www.alafricanamerican.com

2016 PRESENTED BY Letter from the President

Alabama is full of natural diversity — the Appalachian Mountains, the fertile Black Belt, and the white beaches along the gulf coast to name a few. However, it is our cultural diversity and how we learned to work together that has made great. As I write this letter, my thoughts are with our friends in South Carolina, who lovingly demonstrated how a diverse community can come together in a time of tragedy and, through their actions, inspire a nation. At AT&T, we understand the importance of diversity and the power of inclusion to bring about positive changes in communities. Every day we challenge ourselves and others to rethink possibilities and seize opportunities to create a more promising future. AT&T’s commitment to providing opportunities for all people is part of our core principles. Our 50-state workforce is 35 percent female and 41 percent people of color. Our managers are 37 percent female and 35 percent people of color. In 2014, we spent $16.5 billion with minority, women, and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises, representing 27% of our total expenditures. We believe that our success begins with a diverse and inclusive workforce that benefits our business, employees, customers, and communities. For the sixth year, we are pleased to highlight the achievements of African who have contrib- Fred McCallum uted to Alabama’s rich heritage. A special thanks to all of our partners for their President, AT&T Alabama contributions and commitment to making the History Calendar a resource that encourages and inspires us all.

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References

Dr. Frank Eaton Adams, Sr. Sonnie Wellington Hereford IV ’79 (magazine.nd.edu/news/9874-my-walk- Doc: The Story of a Birmingham Jazz Man by Dr. Frank Adams and Burgin into-history/) Mathews, Weld for Birmingham (weldbham.com/blog/2014/11/11/remember- Photo Courtesy of Eric Shultz/AL.com ing-doc-adams-birmingham-jazz/) Bhamwiki (www.bhamwiki.com/w/Frank_Adams) Jimmie Lee Jackson Jimmie Lee Jackson. The Biography.com website (www.biography.com/people/ Birmingham Black Barons jimmie-lee-jackson-21402111) Encyclopedia of Alabama, Larry Powell, University of Alabama at Birmingham Jimmy Lee Jackson, Encyclopedia of Alabama (www.encyclopediaofalabama. (www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-1665) org/article/h-2011) Birmingham Barons, Chris Fullerton (www.milb.com/content/page. Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmie_Lee_Jackson) jsp?ymd=20080419&content_id=41116560&sid=t247&vkey=team4) Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Black_Barons) Horace King Encyclopedia of Alabama, John S. Lupold, Columbus State University; Joanne Bland Thomas L. French, French & Associates, Columbus, Georgia (www.encyclope- Joanne Bland civil and human rights activist (joannebland.com/biography.html) diaofalabama.org/article/h-1245) Sixties Survivors (www.sixtiessurvivors.org/bland.html) www.blackpast.org/aah/king-horace-1807-1885

Alice Coachman Dr. Lucius Holsey Pitts, Sr. Alice Coachman, The Biography.com website (www.biography.com/people/ Encyclopedia of Alabama (www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-2436) alice-coachman-21335855) Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama_Christian_Movement_for_Hu- Ennis, Lisa A., Alice Coachman (1923-2014) man_Rights) New Georgia Encyclopedia (www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/sports-out- Lucius H. Pitts, New Georgia Encyclopedia (www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/ door-recreation/alice-coachman-1923-2014) file/5937). Photo Courtesy of Paine College Alice Coachman, Encyclopedia of Alabama (www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/ article/h-1877) Martha Reeves Miss Martha Reeves (www.missmarthareeves.com) Dora Finley Martha Reeves, The Biography.com website (www.biography.com/people/mar- Rhoda A. Pickett, Press-Register (blog.al.com/live/2012/06/dora_finley_mo- tha-reeves-21169093) biles_african-am.html) Scotty E. Kirkland Special to the Press-Register (blog.al.com/press-register- Bryan Stevenson commentary/2012/06/your_word_the_tireless_dora_fi.html) Bryan Stevenson (bryanstevenson.com). Equal Justice Initiative (www.eji.org) Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail (www.maaht.org/dora.php) Surpora Sparks-Thomas Dr. Sonnie Wellington Hereford III Surpora Thomas Ministries (www.surporasparksthomas.com) Beside the Troubled Waters: A Black Doctor Remembers Life, Medicine, and Civil Visit the Alabama African American History website at www.alafricanamerican.com Rights in an Alabama Town by Sonnie Wellington Hereford III and Jack D. Ellis For more information on AT&T Alabama, visit alabama.att.com August 28, 2013 article by Steve Doyle of AL.com/Alabama Media Group (blog.al.com/breaking/2013/08/huntsville_civil_rights_pionee_1.html) Notre Dame Magazine “My Walk Into History,” published Spring 2007, Author: Dr. Sonnie Wellington Hereford III

previously all-white public school in Alabama. that discriminated against African Americans. The CSC Understanding the importance of education and also worked with Mayor Searcy to create a biracial com- with the desire to become a physician, Hereford worked mittee and made sure students remained nonviolent at hard and graduated number one in his class. He applied lunch counters and on the streets. to the University of Alabama with the hope of entering TheCSC’s attempts to end segregation weren’t very their pre-med program and, although he was his class successful initially. In an effort to gain national atten- valedictorian, his application was rejected because of his tion, Dr. John Cashin and Hereford devised a bold plan. race. Hereford enrolled at Alabama A&M University, On April 11, 1962, Hereford’s pregnant wife, Martha, graduated in 2 years, and went on to receive his medical Dr. Cashin’s wife, Joan, and their 4 month old daughter, degree from Meharry Medical College. along with Alabama A&M student, Frances Sims (now In 1956, Hereford began his medical practice in Washiri Ajanaku) staged a sit-in at the Walgreens’ lunch Huntsville, Alabama. At Huntsville Hospital, the Af- counter. They were all arrested, but as planned they re- rican American doctors—both of them—were not al- fused to pay bail and remained in jail for two days. The lowed to eat in the hospital cafeteria. Only one room headlines in the Huntsville Times read, “Pregnant Wom- was available to African American patients; it served as an Sentenced to Jail”. Their story was picked up by the the delivery room, the operating room and the emergen- national media, and with a national audience, the CSC’s cy room. A patient who had been prepped for surgery sit-ins and their Easter Boycott, also called “Blue Jeans would sometimes have to be taken off the table and wait Sunday Boycott”, gained traction. Within a few weeks while an emergency, such as a woman in labor, was at- local establishments had lost over $1 million in profits. tended to. During his 40+ years of practicing medicine, On July 9, 1962, the Huntsville city council began a Hereford delivered over 2,200 babies and served as the three-day desegregation trial. Later that month, Hunts- r. Sonnie Wellington Hereford III was born on attending physician at both Oakwood College and Ala- ville became the first racially integrated city in Alabama. January 7, 1931, in Huntsville, Alabama. Despite bama A&M University. He also provided medical care On 11, 1963, Hereford filed a lawsuit in his growing up in a house without running water or to marchers during the Selma to Montgomery march son’s name to integrate the public schools in Huntsville. Delectricity and having to walk 7 miles to a school located next and performed the medical exam for Vivian Malone As a leader of Huntsville’s and to the city dump with no library or cafeteria, Hereford over- as she prepared to matriculate at the University of Ala- the named plaintiff in the school desegregation lawsuit, came these and many other obstacles to became a medical bama. Hereford was the target of death threats and other in- doctor, educator, and civil rights activist. On January 3, 1962, the Congress on Racial Equal- timidation. On August 13, 1963, in federal court in Bir- On September 3, 1963, Hereford and his six year-old son ity (CORE) came to Huntsville to help end segregation mingham, Judge H.H. Grooms of the Northern District were met by a mob of angry parents and students when he tried in the city. It only took a few days of sit-ins and protests ruled from the bench, citing the Brown vs. Board of Edu- to enroll his son in an all-white school. He returned over the before more than 15 students had been arrested. In re- cation ruling and ordered Huntsville public schools to next several days only to find the school locked and guarded by sponse to the arrests and the lack of interest by Mayor integrate. On Monday, September, 9, 1963, Hereford en- armed state troopers dispatched by Governor George Wallace. Searcy to assist with ending segregation in Huntsville, rolled his son at Fifth Avenue School and public school Seeking help, Hereford contacted the federal judge that issued members of the community formed the Community integration in Alabama had begun. Fifty-one years later, the order to desegregate Huntsville City Schools. The follow- Service Committee (CSC). Hereford was selected as on December 16, 2014, Hereford and his son attended ing week, on Monday, September 9, 1963, Hereford success- one of the leaders of the new organization. The CSC the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sonnie Hereford fully enrolled his son at Fifth Avenue School making Sonnie raised thousands of dollars to bail out jailed students Elementary School in Huntsville, Alabama. Hereford IV the first African American student admitted to a and organized prayer marches and picket lines at stores

S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 214 22 23 2 25 26 27 JANUARY 28 29 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

President Abraham Sadie Tanner Lincoln issues Mossell Alexander, Emancipation the first African Proclamation, 1863. American woman to receive a Ph.D. in the US, was born in Philadephia, 1898.

William Tucker, Grace Bumbry, Alvin Ailey, Jr., Louis Allen Rawls, Zora Neale Hurston, Charles Deslondes Earl Gilbert Graves, the first recorded opera singer, was hall of fame soul, jazz and blues author and play- leads slave revolt in Sr., publisher, entre- African American born in St. Louis, choreographer and singer, died in 2006. wright, was born in Louisiana, 1811. preneur, philanthro- birth in the Ameri- Missouri, 1937. activist, was born in Notasulga, Alabama, pist, and founder of can colonies, was Rogers, Texas, 1931. 1891. Black Enterprise born in Jamestown, magazine was born Va., 1624. in Brooklyn, New York, 1935.

