What’s New on BlackPast

Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, an immunologist, medical doctor, and policymaker, was named President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) on June 1, 2020. She is the third chief executive of the world’s largest biotechnology advocacy group since its founding in 1993. In her role … Read MoreDr. Michelle McMurry-Heath (1979- )

On November 21, 2006, Kathryn Johnston, a 92-year-old African American woman, was killed by undercover police officers at her home in Atlanta, Georgia. The killing contributed to the demands for police reform and accountability that helped inspire the Black Lives Matter Movement seven years later. … Read MoreKathryn Johnston (1914-2006)

Joseph Louis Cook was an Afro-Iroquois leader and a Commissioned Officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Cook was born Nia-man-rigounant around the year 1737 in an area now known as Schuylerville, New York. His father was African, and his mother was … Read MoreColonel Joseph Louis Cook (ca. 1737-1814)

Nicholas “Nick” Scott Cannon is an American actor, rapper, and comedian. Cannon was born on October 8, 1980, to James Cannon, a televangelist, and Beth Hackett, an accountant, in San Diego, California. Cannon grew up in the Lincoln Park’s Bay Vista Housing Projects where he … Read MoreNick Cannon (1980- )

One of a handful of women to become members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Sergeant Amelia Robinson Jones was born on July 3, 1919, on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, the youngest of fourteen children of Sipio and Susan Robinson. The family moved to Savannah, Georgia in … Read MoreAmelia Robinson Jones (1919-2015)

Charlamagne Tha God is a radio presenter, television personality, and author who is best known as the co-host of the radio show The Breakfast Club alongside Raashaun “DJ Envy” Casey and Angela Yee. Charlamagne was born Lenard Larry McKelvey on June 29, 1978 to Larry … Read MoreCharlamagne Tha God (1978- )

Von B’VSean Miller Jr. is an outside linebacker for the Denver (Colorado) Broncos for the National Football League (NFL). Miller was born on March 26, 1989 to Von Miller Sr. and Gloria Miller in Dallas, Texas. Miller attended DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas where … Read MoreVon B’VSean Miller Jr (1989- )

Arthur Paul Davis was an African American university teacher, literary scholar, author, and editor, born November 21, 1904, to Andrew Davis and Francis (Nash) Davis in Hampton, Virginia. He was one of nine children. He married Clarice E. Winn on October 6, 1928 (d. 1978), … Read MoreArthur Paul Davis (1904-1996)

Darryl Lynn Hughley, also known as D.L. Hughley, is a standup comedian, actor, political commentator, and radio host. Hughley was born on March 6, 1963 to Audrey and Charles Hughley in Portsmouth, Virginia. His family stayed in Portsmouth for two months before moving to Los … Read MoreDarryl Lynn (D.L.) Hughley (1963- )