative years in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended the … Read MoreWilliam Augustus Hinton (1883-1959)
College athelete John “Jack” Green Trice, an only child, was born on May 12, 1902, in Hiram, Ohio to Green and Ann W. (Wilcoxson) Trice. Green Trice, a former Buffalo Soldier in the 10th Cavalry, was from Hardeman County, Tennessee, and Ann Trice was from … Read MoreJohn “Jack” Green Trice (1902-1923)