George Wash- Reuben V. Ander- U.S. Supreme Douglas Wilder Dudley Randall, Martin Luther Marcelite Jordan ington Carver, son, first African Court rules that becomes first Afri- founder of Broad- King, Jr., clergy- Harris, the first agricultural American to be African Americans can American U.S. side Press, was man, activist and African American scientist, inventor, appointed to Mis- have the right to governor (Virginia) born in Washing- leader of the Civil female general in the and educator born sissippi Supreme study law at state since Reconstruc- ton, D.C, 1914. Rights Move- U.S. Air Force, was in 1864. Court, 1985. institutions, 1948. tion, 1990. ment, was born in born in Houston, Atlanta, Georgia, Texas, 1943. 1929.

Three-time Dr. Daniel Hale John Harold Colin Luther Leonard Roy Susan Rice “Roots” the televi- heavyweight Williams, pioneer Johnson, pub- Powell became Harmon, the first confirmed as U.S. sion miniseries boxing champion heart surgeon, was lisher (Ebony and the first African African American Ambassador to based on Alex born in Hollidays- Jet magazines), American United to have a navy the U.N., the first Haley’s book Roots: was born in burg, Pennsylvania, author, and busi- States Secretary of ship named in his African American The Saga of an Louisville, Ken- 1856. nessman was born State, 2001. honor, was born female to hold American Family, tucky, 1942. in Arkansas City, in Cuero, Texas, that position, began airing on Arkansas, 1918. 1917. 2009. ABC, 1977.

Black Entertain- Angela Yvonne Leontyne Price Ronald Ervin Violette Nealy Franklin Thomas Jackie Benjamin ment Television Davis, political made her Met- McNair, physicist Anderson named president Robinson is Lawson Hooks, began broadcast- activist and educa- ropolitan Opera and NASA astro- becomes the first of Ford Founda- first African attorney, min- ing, 1980. tor, was born in debut, 1961. naut, died, along with African American tion, 1979. American ister and civil Birmingham, six other crew mem- woman admitted elected to rights leader, Baseball Hall was born in Alabama, 1944. bers, during launch to practice before of Fame, 1962. Memphis, Ten- of the Space Shuttle the U.S. Supreme nessee, 1925. Challenger, 1986. Court, 1926.

Photo courtesy of WHNT.com www.alafricanamerican.com Dr. Frank Eaton Adams, Sr.

but he turned it down, choosing to remain in- Ellington Orchestra, Adams took a tempo- stead in the classroom. He remained at Lincoln rary teaching position at Lincoln Elementary, for 27 years, and then became the Birmingham replacing his former teacher William Handy. City Schools Supervisor of Music for another Adams quickly realized that his calling was in 20 years, shaping the lives of thousands of youth teaching. In his 27-year career at Lincoln El- over his lifetime. In 1978, Adams was inducted ementary, he produced numerous top-rated as a charter member of the Alabama Jazz Hall school bands. of Fame and eventually became its Executive During the civil rights era, Adams led the Director. integration of band competitions in segregat- Adams grew up in the Smithfield neigh- ed Birmingham. In 1963, during the children borhood of Birmingham and was introduced marches, Adams would turn his back to write to music early. His father, Oscar Adams, Sr. on the chalkboard, allowing his students to slip had been a trombonist for W. C. Handy’s silently out of the room to participate in the Alabama A&M University orchestra, and his marches. He would follow from a short distance older brother Oscar Adams, Jr. played clarinet. to make sure they were safe. He stated, “These, While attending Lincoln Elementary, Adams after all, were band children, you couldn’t stop r. Frank Eaton Adams, Sr. was born on Feb- was a student of William Handy, nephew of them from marching.” During his 20-year stint ruary 2, 1928, in Birmingham, Alabama. W.C. Handy. At Industrial High School, he as Supervisor of Music for Birmingham City Adams was an accomplished jazz musician, was a student of Fess Whatley. In high school, Schools, he instituted a Strings Program in the playing the clarinet and alto sax with a style and tone Adams played in Whatley’s big band, perform- schools, putting new and recycled instruments D ing across the South. He later joined a sec- into the hands of hundreds of music students. that was clear and instantly recognizable, but above all he was an educator and mentor. He played with some ond big band led by his former schoolmate, Adams joined the Birmingham Heritage of the greatest jazz musicians to ever perform includ- Sonny Blount (later known as “Sun Ra”). In Band in 1976 and later performed with the Al- ing Duke Ellington, Erskine Hawkins, Tiny Bradshaw, 1945, Adams enrolled at Howard University abama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars. He was a Lucky Millinder, and Sun Ra. in Washington D. C. and founded the Howard featured soloist in the 313th Army Band. From In 1950, he took a temporary teaching position at Swingmasters, the school’s first jazz band. He 1997 to 2001, he served as the Executive Direc- Lincoln Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama. graduated in 1949 and began playing for some tor of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and for His plan was to rejoin the Duke Ellington Orches- of the giants of jazz, but he didn’t abandon his many years until his death he served as its Di- tra when they returned from a European tour, but he passion for learning, continuing his education rector of Education Emeritus, orchestrating an quickly discovered a passion for teaching and mentor- with a series of degrees up to his PhD in educa- annual Student Jazz Band Festival, and provid- ing. Shortly after Adams started teaching, he was of- tion. ing free jazz classes every Saturday morning. fered a permanent spot in the Count Basie Orchestra, In 1950, while waiting to rejoin the Duke Adams passed away on October 29, 2014.

JANUARY S M T W TH F S MARCH S M T W TH F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 134 1 15 16 17 18 19 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 31 FEBRUARY Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

National Freedom Alfred L. Cralle Eric H. Holder Jr. , civil Henry Louis “Hank” Arthur Ashe Jr., Day. President received patent sworn in as the rights pioneer, who Aaron, hall of fame hall of fame tennis Lincoln signed #576395 for a lever nation’s first African sparked the 1955 baseball player, was player, humanitarian resolution that operated ice cream American attorney Montgomery, born in Mobile, and activist, dies, proposed the 13th scoop, a design still general, 2009. Alabama bus Alabama, 1934. 1993. Amendment which widely used today, boycott, was born in would officially 1897. Tuskegee, Alabama, abolish slavery, 1913. 1865.

The first day of Debra Janine “Debi” Benard Anthony Mary Violet Nelson Mandela National Edward Gay Negro History Thomas became Harris Jr. becomes Leontyne Price, of South Africa Association for the Robinson, hall Week, originated by the first African first African internationally is released from Advancement of fame football historian Carter G. American to win American astronaut acclaimed opera prison after 27 of Colored coach, was born in Woodson. Negro the to walk in space, singer, was born in years, 1990. People (NAACP) Jackson, Louisiana, History Week later National Ladies’ 1995. Laurel, Missis- founded, 1909. 1919. became Black His- Figure Skating title, sippi, 1927. tory Month, 1926. 1986.

Frederick Douglass, Henry Lewis James Baskett, first James Nathaniel Toni Morrison, Vonetta Flowers Sidney Poitier, abolitionist, becomes the first African American “Jim” Brown, hall recipient of the becomes Winter actor, director, women’s suffragist, African American male actor to receive of fame football 1993 Nobel Prize Olympics’ first author and editor, author and to lead a sym- an Oscar, was born player and actor, for Literature and African American diplomat, was born statesman, was phony orchestra in in Indianapolis, was born in St. the 1988 Pulitzer gold medalist, in Miami, Florida, born in Tuckahoe, the United States, Indiana, 1904. Simons Island, Prize for her novel 2002. 1927. Maryland, 1818. 1968. Georgia, 1936. Beloved was born in Lorain, Ohio, 1931.

John Robert James Reese William Edward Rebecca Lee Hiram R. Revels, Civil rights Marian Anderson, Lewis, civil rights Europe, ragtime Burghardt Du Crumpler becomes first African activist Jimmie world-renowned leader, politician and jazz band- Bois, civil rights first African American to serve Lee Jackson dies opera singer and and author, was leader, arranger activist, historian American woman in the U.S. Senate. after being shot civil rights activist, born in Troy, and composer, and author, was to receive a medical He filled the seat by state police in was born in Alabama, 1940. was born in born in Great degree (New Eng- once held by Marion, Alabama, Philadelphia, Mobile, Alabama, Barrington, Mas- land Female Medical Jefferson Davis, 1965. Pennsylvania, 1881. sachusetts, 1868. College), 1864. 1870. 1897.

Michael Jackson, Hattie McDaniel musician and became the first entertainer, wins African American eight Grammy to win an Oscar Awards, 1984. for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind” 1940.

Photo: flickr.com www.alafricanamerican.com he Birmingham Black Barons professional baseball team was a Birmingham Black Barons memberT of the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1960 and was con- sidered “the jewel of Southern black baseball.” Racial segregation policies in the United States during most of the 20th Century barred African Americans from playing many professional sports. The Black Barons and the other teams of the Negro Leagues gave African Ameri- cans an opportunity to play baseball at the professional level. From the 1920s to the 1940s, the Birmingham Black Barons were among the most successful baseball teams in the Negro League and featured some of the greatest players to ever play the game. Five Black Barons, George “Mule” Suttles, the Black Barons became charter members of Ballgames were important events, serving the annual Negro League East-West All-Star Leroy “Satchel” Paige, Willie the eight-team Negro Southern League, a mi- as a diversion to the evils of segregation and Game, played at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. Wells, Bill Foster, and Willie nor league organization. In 1923, the Negro a source of pride and accomplishment in Af- When Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s Mays were inducted into the National League, organized by Rube Foster, rican American communities. Negro League color barrier in 1946, the hard-fought goal of National League Baseball Hall granted Birmingham the opportunity to have ballplayers were considered role models and the Negro Leagues was finally realized. Un- of Fame. a major league franchise, and the Black Barons heroes. When the Black Barons played Sun- fortunately, it also ushered in the demise of The first Black Baron team joined the Negro Major League. In 1927, the day home games, local pastors would often the Negro Leagues. In 1948, the Black Bar- emerged in the years following Black Barons played for the National League dismiss their congregation before noon, telling ons and the Homestead Grays met in the last World War I, primarily from title, losing to the Chicago American Giants. their parishioners that they would meet them Negro League World Series. In 1959, after 3 players who competed in the Due to financial problems caused by the Great at the game. unsuccessful attempts at winning the Negro Industrial League. Industrial Depression, the team moved back to the mi- In 1939, the Black Barons were purchased League World Series, the Black Barons finally League games between teams nor league for most of the 1930s. by a Memphis undertaker named Tom Hayes, won the Negro League Championship. The from ACIPCO, Connor Steel, The Black Barons played their home and over the next decade, the greatest teams in Black Barons played their last season in 1963. Stockham Valve and Fittings, games at Rickwood Field when the white the franchise’s history emerged, winning three The history of the Birmingham Black Barons and other companies were huge Barons were not playing and on alternate Negro American League pennants in 1943, and the Negro Leagues is showcased in the in Birmingham and could easily Sundays. Built in 1910, Rickwood Field is 1944, and 1948. Additionally, during that 10- Negro Southern Leagues Museum located in draw 5,000 spectators. In 1920, the nation’s oldest baseball park in use today. year period, 12 different Black Barons played in Birmingham, Alabama.

FEBRUARY S M T W TH F S APRIL S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 214 22 23 2 25 26 27 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 28 29 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 MARCH Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

The Civil Rights Act David Satcher, Thomas L. Jennings, Garrett Augustus Crispus Attucks, of 1875 was signed physician, U.S. Surgeon first African American Morgan, Sr., inventor one of the first into law by President General and Assistant to receive a U.S. patent and entrepreneur, casualties Ulysses Grant, 1875. Secretary for Health, (number 3306x) for a was born in Paris, of the American was born in Anniston, dry-scouring process, Kentucky, 1877. Revolution, was Alabama, 1941. now known as dry- killed in the Boston cleaning, 1821. Massacre, 1770.

The Supreme Court The first Selma to Alexander T. Augusta, Oscar Stanton Harriet Tubman, Ralph David Virginia Hamilton, decided Dred Scott v. Montgomery march surgeon, Civil War De Priest, the first abolitionist, Union Abernathy, minister children’s books Sandford. This opin- ended when marchers veteran, and highest- African American Army spy and suf- and civil rights author, was born ion declared that were attacked by state ranking African elected to Congress fragist, died, 1913. leader, was born in in Yellow Springs, slaves were not U.S. and local police at American officer in in the 20th century, Tubman was buried Linden, Alabama, Ohio, 1936. citizens and could the Edmund Pettus the Union Army, born was born in Florence, with military 1926. not sue in Federal Bridge “Bloody Sun- in Norfolk, Va., 1825. Alabama, 1871. honors. courts, 1857. day”, 1965.

Cowtown/Work to Quincy Delight Joseph Jenkins Mississippi became Nathaniel Adams Fred Shuttles- Rev. Leon Sullivan Ride polo team from Jones, Jr., trumpeter, Roberts, the first the last state to “Nat King” Cole, worth, minister and elected to board Philadelphia, first music conductor President of the ratify the Thirteenth hall of fame jazz civil rights activist, of directors of African American and arranger, record Republic of Liberia, Amendment to pianist and singer, was born Fred- General Motors, team to win the Na- producer, and film was born in Nor- the United States was born in Mont- die Lee Robinson 1971. tional Interscholastic composer, was born folk, Virginia, 1809. Constitution which gomery, Alabama, in Mount Meigs, Polo Championship, in Chicago, Illinois, abolished slavery, 1919. Alabama, 1922. 2011. 1933. 1995.

Jan E. Matzeliger Lewis H. Latimer Joseph Paul Maynard Hol- Janet Harmon Aretha Louise Thomas J. Martin received patent of Reason, the first brook Jackson, Jr., Waterford Bragg, Franklin, hall of Dowagiac, 274,207 for shared patent African American the first African the first African of fame pianist, Michigan received his Automatic number 255,212 four-star admiral American mayor of American female singer and song- patent number Method for Last- for a Globe Sup- in the United Atlanta, Georgia, to hold a commer- writer, was born in 125,063 for im- ing Shoes, 1883. porter for Electric States Navy, was was born in Dallas, cial pilot license, Memphis, Tennes- provements in the Lamps, 1882. born in Washing- Texas, 1938. was born in Grif- see, 1942. fire extinguisher, ton, D. C., 1941. fin, Georgia, 1907. 1872.

Arthur Mitchell, William Andrew Jackson The Fifteenth Thomas M. Peterson hall of fame dancer Christopher Beard, hall of Amendment was of Perth Amboy, and choreographer, “W. C.” Handy, fame inven- adopted into the New Jersey, cast was born in Har- hall of fame blues tor, was born Constitution the first vote by an lem, New York, composer and in Woodland, granting African African American 1934. musician, died, Alabama, 1849. American men the after the passage of 1958. right to vote, 1870. the 15th Amend- ment, 1870.

Photo: milb.com www.alafricanamerican.com Martha Reeves

where To Run,” and “Dancing In The Street,” lowed by an enviable string of hits: “Heat Wave,” one of the biggest Motown singles ever released. “Quicksand,” “In My Lonely Room,” “Nowhere In 1995, Reeves was inducted into the Rock To Run,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “Love Makes and Roll Hall of Fame. She is also a member Me Do Foolish Things,” “I’m Ready For Love,” of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. In 2005, “Jimmy Mack,” and, of course, the Motown an- Reeves turned her sights toward politics and them, “Dancing In The Street.” won a seat on the Detroit City Council. In 1972, Reeves left Motown Records seek- In 1962, Motown’s Artist and Repertoire ing new artistic and musical horizons. She ex- (A&R) Director, William “Mickey” Stevenson, panded her musical repertoire to include a heard the voice that would become synony- myriad of styles such as rock, jazz, country, gos- mous with “the sound of young America.” A pel, blues, and classical and performed with nu- young jazz/blues singer with the unlikely name merous artists including James Brown, Bruce of “Martha Lavaille” was bringing audiences to Springsteen, opera diva Beverly Sills and gospel their feet at Detroit’s famed 20 Grand Night- singer Bishop Rance Allen. Reeves headlined a club, singing songs made popular by singers like national touring company of the musical “Ain’t Gloria Lynne and Della Reese. Stevenson invit- Misbehaving,” and for three years toured the UK ed her to audition at the new Motown Records in the musical revue “Dancing In The Street.” headquarters, nicknamed “Hitsville, USA.” In 2004, Reeves produced her “Home to Though the audition never happened, within You” CD. It was named one of the year’s best by a year, Reeves was working with Stevenson at the Asbury Park Press. In 2005, Will Smith was artha Rose Reeves was born in Eufaula, Motown Records in the company’s A&R de- searching the Motown vaults and discovered Alabama on July 18, 1941. At a very young partment. She was responsible for ensuring mu- “It’s Easy To Fall In Love,” an unreleased gem by age, Reeves and her family moved to De- sicians showed up on time and got paid. She Reeves, and included it in the hit movie “Hitch.” Mtroit, Michigan, where her grandfather, Reverend Eli- watched, learned, and whenever the opportunity Also in 2005, Motown released Reeves’ “Lost jah Reeves, was a minister at Detroit’s Metropolitan presented itself, she sang. And when she did, ev- and Found” collection, which included the rare Church. eryone took notice. When Mary Wells couldn’t Smokey Robinson-penned “Spellbound,” her In 1959, after graduating from high school, she make a session, Reeves was called to the mic. studio recording of “For Once In My Life,” and joined a girl group called the Fascinations and a year With her group, the Del-Phis, she recorded “I’ll covers of hits by the likes of Aretha Franklin, the later joined the Del-Phis. The Del-Phis (Martha Have to Let Him Go,” and the rest is history. Marvelettes, Vikki Carr, Sam & Dave, and the Reeves, Annette Beard, and Rosalind Ashford) later Martha and the Vandellas backed Marvin Four Tops. Reeves was featured in the PBS spe- became Martha and the Vandellas. Throughout the Gaye on his first three releases and sang with cial, “Motown: The Early Years.” Today, Reeves 1960s, Martha and the Vandellas scored hit after hit him on stage. Soon, they emerged from the shad- continues to thrill audiences around the world. with songs such as “Heat Wave,” “Quicksand,” “No- ows with “Come and Get These Memories,” fol-

MARCH S M T W TH F S MAY S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 413 1 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 224 23 2 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 31 APRIL 29 30 31 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Dr. Charles R. Drew, Georgetown coach medical researcher John Thompson who developed tech- becomes first African niques for process- American coach to ing and preserving win NCAA basketball blood, died in a car tournament, 1984. accident, 1950.

Martin Luther Martin Luther Booker Talia- Matthew A. Henson Granville T. Woods Hank Aaron hits Marian Anderson King, Jr. delivered King, Jr. was ferro Washington, becomes one of the patents (#315, 368) his 715th career performed her his “I’ve Been to assassinated in educator, author and first people to reach apparatus for trans- home run, surpass- critically acclaimed the Mountaintop” Memphis, Tenn., political leader, was the North Pole, mission of messages ing Babe Ruth concert on the steps speech in support of 1968. born enslaved on the 1909. by electricity, 1885. as Major League of the Lincoln Me- striking sanitation Burroughs planta- Baseball’s all-time morial, 1939. workers in Mem- tion in Virginia, home run leader, phis, Tenn., 1968. 1856. 1974.

Robert Lee Elder Percy Lavon Julian, Harold Washing- Sidney Poitier First abolitionist Jackie Robinson Slavery abolished became the first research chemist ton becomes first became the first Af- society in U.S. is became the first in the District of African Ameri- and pioneer in the African American rican American man founded in Phila- African Ameri- Columbia, 1862. can to play in chemical synthesis mayor of Chicago, to win the Academy delphia, 1775. can major league the Masters Golf of medicinal drugs 1983. Award for Best Ac- baseball player of Tournament, 1975. from plants, was tor for his role in the the modern era, born in Montgom- movie “Lilies of the 1947. ery, Alabama, 1899. Field”, 1964.

Mifflin Wistar Alice Walker wins Stationed in George Faison Locksley Wel- Catherine L. Clatonia Joaquin Gibbs, business- Pulitzer Prize for Germany, Major became the first lington “Slide” Hughes, busi- Dorticus patents man, politician and fiction for The Color Gen. Frederic E. African American Hampton, jazz ness executive and photographic print the first elected Purple, 1983. Davidson becomes to win the Tony trombonist, com- founder of Radio washer. Patent African American first Black to lead Award for Best poser and arranger, One and TV One, number 537,968. municipal judge, an army division, Choreographer – was born in Jean- was born Cath- 1895 was born in Phila- 1972. “The Wiz”, 1975. nette, Pennsylva- erine Elizabeth delphia, 1823. nia, 1932. Woods in Omaha, Nebraska, 1947. David Harold The United Negro Sarah Boone Coretta Scott Sojourner Truth, Edward Kennedy Michelle J. Howard, Blackwell, the first College Fund was patents ironing King, civil rights abolitionist and “Duke” Elling- first African Amer- African American founded to raise board, patent leader and author, women’s rights ac- ton, hall of fame ican woman to com- inducted into the funds for private number 473,653. was born in tivist, is first African pianist, composer mand a U.S. Navy National Academy historically Black 1892 Marion, Alabama, American woman and big band ship and first female of Sciences, was colleges and uni- 1927. to be honored with leader, was born four-star admiral, was born in Centralia, versities, 1944. a bust in the U.S. in Washington, born in Riverside, Illinois, 1919. Capitol, 2009. D.C., 1899. California, 1960.

Photo: Douglas Jeffrey www.alafricanamerican.com Dr. Lucius Holsey Pitts, Sr.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ments to the press. The Alabama Christian Move- Commission on Colleges in 1969. In 1971, Pitts ment for Human Rights coordinated boycotts and became the first alumnus and African American sponsored federal lawsuits aimed at dismantling President of Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. segregation in Birmingham and across Alabama As President of Miles College, Pitts was a through the 1950s and 1960s. , key figure in the community and played a major pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, served as presi- role in the Civil Rights Movement in Birming- dent of the group from its founding in 1956 until ham. With the extreme pressure of balancing his 1969. The ACMHR was responsible for invit- support of student activism and the safety of his ing Martin Luther King, Jr, and Ralph Aberna- students, in February 1962, Pitts organized meet- thy to come to Birmingham to lead mass dem- ings between Miles students and Birmingham onstrations in 1963. On the day after the 1963 business and community leaders in an attempt mayoral election, won by Albert Boutwell, the to avert a student led boycott of segregated busi- ACMHR distributed the “Birmingham Mani- nesses. After several meetings, a small number of festo”, outlining the purpose and demands of the stores integrated water fountains and elevators, but “.” In 1969, Pitts was ap- maintained segregation throughout most of their pointed co-chair of a biracial community relations establishments. Because full integration was not committee organized through Operation New implemented, Miles students began the “Selective Birmingham to respond to ongoing concerns of r. Lucius Holsey Pitts, Sr. was born on Feb- Buying Campaign” in March 1962, boycotting the African American community. The com- ruary 28, 1915, in James, Georgia. Pitts businesses that supported segregation. This cam- mittee, named Community Affairs Committee served as President of Miles College in paign was the precursor to other protests that even- (CAC), continues to meet each Monday morn- DFairfield, Alabama from 1961-1970. Throughout the tually led to the end of segregation in Birmingham. ing under the auspices of REV Birmingham. 1960s, Pitts provided guidance and support to Miles In 1963, Pitts became a member of the “Cen- In 1971, Pitts returned to his alma mater, Paine College students, faculty, and staff as they champi- tral Committee” formed by the leaders of the Ala- College, to become its 9th President, the first alum- oned many of the civil rights marches, boycotts, and bama Christian Movement for Human Rights nus and African American to lead the college. At protests in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition to sup- (ACMHR), the Southern Christian Leadership Paine he led the efforts to rebuild Haygood Hall, porting the student’s non-violent protests and active- Conference, and other civil rights activists to cre- built in 1899 and destroyed by fire in 1968. Pitts ly participating and taking a leadership role in protest ate mass protests in 1963. The movement’s joint died on February 25, 1974, in Augusta, Georgia. movements, Pitts successfully righted Miles College’s “Central Committee” met regularly at the A. G. He was buried on the campus of Paine College finances and secured the college’s accreditation by the Gaston Motel to coordinate plans and issue state- next to Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel.

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Gwendolyn Elizabeth The Children’s The Supreme Court Thirteen Freedom Eugene Marino be- William Howard Joseph R. Winters Brooks became the Crusade began of the United States Riders set off from comes first African “Willie” Mays, Jr. patents first fire first African American in Birmingham, decided in the case Washington D.C. to American installed hall of fame baseball escape ladder, 1878. to win the Pulitzer Alabama, 1963. of Shelley v. Kraemer New Orleans, LA, as a Roman Catho- player, was born in Prize for her book of that courts could 1961. lic archbishop in the Westfield, Alabama, poetry “Annie Allen”, not enforce racial U.S., 1988. 1931. 1950. covenants on real estate, 1948.

Matthew A. Cherry John Albert Burr Pickney Benton William Grant Still, Albert L. Murray, Joe Louis, hall of Rosa Jinsey Young, of Washington, D. received patent Stewart Pinchback, the “Dean of African literary, music fame boxer known as “the mother of C. received patent number 624,749 for the first African American Classical and social critic “the Brown Bomber,” Black Lutheranism number 382,351 for an improved rotary American to become Composers” was born and novelist, was was born Joseph in Alabama,” was improvements in blade lawn-mower, governor of a state in Woodville, Missis- born in Nokomis, Louis Barrow in born in Rosebud, velocipede (bicycle/ 1899. in the United States, sippi, 1895. Alabama, 1916. La Fayette, Alabama, Alabama, 1890. tricycle), 1888. was born in Macon, 1914. Georgia, 1837.

Sigma Pi Phi Frater- Dr. William Harry U.S. Supreme Court Plessy vs. Ferguson: , was John Matthew Katherine Mary nity (the Boulé), the Barnes becomes first declares segregation U.S. Supreme Court born Malcolm Shippen, Jr., the Dunham, hall of fame first African Ameri- African American in public schools upholds the doctrine Little in Omaha, first African dancer, choreographer, can Greek lettered board-certified unconstitutional in of “separate but Nebraska, 1925. American profes- author, educator, organization, was medical specialist, Brown v. Board of equal” education and sional golfer, died, activist and “Matriarch founded in Philadel- 1927. Education decision, public accommoda- 1968. and Queen Mother phia, Penn., 1904. 1954. tions, 1896. of Black Dance,” died, 2006.

James Mercer Sgt. William H. Coleman Alexan- Madam C.J. Miles Dewey Davis Ernest Gideon Horace King, the Langston Hughes, Carney becomes der Young, the first Walker, first III, hall of fame Green became the most respected poet, novelist and the first African African American American woman jazz trumpeter, first African Ameri- bridge builder in playwright, died, American awarded Mayor of Detroit, to become a mil- bandleader and can to graduate from Alabama, Georgia, 1967. the Congressional Michigan, was lionaire through composer, was born Little Rock Central and northeastern Medal of Honor, born in Tuscaloosa, her own business, in Alton, Illinois, High School in Mississippi during 1900. Alabama, 1918. died, 1919. 1926. Little Rock, Arkan- the mid-1800s, sas, 1958. died, 1885.

Sojourner Truth Vivian Malone The Tulsa Race War in the delivered her becomes the first Greenwood neighborhood famous “Ain’t I a African American of Tulsa, Oklahoma oc- Woman” speech at to graduate from curred, resulting in 35 city the Ohio Women’s the University of blocks of residences being Rights Convention Alabama, 1965. destroyed and 10,000 in Akron, Ohio, pre dominantly African 1851. American people left homeless, 1921. Photo: Public domain (Thomas J. O’Halloran) www.alafricanamerican.com Bryan Stevenson

have won reversals, relief or release for over 115 Mr. Stevenson with its Distinguished Teaching wrongly condemned prisoners on death row. Mr. Award. Mr. Stevenson won the Gruber Foun- Stevenson has initiated major new anti-poverty dation International Justice Prize and has been and anti-discrimination efforts that challenge awarded the NAACP the legacy of racial inequality in America, in- Advocacy Award, the National Legal Aid and cluding major projects to educate communities Defender Association Lifetime Achievement about slavery, lynching and racial segregation. Award, the Ford Foundation Visionaries Award Mr. Stevenson is also a Professor of Law at the and the Roosevelt Institute Franklin D. Roos- New York University School of Law. evelt Freedom from Fear Award. Mr. Stevenson’s work fighting poverty and In 2012, Mr. Stevenson received the Ameri- challenging racial discrimination in the criminal can Psychiatric Association Human Rights justice system has won him numerous awards in- Award, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute cluding the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Fred L. Shuttlesworth Award, and the Smith- “Genius” Prize, the National Medal of Liberty sonian Magazine American Ingenuity Award from the American Civil Liberties Union after in Social Progress. Mr. Stevenson was inducted he was nominated by United States Supreme into the American Academy of Arts and Sci- ryan Stevenson is the founder and Execu- Court Justice John Stevens, the Public Interest ence in 2014 and most recently won the Lannan tive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative Lawyer of the Year by the National Association Foundation Prize for Human and Civil Rights. in Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Stevenson is of Public Interest Lawyers, and the Olaf Palme Mr. Stevenson has received 21 honorary de- a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer who has Prize in Stockholm, Sweden for international grees including degrees from Yale University, B human rights. The American Bar Association the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incar- cerated and the condemned. has honored Mr. Stevenson with its John Minor University, Washington University and Harvard Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal chal- Public Service and Professionalism Award. University. He is the recent author of the criti- lenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, In 2002, he received the Alabama State Bar cally acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Just exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confront- Commissioners Award. In 2003, the SALT Mercy, which was named by Time Magazine as ing abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill Human Rights Award was presented to Mr. one of the 10 Best Books of Nonfiction for 2014 and aiding children prosecuted as adults. Stevenson by The Society of American Law and has been awarded several honors including Mr. Stevenson has successfully argued several cas- Teachers. In 2004, he received the Award for the Carnegie Medal by the American Library es in the United States Supreme Court and recently Courageous Advocacy from the American Col- Association for the best nonfiction book of 2014 won an historic ruling that mandatory life-with- lege of Trial Lawyers and also the Lawyer for and a 2015 NAACP Image Award. out-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger the People Award from the National Lawyers are unconstitutional. Mr. Stevenson and his staff Guild. In 2006, New York University presented

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Morgan Porterfield Charles Sifford, hall Josephine Baker, Roland G. Fryer, Jr., Freeman, Jr., actor of fame golfer who entertainer and actress, youngest African and film director was helped to desegregate was born Freda American ever granted born in Memphis, the PGA of America, Josephine McDonald tenure at Harvard Tennessee, 1937. was born in Charlotte, in St. Louis, Missouri, University, was born North Carolina, 1922. 1906. in Daytona Beach, Florida, 1977.

John Wesley Carlos, Tommie Smith, Gail Fisher became William D. “Willie” William Pinkney Marcus Mosiah Alabama governor hall of fame track hall of fame track the first African Davenport, hall of became the fourth Garvey, Jr., pub- George Wallace stood and field athlete and field athlete American to win an fame track and field American and the lisher, entrepreneur, in the doorway of and 1968 Olympics and 1968 Olympics Emmy Award, 1970. athlete, was born first African American orator and Black Foster Auditorium medal ceremony medal ceremony in Troy, Alabama, to sail solo around the Nationalist, died, blocking Vivian Malone protester, was born protester, was born 1943. world, 1992. 1940. and from in Harlem, New in Clarksville, Texas, enrolling at the Univer- York, 1945. 1944. sity of Alabama, 1963.

Medgar W. Evers, Nat (pronounced Ella Jane Fitzgerald, Eddie Levert, lead Minuteman Peter Sallie Martin, civil rights leader, nominated to the Nate) Love, one of hall of fame jazz vocalist of the R&B Salem fights in the the “Mother of is assassinated in U.S. Supreme Court the most famous and pop vocalist, vocal group The Battle of Bunker Gospel Music” and Jackson, Mississippi, by President cowboys of the Old also known as the O’Jays, was born in Hill, 1775. entrepreneur, died, 1963 Lyndon Johnson, West, was born in “First Lady of Bessemer, Alabama, 1988. 1967. Davidson County, Song,” died, 1996. 1942. Tennessee, 1854.

African Americans Lionel Brockman , Joe Louis knocked , Jeanine Menze James H. Meredith, in Texas are notified Richie, Jr., singer, Andrew Goodman out Max Schmeling first American became the first the first African of Emancipation songwriter and and Michael at 2:04 of the first woman to win three African American American student Proclamation, record producer, Schwerner, civil round at Yankee Gold medals in female to earn at the University issued in 1863. was born in rights activists, Stadium, 1938. track and field in United States of Mississippi, was “Juneteenth,” marks Tuskegee, Alabama, were murdered near an , Coast Guard avia- born in Kosciusko, the event, 1865. 1949. Philadelphia, was born in Clarks- tion designation, Mississippi, 1933. Mississippi, 1964. dale, Tenn., 1940. 2005.

James Weldon Paul Laurence U.S. Supreme Charles Everett Lena Mary Johnson, author, Dunbar, poet, was Court overturned Dumas became Calhoun Horne, diplomat, poet, born in Dayton, the conviction of the first person to singer, actress, songwriter of “Lift Ohio, 1872. Muhammad Ali seven dancer and civil Every Voice and for refusing to be feet, 1956. rights activist, was Sing,” and civil inducted into the born in Brooklyn, rights activist died, military, 1971. New York, 1917. 1938.

Photo: Equal Justice Initiative (donated by Corbis Images) www.alafricanamerican.com Surpora Sparks-Thomas

Diploma in Nursing from Grady Memorial into the Pediatric Nursing Hall of Fame and the Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta Ga, her first recipient of The Surpora Thomas Nursing BSN from The University of Alabama at Bir- Excellence Award. In November 2001, Chil- mingham School of Nursing, and her MBA dren’s Hospital Board of Trustees and Executive from Samford University. Administrative Staff named and dedicated The In January 1962, Thomas began her career Surpora Thomas Pediatric Nursing Education at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham as a staff and Research Center in her honor. The Surpora nurse. Her career, leadership, and involvement Thomas Nursing Excellence Fund to support in transitioning Children’s Hospital from a nursing research was established in December four-story, 100-bed hospital into a state of the 2009. In 2014, she established Surpora Thomas, art tertiary health system complex were chron- LLC (DBA Surpora Thomas Ministries), and icled in the Birmingham News. Thomas’ vision- her book Equipped to Enjoy Life’s Journey was ary leadership, strategic planning, and decision- published. making skills are derived from her faith-based Thomas retired on January 1, 2010. Re- innovative approaches and successful applica- ceiving a personal letter from President Barack tion of biblical principles. Relying on her faith Obama, acknowledging her contributions to and wealth of experience, in 1985 she developed healthcare and congratulating her on a job well an acuity-based pricing system for nursing that done, was a treasured recognition. He and first transitioned the profession from a cost to a rev- lady Michelle Obama included well wishes for urpora Sparks-Thomas, MBA, BSN, RN, enue center. the future. FAAN is Chief Nurse Executive Emeritus of A luminary in Alabama, and nationally re- After 52 years of marriage, Thomas contin- Children’s of Alabama. She is also a certified nowned, Thomas’ name is synonymous with em- ues to enjoy life with her husband, Jule Thomas SChristian life coach and a human behavior consul- powerment of communities and improvement III, who is also her best friend and confidante. tant. She is an evangelist, a published author, inspi- in the health of children. She has been blessed They live in Birmingham, Alabama, and are rational speaker, and teacher of Living Biblical Prin- with many professional, humanitarian, and civic blessed with four daughters, two sons-in-law, ciples. awards. She is a Legend in White, a Leadership three granddaughters, two grandsons, one great Thomas was the first born of eight to Mr. and Legend, and a Lifetime Achiever. Thomas has grandson, and a large network of other family Mrs. Charles C. Sparks, Sr. in Wylam, Alabama, on been inducted into the Alabama Health Care members and friends. Giving glory to God, July 6, 1940. She attributes her successful leadership Hall of Fame, the Alabama Nursing Hall of Thomas’ motto is: “May the life that I live be a style to being the eldest child and growing up in a Fame, International Sigma Theta Tau Nursing living testimony to the God I serve.” family of ten. She is a graduate of Westfield High Honor Society, and as a Fellow in The American School in Birmingham, Alabama. She received a Academy of Nursing. She was the first inductee

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Frederick Carlton The Civil Rights Act “Carl” Lewis, hall of of 1964 was signed fame track and field into law by President athlete, was born in Lyndon B. Johnson, Birmingham, Alabama, 1964. 1961.

Macon Bolling Allen Arthur George Andrew Jackson Donnie L. Cochran, Leroy Robert The Clotilda, the Dr. Daniel Hale became the first “A. G.” Gaston, Beard of Woodlawn, first African Ameri- “Satchel” Paige, hall last known United Williams performs African American entrepreneur and Alabama received can to command of fame baseball States slave ship to first successful open licensed to practice businessman, was patent number the U.S. Navy Blue player, was born in bring enslaved Af- heart surgery, 1893. law in the United born in Demopolis, 478,271 for an im- Angels, was born Mobile, Alabama, ricans to the U. S., States, 1844. Alabama, 1892. proved rotary steam near Pelham, 1906. arrived in Alabama engine, 1892. Georgia, 1954. with 110 African captives, 1860.

Mary Jane McLeod W.E.B. DuBois and Frederick McKinley Thurgood Marshall Sarah E. Goode, Maggie Lena Ida Bell Wells- Bethune, hall of William Monroe Jones received three becomes first first African Walker, hall of fame Barnett, journalist fame educator Trotter organize the patents (numbers African American American woman businesswoman, and civil and women’s and civil rights Niagara Movement, 2,475,841 – appointed U.S. to receive a patent educator and the rights activist, was leader, was born in a forerunner of the 2,475,843). Patent solicitor general, (322,177) for her first female bank born enslaved in Mayesville, South NAACP, 1905. 2,475,841 was for a 1965. invention of the president, was born Holly Springs, Carolina, 1875. portable air-cooling cabinet bed, 1885. in Richmond, Mississippi, 1862. unit for trucks, 1949. Virginia, 1864.

Billie Holiday, hall Nelson R. Mandela, William Henry Violet Palmer, the The National Emlen Lewis Jackie Robinson of fame jazz singer first South African Hastie was con- first woman to Association of Tunnell, the first becomes first and songwriter president to be firmed as Judge of officiate a National Colored Women’s African American African American known as “Lady elected in a fully the Third U. S. Basketball Asso- Clubs, Inc. was inducted into the baseball player in Day,” died, 1959. representative Circuit Court of ciation game, was founded in Pro Football Hall the major leagues democratic election, Appeals, the first born in Compton, Washington, D.C., of Fame, died, inducted into the was born in Mvezo, African American California, 1964. 1896. 1975. Baseball Hall of South Africa, 1918. federal circuit judge, Fame, 1962. 1950. Garrett A. Morgan, President Harry The Chicago Race 14th Amendment, Keeth Thomas Elizabeth R. Alexander Whitney Moore Sr. used his gas S. Truman issues Riots, the worst of granting African Smart, the first Haynes, first Dumas, play- Young, Jr., civil mask to rescue Executive Order the country’s riots Americans full American to be African American wright and rights leader, men trapped in an 9981, ending seg- during the Red citizenship rights, named the top- woman to serve on novelist, was born was born in Dumas Davy de Lincoln Ridge, underground regation in armed Summer of 1919, becomes part of ranked fencer the national board la Pailleterie in Kentucky, tunnel, 1916. forces, 1948. began. the Constitution, internationally, was of the YWCA, was Picardy, France, 1921. 1868. born in Brooklyn, born in Lowndes 1802. New York, 1978. County, AL, 1883.

Photo: hercampus.com www.alafricanamerican.com Joanne Bland

oanne Bland, born on July 29, 1953, in brutal beatings of fellow marchers by police. “It’s Selma, Alabama, is recognized as one the screams I remember the most – people just of our great human rights activists screaming and screaming and screaming.” “The and was one of the youngest persons last thing I remember seeing on the bridge that jailed during the 1960s civil rights move- day is this lady and this horse. I don’t know if the ment.J horse ran over her, or if the officer on the horse By the time she was 11 years old, Bland had hit her with the billy club, but I remember the been arrested at least 13 times, once for eight sound of her head hitting that pavement – I’ll days serving time on a prison farm. As an ed- never forget it. It was too much for me. I fainted.” ucator, historian, and civil rights activist, she She later marched on “Turn Around Tues- continues to travel the world, sharing her ex- day” and the first leg of the successful March traordinary experiences. from Selma to Montgomery. Her early involve- Bland is co-founder and director of the Na- ment in the struggle against “Jim Crow”, Amer- tional Voting Rights Museum and Institute in ica’s apartheid, has been the foundation for her Selma, Alabama, where she works to promote civil and human rights work throughout her life. civil and human rights, and increased voter A much sought after speaker with a compel- awareness. ling personal story of civil rights activism, Bland During her lifetime, she has witnessed and has presented at conferences and workshops at participated in some of our nation’s most con- the Smithsonian in Washington, DC and in 16 sequential civil rights battles. She began her states throughout the country. Currently Bland civil rights activism in the early 1960s. The Stu- is owner and operator of “Journeys For The dent Non-Violent Coordinating Committee Soul,” an agency that specializes in Civil Rights (SNCC) activists arranged for Bland and other tours with a major focus on Selma, Alabama. area children and teenagers to participate in the Bland received her bachelor’s degree from the Civil Rights Movement. College of Staten Island and is a United States In the front lines of the struggle, the young Army veteran. Bland marched on “Bloody Sunday,” witnessing

JULY S M T W TH F S SEPTEMBER S M T W TH F S 1 2 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 411 12 13 1 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 AUGUST Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Michael Duane James Arthur Baldwin, Frank Godden, Barack Hussein Shirley Jackson, first President Lyndon Johnson became novelist, playwright, instrumental in the Obama II, the first female and African B. Johnson signed the first man to win poet, essayist, and growth of the Santa African American American president into law the National Gold medals in the civil rights activist, was Clarita Valley’s Val President of the of Rensselaer Poly- Voting Rights Act, 200 and 400 meter born in Harlem, New Verde, known as United States, was technic Institute, was guaranteeing African races at the same York, 1924. “the black Palm born in Honolulu, born in Washington, Americans the right to Olympic Games, Springs,” died, 2012. Hawaii, 1961. D. C., 1946. vote, 1965. 1996.

Ralph Johnson Bunche, William Augustus wins General Colin Alex Haley, author Emma Ophelia The Brownsville Nobel Peace Prize Hinton, bacteriologist, fourth gold medal at Powell is nominat- of “Roots” and “The DeVore, the first Raid of 1906, the winner, political pathologist, educa- Summer Olympics ed chairman, Joint Autobiography of prominent African “Brownsville Affair,” scientist and diplomat, tor, and first African in Berlin, 1936. Chiefs of Staff, Malcom X”, was American model resulted in the was born in Detroit, American to publish a the first African born in Ithaca, in the United largest U.S. Army Michigan, 1904. medical textbook, American to hold New York, 1921. States, was born in dismissal, 167 died, 1959. the post, 1989. Edgefield, South African American Carolina, 1922. soldiers, 1906.

Maria Halle Monroe Nathan Carol Elizabeth Marcus Mosiah James H. Meredith Benjamin Banneker, The first 20 Berry, first Afri- Work, sociologist Moseley Braun, the Garvey, Jr., publisher, became the first wrote a letter to Africans were can American to and bibliographer, first African Ameri- entrepreneur, orator African American then U.S. Secretary brought to what win an Academy and publisher of the can woman elected and Black National- to graduate from of State Thomas would become Award for Best “Negro Year Book”, to the United States ist, was born in St. the University of Jefferson pointing Jamestown, Actress, was born was born in Iredell Senate, was born in Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Mississippi, 1963. out the hypocrisy of Virginia aboard a in Cleveland, County, North Chicago, Illinois, 1887. slavery, 1791. Dutch ship, 1619. Ohio, 1966. Carolina, 1866. 1947.

George Franklin The Haitian The National , Althea Gibson, first 19th Amendment William Edward Grant, pioneering Revolution began Negro Business civil rights leader African American to the Constitution Burghardt Du Bois, dentist and inventor when slaves in League was and the chief to win the French, ratified, giving civil rights activist, of the golf tee, Saint Domingue founded in Boston, organizer of the Wimbledon, and women the right historian and patent number (Haiti) rose in re- Massachusetts with 1963 March on U. S. Open tennis to vote, 1920. author, died, 1963. 638,920, died, volt and plunged Booker T. Wash- Washington for singles titles, was 1910. the colony into a ington as its first Jobs and Freedom, born in Silver, South 12-year war, 1791. president, 1900. died, 1987. Carolina, 1927.

March on Wash- Michael Joseph Guion Stewart Marva Collins, ington for Jobs Jackson, hall of Bluford Jr. becomes educator and and Freedom; fame singer and the first African author, was born Martin Luther the “King of Pop,” American to travel in Monroeville, King delivers his was born in Gary, in space aboard the Alabama, 1936. “” Indiana, 1958. space shuttle speech, 1963. Challenger, 1983.

Photo: The Birmingham News www.alafricanamerican.com Horace King

Chattahoochee River. King, his mother, bro- the new capitol building in Montgomery. ther, and sister were also brought to Girard. In the mid-1850s, King built Moore’s Between 1838 and 1840, King supervised Bridge over the Chattahoochee River on the construction of Godwin’s massive toll bridges road between Newnan and Carrollton, Geor- across the Chattahoochee River at West Point, gia. By 1858, King and his family had moved Eufaula, and Florence (present-day Florence near Moore’s Bridge where his wife, Frances, Marina), Georgia. and their children collected tolls and farmed In the early 1840s, King built bridges in until July 1864, when the bridge was burned Columbus, Mississippi, and Wetumpka, Ala- by Union forces. Frances died in Girard about bama, and in 1841, he supervised the construc- three months later, and in June 1865, King mar- tion of the Russell County Courthouse in Ala- ried Sarah Jane Jones McManus. bama. In 1845, King bridged the Tallapoosa During the Civil War, King was forced to River at Tallassee, Alabama. Later that year, he work for the Confederacy, creating blockades oversaw construction of three small bridges near on the lower Apalachicola River in Georgia Steens, Mississippi. In February of 1846, King and the lower Alabama River in Alabama. King gained his freedom through an emancipation also erected a large mill structure and supplied bill introduced in the Alabama legislature, and wood products for Confederate naval facilities orace King was born on Septem- by 1860, he was one of the wealthiest free Afri- in Columbus. After the war he concentrated his ber 8, 1807, in Chesterfield District, can Americans in Alabama. efforts on the reconstruction of wagon and rail- South Carolina. He was born a Because of his exceptional talents as road bridges, grist and textile mills, and cotton slave but overcame the odds and an architect, engineer, and contractor, King warehouses. He also built the initial Lee County became the most respected bridge builder in was permitted to travel without restrictions courthouse in Opelika in 1867. Alabama, Georgia, and northeastern Mississippi throughout the Deep South, and in 1839, During Reconstruction, he served two H King was allowed to marry Frances Gould terms in the Alabama House of Representa- during the mid-nineteenth century. In 1830, he was purchased by John God- Thomas, a free African American woman. tives. In 1872, King and his family moved to win, a contractor in Cheraw, South Carolina. Two Her legal status guaranteed freedom for their LaGrange, Georgia, where King and his sons years later, Godwin moved to Girard (present-day children. During the early 1850s, the state of continued to build bridges, stores, houses, and Phenix City), Alabama, where he was hired by the Alabama hired King to perform carpentry college buildings until his death, on May 28, town to construct the first bridge across the lower work, including elegant circular staircases, on 1885.

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Halle Tanner Dillion Joseph Hatchett, Dorothy Maynor, Johnson becomes first becomes first African concert soprano woman of any race to American state and founder of the practice medicine in Supreme Court Harlem School of Alabama, 1891. justice in Florida, Arts, was born in 1975. Norfolk, Virginia, 1910.

Lewis Howard , Lee Roy Young, Jr. Earl Manigault, Hall, Sonia Sanchez, poet Hoyt William Latimer, draftsman civil rights pioneer, became the first street basketball first African American and playwright, was Fuller, editor, critic and hall of fame arrested for refusing African American player known as to desegregate a born in Birmingham, and leading figure inventor, was born to give up her bus seat Texas Ranger in the “The Goat,” was southern elementary Alabama, 1934. in the Black Arts in Chelsea, on March 2, 1955, was police force’s 165- born in Charleston, school, was born in Movement, was Massachusetts, 1848. born in Montgomery, year history, 1988. South Carolina, Tylertown, Mississippi, born in Atlanta, Alabama, 1939. 1944. 1954. Georgia, 1923.

James Charles Mae Carol Jemison Nell Carter, singer Prince Hall, the The 16th Street Frederick McKinley Vanessa Williams Evers, first African becomes first and film, stage, and founder of “Black Baptist Church Jones became the becomes first American elected African American television actress, Freemasonry,” was was bombed in first African Ameri- African American mayor of a Missis- woman to travel in was born Nell Ruth born (approximate Birmingham, can awarded the woman named sippi city since Re- space, 1992. Hardy in Birming- birth date), 1735. Alabama, 1963. National Medal of Miss America, construction, was ham, Alabama, Technology, 1991. 1983. born in Decatur, 1948. Mississippi, 1922.

Booker T. Wash- The first Interna- Charles Howard Clifford Leopold The Interstate Com- Nancy Green, Executive Order ington delivered his tional Congress Wright, physician, Alexander, Jr., merce Commission born a slave, one 11246 was signed “Atlanta Compro- of Black Writers author and mu- lawyer, businessman (ICC) ordered an of the first African by President mise” speech at the and Artists was seum founder, was and the first African end to segregation Americans hired Lyndon B. Johnson Cotton States and convened at the born in Dothan, American Secretary on interstate trans- to promote a cor- requiring equal International Expo Sorbonne in Paris, Alabama, 1918. of the Army, was portation and with- porate trademark employment in Atlanta, Georgia, France, 1956. born in New York in transportation “Aunt Jemima”, opportunity, 1965. 1895. City, 1933. facilities, 1961. died, 1923.

William Craft, William Levi Donald Cortez The National The Committee on Charles Sylvan subject of “Run- Dawson, profes- Cornelius, televi- Baptist Conven- Urban Conditions “Cholly” Atkins, ning…; or, the sor, choir director, sion show host tion, USA, Inc. Among Negroes dancer and Tony Escape of William and composer, was and producer was formed in (The National Award-winning and Ellen Craft born in Anniston, (Soul Train), was Atlanta, Georgia, Urban League) choreographer, was from Slavery”, was Alabama, 1899. born in Chicago, 1895. founded in New born in Pratt City, born in Macon, Illinois, 1936. York City, 1910. Alabama, 1913. Georgia, 1824.

Photos: Public domain www.alafricanamerican.com Dora Finley

were both arrested along with hundreds of oth- Heritage Trail. Councilor William Carroll knew er activists during NOW’s demonstrations in that in order to make the trail a reality, it would 1969. As a high school junior, Finley formed require a special person to lead and coordinate and was president of the United Student Ac- the effort that had so many different pieces, tion Movement. The organization addressed and Finley was that person. He said, “With- issues regarding African American youth. out Dora, the African American Heritage Trail Having developed a strong leadership foun- would have never been.” Through Finley’s lead- dation, Finley went on to have a successful ca- ership and efforts, forgotten and lost chapters reer in corporate America, teach mathematics at of African American history in Mobile were John L. Leflore High School in Mobile, Ala- discovered and preserved for all who visit the bama, and eventu­ally spearhead the creation of port city to enjoy. Today, there are more than 40 the African American Heritage Trail in Mobile, historic markers throughout Mobile County. Alabama. In 2011, Finley began working on the ef- After spending more than 30 years work- fort to restore the Cook’s House, the detached ing in corporate America and raising a family, kitchen and servants’ quarters located on the Finley’s focus on the welfare of her community Oakleigh Historic Complex and most likely became laser sharp. The skills and talents she one of the last remaining structures associated developed serving 25 years as a logistics manag- with Union Occupation and Emancipation in er would be put to good use as she volunteered Mobile. Unfortunately, due to an illness, Finley ora Franklin Finley was born on Octo- through her church and various community passed away on June 8, 2012, before restoration ber 18, 1952, in Mobile, Alabama. From associations. Finley became a magnet, attract- had begun on the project. However, one of her an early age community service was in- ing numerous requests for her support in vari- last requests was that after her death, in lieu of stilled in her heart. Finley was the eldest daughter ous community based projects. Her close friend flowers, her friends would donate to the Cook’s D of 50 years, Sheila Flanagan, stated “She was House project. of the late James H. Finley, Sr. and Joycelyn Frank- lin Finley. Her parents were civil rights advocates an organizer, a diplomat and she just inspired Finley stated “I leave a legacy of an African who taught that each person must contribute to people to work with her and for her.” “I would American historic trail that is illuminated by the physical and spiritual health of the community. tell everyone that I worked for Dora Finley. She stories of Courageous Contributors recognizing As a young woman, Finley participated in inspired people to do what she wanted and she their determination and struggle for the inspi- Neighborhood Organized Workers (NOW) could get folks from all walks of life. I call them ration and triumph of all generations to come.” marches, standing up to intolerance and advo- ‘Dora converts.’” In her honor, the trail was renamed the Dora cating for equality. She and her mother, the first In 2006, Finley was asked by the Mobile City Franklin Finley African American Heritage to teach black history in Mobile public schools, Council to help establish the African American Trail.

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The 24th Infantry Regiment (the Deuce Four), the last all-Black military unit, was deactivated in Korea, 1951.

Thurgood Marshall Nat King Cole Grace Bumbry, Geoffrey S. Fletcher, Fannie Lou Townsend Toni Morrison Jesse Louis Jackson, was sworn in as becomes first opera singer, was first African American Hamer, voting rights became the first Sr., clergyman the first African African American born in St. Louis, to receive an Academy activist and civil rights African American and civil rights American Justice of to host his own TV Missouri, 1937. Award for writing leader, was born in woman to win the leader, was born the Supreme Court, show, 1956. (Precious…) was born Sunflower County, Nobel Prize in Jesse Louis Burns 1967. in New London, Mississippi, 1917. Literature, 1993. in Greenville, South Connecticut, 1970. Carolina, 1941.

Eugene Jacques Granville T. Woods Wilton Norman Shirley Ann At age 35, Martin The Alabama Penny Bullard, the only Patterson, educator patents telephone “Wilt” Chamberlain, Caesar, hall of fame Luther King Jr. Savings Bank was African American and founder of system and appara- only player in NBA gospel singer and becomes youngest founded in Birming- pilot in World the United Negro tus, patent number history to score 100 songwriter known man ever to win ham. One of the War I, was born College Fund, was 371,241; 1887. points in a game and as “First Lady of Nobel Peace Prize, first three African in Columbus, born in Washing- average 50 points Gospel,” was born 1964. American-owned and Georgia, 1894. ton, D. C., 1901. per game in a season, in Durham, North operated U.S. financial died, 1999. Carolina, 1938. institutions, 1890.

Million Man March Mae Carol Jemison, Terry McMillan, Richard Arrington Fayard Antonio Valerie Thomas The Supremes held in Washington, hall of fame astro- author, was born Jr., the first African Nicholas, half of received patent become the first all- D.C., 1995. naut, physician and in Port Huron, American Mayor the hall of fame number 4,229,761 female music group the first African Michigan, 1951. of Birmingham, Nicholas Brothers for her invention to attain a No. 1 American woman in Alabama, was born dance team, was of the Illusion selling album (The space, was born in in Livingston, born in Mobile, Transmitter, 1980. Supremes A’ Go-Go), Decatur, Alabama, Alabama, 1934. Alabama, 1914. 1966. 1956.

Emmett W. Regina Marcia Benjamin O. Leonard Randolph Martha Minerva Chappelle, hall of Benjamin, former Davis, Jr. becomes “Lenny” Wilkens, Franklin, hall of fame William A. Richard Marjorie S. Ethel Waters, Leidesdorff, one of Arrington Jr. Joyner, inventor hall of fame fame scientist and Surgeon General first African hall of fame bas- nurse and founder the first black set- elected first of the permanent gospel, blues and researcher, was of the United American general ketball player and of the National As- tlers in California, African Ameri- wave machine, jazz vocalist and born in Phoenix, States, was born in in U.S. Air Force, coach, was born sociation of Colored often called the can mayor of patent number actress, was born Arizona, 1925. Mobile, Alabama, 1954. in Brooklyn, New Graduate Nurses, was first Black mil- Birmingham, 1,693,515, was in Chester, lionaire, was born Alabama, 1979. born in Monterey, Pennsylvania, 1956. York, 1937. born in New Milford, in St. Croix, Virgin Virginia, 1896. 1896. Connecticut, 1870. Islands, 1810. Photo: mobile.org www.alafricanamerican.com Alice Marie Coachman

the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (2004). won national championships in the 100-meter Coachman was one of 10 children born to dash and the 4x100-meter relay. Coachman was Fred and Evelyn Coachman. Growing up in the the only African American on each of the five Deep South in the 1930s, she was frequently pre- All-American teams to which she was named. vented from training or competing in organized Unfortunately for Coachman, World War sporting events. Coachman would often have to II forced the cancellation of the 1940 and 1944 train barefoot in fields and on dirt roads, using Olympic Games. In 1948, the Olympic Games ropes, sticks, and old equipment to practice her were reinstated, and Coachman was ready to high jumping. In 1938, Coachman enrolled in compete against the world’s best athletes at the Madison High School, where she immediately most prestigious sporting event on the plan- joined the track team. et. Despite nursing a back injury, on August 7, Her achievements attracted the attention 1948, Coachman set an Olympic record in the of Tuskegee Institute’s athletic officials, and in high jump with a mark of 5 feet, 6 1/8 inches, 1939, they offered her a scholarship to attend making her the first African American woman both Tuskegee high school and college. Her par- to win an Olympic gold medal. King George VI ents, who initially did not support their daugh- personally presented Coachman her award. ter’s athletic dreams, gave their blessing, and she Coachman retired from athletics after the moved to Tuskegee, Alabama. Olympics. She became a teacher and coach lice Marie Coachman was born in Albany, She competed for the Golden Tigers’ high and in 1952, Coachman became the first Afri- Georgia, on November 9, 1923. Coach- school and college track and field programs from can American woman to earn an endorsement man made history at the 1948 Olympics 1939-1946. She also played on three champion- contract when the Coca-Cola Company tapped in London, England, when she high jumped 5 ship basketball teams. Coachman’s success also her to become their spokesperson. Later she es- A1/8 feet, 6 inches, setting an Olympic record, be- extended to the classroom. She graduated from tablished the Alice Coachman Track and Field coming the first African American woman to Tuskegee College in 1946 and received a B.A. Foundation, a non-profit organization, to help win an Olympic gold medal. Coachman was from Albany State College in 1949. support young athletes and provide assistance to the only United States female athlete to win a In 1939, Coachman won her first Ama- former athletes. The Alice Coachman Elemen- gold medal at the 1948 Olympic Games. teur Athletic Union (AAU) national champion- tary School in Albany, Georgia, is named in her At the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in ship high jump title. Over the next 9 years she honor. Alice Coachman died on July 14, 2014, at Atlanta, Georgia, she was honored as one of the dominated the event winning the AAU national the age of 90 in Albany, Georgia. 100 greatest Olympians in history. She has been championship high jump title 10 consecutive inducted into several halls of fame, including the times, from 1939 to 1948. She also won the National Track & Field Hall of Fame (1975) and 50-meter outdoor title from 1943 to 1947 and

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John H. Johnson President Ronald John Baxter Taylor Jr., Barack Obama was Shirley Chisolm of published the first Reagan signed the the first African elected the first Brooklyn, New York, issue of Ebony legislation creating a American to win an African American becomes the first Magazine, 1945. federal Martin Olympic Gold medal, President of the African American Luther King Jr. was born in United States, 2008. woman elected to holiday, 1983. Washington, D. C., Congress, 1968. 1883.

James Weldon Johnson Douglas Wilder Crystal B. Fauset, Benjamin Banneker, Benjamin Thornton George R. Carruthers The National Negro and J. Rosamond becomes the first elected state represen- mathematician, received patent awarded patent Opera Company Johnson compose “Lift African American to tative in Pennsylvania, inventor, astronomer, number 1,831,331 3,478,216 for his was founded in Every Voice and Sing”, be elected governor becoming the first surveyor and almanac for an Apparatus Image Converter for Pittsburg, Penn- widely regarded as the in the United States African American author, was born in for automatically Detecting Electro- sylvania by Mary Black national anthem, (Virginia), 1989. woman to serve in a Ellicott’s Mills, recording telephone magnetic Radiation, Cardwell Dawson, 1901. state legislature, 1938. Maryland, 1731. messages, 1931. 1969. 1941.

Whoopi Goldberg, Condoleezza Rice, Lydia Newman William Christopher Samuel L. Younge Jr., Harold W. Moon, Annette Gordon- actress, comedienne professor, diplomat of New York City “W.C.” Handy, hall first African Ameri- one of only two peo- Reed, first African and activist, was and national security received patent of fame blues com- can college student ple to be enshrined American to win the born Caryn Elaine expert, was born in number 614,335 poser and musician, to die in the Civil in the Canadian and Pulitzer Prize for Johnson in New Birmingham, Ala- for a new and im- was born in Florence, Rights Movement, the Pro Football Hall History (The Hemingses York City, 1955. bama, 1954. proved hair brush, Alabama, 1873. was born in Tuskegee, of Fame, was born of Monticello . . .), born 1898. Alabama, 1944. in Los Angeles, in Livingston, Texas, California, 1956. 1958.

Dominique M. George Branham, William J. Powell, John L. Love, Oscar Palmer Percy Sledge, Sojourner Truth, Dawes, member of III, the first African the first African received patent Robertson “The hall of fame abolitionist and first U.S. women’s American to win a American to design, 594,114 for a Big O,” hall of R&B and soul women’s rights team to win an Professional Bowlers build and operate his pencil sharpener fame basketball performer, was activist, died, 1883. Olympic gold medal Association title, own golf course, was that used a crank player, was born in born in Leighton, in gymnastics, was was born in Detroit, born in Greenville, to sharpen pencils, Charlotte, Tennes- Alabama, 1940. born in Silver Spring, Michigan, 1962. Alabama, 1916. 1897. see, 1938. Maryland, 1976.

James Marshall Berry Gordy Jr., Coleman Alexander James Arthur “Jimi” Hendrix, hall of fame record Young, the first Baldwin, novelist, hall of fame gui- producer, founder African American playwright, poet, tarist, singer and of Motown Records, mayor of Detroit, essayist and civil songwriter, was was born in Detroit, Michigan, died, rights activist, born in Seattle, Michigan, 1929. 1997. died, 1987. Washington, 1942.

Photo: history.com www.alafricanamerican.com Jimmie Lee Jackson

Civil Rights Movement in Marion, Alabama af- King, Jr., who admonished President Lyndon ter returning from serving his country and fight- Johnson over the wanton, and evidently legally ing in the . In the few years follow- sanctioned, police brutality. Minister ing his return to Marion, several life-changing of SCLC and other movement leaders called events would lead to Jackson’s eventual date with for a march to Montgomery to protest Jackson’s his destiny. He became the youngest deacon in death and advocate for voting rights. the history of Marion’s St. James Baptist Church, The March 7, 1965 protest march for fathered a daughter, led voter registration drives, Jackson ended abruptly when law enforcement participated in protest marches, and attempted officers attacked the marchers at the Edmund to register to vote on numerous occasions. Pettus Bridge. This event became known as On the night of Thursday, February 18, “Bloody Sunday” and eventually prompted 1965, Jimmy Lee Jackson became a martyr in federal lawmakers to pass the 1965 Voting the Civil Rights Movement when he joined a Rights Act. This act struck down state and local group of African Americans protesting the jail- laws that restricted African Americans’ right to ing of , a local Southern Christian vote in Alabama and across the nation. After the Leadership Conference (SCLC) official. act was passed, Jimmie Lee Jackson’s grandfather That night, the town’s streetlights were Cager Lee, who had marched with him in Feb- immie Lee Jackson was born on Decem- turned off; under the cover of darkness, police ruary 1965 in Marion, voted for the first time at ber 16, 1938, in Marion, Alabama. At the and state troopers attacked the protesters with the age of 84. young age of 26, Jackson was killed by an clubs, sending them fleeing in all directions. At the time of the shooting, James Fowler J Alabama state trooper while peacefully par- Jackson and other demonstrators fled to was never questioned and received no punish- ticipating in a protest march. His death was the Mack’s Café. Inside the café, Jackson came to the ment or disciplinary action, and he remained an catalyst for the “Bloody Sunday” Selma to defense of his mother, Viola, and his 82 year-old Alabama State Trooper. Forty-two years later, Montgomery voting rights march, which even- grandfather, Cager Lee Jackson, who were being in 2007, Fowler was arrested for the murder of tually led to the 1965 Voting Rights Act. At his beaten by law enforcement officers. Jackson was Jimmie Lee Jackson and accepted a plea bargain funeral, Martin Luther King, Jr. said that Jackson shot in the stomach by James Bonard Fowler, for misdemeanor manslaughter. In 2010, he was had been “murdered by the brutality of every a state trooper. He was taken to Perry County sentenced to six months in jail, making him the sheriff who practices lawlessness in the name of Hospital and later transferred to Good Samari- first law enforcement officer to serve time for a law.” tan Hospital in Selma. On February 26, 1965, civil rights slaying. Jackson was a farmer and woodcutter who lived after eight days of excruciating pain and suffer- in poverty with his sister, mother, and grandfather ing, Jackson died. in a house with no running water. He joined the Jackson’s death was eulogized by Martin Luther

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Rosa Louise McCauley Odetta Holmes, singer, Frederick Douglass Parks refused to give actress, songwriter, publishes first issue up her seat on a Mont- human rights activist, of North Star, 1847. gomery, Alabama city “The Voice of the Civil bus, 1955. Rights Movement,” died, 2008.

The American Anti- Montgomery, Alabama The Thirteenth Comer Cottrell, Sammy Davis Jr., P.B.S. Pinchback of Ralph J. Bunche Slavery Society was bus boycott began, Amendment to businessman and singer, dancer, film Louisiana becomes becomes first founded to abolish 1955. the United States founder of Pro-Line and stage actor, was first African Ameri- African American slavery in the U.S. Constitution was cosmetics, was born born in New York can governor in U.S., awarded the Nobel under the leadership adopted, 1865. in Mobile, Alabama, City, 1925. 1872. Peace Prize, 1950. of William Lloyd 1931. Garrison, 1833.

Henrietta Bradberry, George Franklin Jamie Foxx, stand- Ernest Davis, hall of William A. Hinton, Andrew Jackson Condoleezza Rice received patent num- Grant received up comedian, actor fame college football first African Amer- Young Jr., first became the first ber 2,390,688 for a patent number and singer, was player and the first ican on Harvard African American female to hold the waterproof pneumati- 638,920 for his born Eric Marlon African American Medical School fac- to be nominated as position of United cally operated way to invention of the Bishop in Terrell, to win the Heisman ulty, developer of the Ambassador to States National fire torpedoes under golf tee, 1899. Texas, 1967. Trophy, was born in Hinton test to detect the United Nations, Security Advisor, water, 1945. New Salem, Penn- syphilis, was born in 1976. 2000. sylvania, 1939. Chicago, Illinois, 1883.

Raiford Chatman Carter Godwin South Carolina Josh Gibson, hall Jerry Pinkney, Madam C.J. Walker, Ernest Nathan “Ossie” Davis, Woodson, “father becomes the first of fame Negro award-winning businesswoman and “Dutch” Morial, actor, director, play- of Black history”, state to secede League baseball illustrator of chil- America’s first self- the first African wright and social educator, historian, from the Union, player, was born dren’s books, was made female mil- American Mayor activist, was born in author and journal- 1860. in Buena Vista, born in Philadel- lionaire, was born of New Orleans, Cogdell, Georgia, ist, was born in New Georgia, 1911. phia, Pennsylva- Sarah Breedlove in Louisiana, died, 1917. Canton, Virginia, nia, 1939. Delta, Louisiana 1989. 1875. 1867.

Cabell “Cab” John A. “Jack” Ruth Carol Taylor, Oscar-winning Thomas J. Bradley, Eldrick Tont Gabrielle “Gabby” Calloway III, hall Johnson, becomes nurse, journalist and actor Denzel the first African “Tiger” Woods, Douglas, first African of fame jazz singer first African the first African Washington, was American Mayor one of the most American gymnast and bandleader, was American World American airline born in Mount of Los Angeles, successful golfers of to win the Olympic born in Rochester, Heavyweight Boxing stewardess in the Vernon, New California, was all time, was born in individual all-around New York, 1907. Champion with a United States, was York, 1954. born in Calvert, Cypress, California, Gold medal, born 14th round TKO of born in Boston, Mas- Texas, 1917. 1975. in Virginia Beach, Tommy Burns, 1908. sachusetts, 1931. Virginia, 1995.

Photo: Public domain (Library of Congress) www.alafricanamerican.com