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g e Arthur Alexander Singer, Songwriter, Music Industry Legend

rthur Alexander was born on May 10, Alexander eventually did have a top 100 R&B hit 1940, in Florence, Alabama. Alexander, with “Sharing the Night Together” in 1976. A a talented “country-soul” and rhythm By the 1980s, Alexander had abandoned the & blues singer and songwriter, influenced nu- music business entirely and worked in Cleve- merous artists and played a significant role land, Ohio driving a social services bus for a liv- in the development of north Alabama’s Mus- ing. During this period, his recording legacy grew cle Shoals music recording scene. in reputation, especially in Great Britain, where Many of Alexander’s songs were covered by his catalogue was constantly available through some of the music industry’s legends, including reissues. Alexander recorded a comeback album the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Ike and Tina Turner, in 1992 entitled Lonely Just Like Me. The album, Percy Sledge, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan, Otis Alexander’s last, featured “If It’s Really Got To Be Redding, and Elvis Presley. According to Ringo This Way,” covered later by Led Zeppelin front- Starr, one of the advantages of being in Liverpool, man Robert Plant. The album included remakes a port city, was that “All these records were com- of “Every Day I Have to Cry,” “In the Middle of ing from America, so you could find out about It All,” “Genie in the Jug,” and several Alexander Arthur Alexander and people like that.” Len- originals, including a searing rendition of “Mr. non idolized him in particular, and McCartney John.” Alexander would not live to enjoy this re- summed up his influence in 1987: “We wanted surgence in popularity. He died on June 9, 1993, to sound like Arthur Alexander.” in Nashville from a heart attack, and was buried In 1961, Alexander recorded “You Better Move in Florence City Cemetery. On” produced by Rick Hall. The song reached The Alabama Music Hall of Fame created the number 24 on the pop charts in 1962 and became Arthur Alexander Songwriter’s Award, which cel- the first chart hit for Hall’s startup company. The ebrates songwriters who have achieved a high song earned Hall enough money to begin work level of success. This award, originally open to all on a new Muscle Shoals Studio, the Florence Ala- music achievers, is now dedicated to the scribes bama Musical Enterprises (FAME) Studios, still behind some of the most popular songs of the located in Florence today. Another Alexander last century. song that reached the top 100 in 1962 was “Anna As the musical innovator who gave FAME Stu- (Go to Him),” which became an album track for dios its first hit record, Alexander and his legacy the Beatles’ Please, Please Me debut album in are intertwined with that of Muscle Shoals mu- 1963. album included a song called “Burning Love,” sic. Because many American music fans discov- While his songs made many people rich, Al- which became a hit by another music legend. ered Alexander through the “British Invasion,” a exander never profited greatly from his music. A few months after Alexander’s album was re- relationship between Muscle Shoals and British Throughout the 1960s he released several singles leased, Elvis Presley recorded his own version of musicians was born, which remains strong to but his second album, Arthur Alexander, didn’t “Burning Love,” which became Presley’s last top- this day. come together until 1972. Alexander’s self-titled 10 single, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard charts.

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

President Abraham Sadie Tanner William Tucker, Grace Bumbry, Alvin Ailey, Jr., Louis Allen Rawls, Zora Neale Hur- Lincoln issues Mossell Alexander, the first recorded opera singer, was hall of fame cho- soul, jazz and blues ston, author and Emancipation the first African African American born in St. Louis, reographer and singer, died in 2006. playwright, was Proclamation, 1863. American woman birth in the Ameri- Missouri, 1937. activist, was born in born in Notasulga, to receive a Ph.D. in can colonies, was Rogers, Texas, 1931. Alabama, 1891. the US, was born in born in Jamestown, Philadephia, 1898. Va., 1624.

Charles Deslondes Earl Gilbert Graves, George Wash- Reuben V. Ander- U.S. Supreme Douglas Wilder Dudley Randall, leads slave revolt in Sr., publisher, entre- ington Carver, son, first African Court rules that becomes first Afri- founder of Broad- Louisiana, 1811. preneur, philanthro- agricultural American to be African Americans can American U.S. side Press, was pist, and founder of scientist, inventor, appointed to Mis- have the right to governor (Virginia) born in Washing- Black Enterprise and educator born sissippi Supreme study law at state since Reconstruc- ton, D.C, 1914. magazine was born in 1864. Court, 1985. institutions, 1948. tion, 1990. in Brooklyn, New York, 1935.

Martin Luther Marcelite Jordan Three-time Dr. Daniel Hale John Harold Colin Luther Leonard Roy King, Jr., clergy- Harris, the first heavyweight Williams, pioneer Johnson, publisher Powell became Harmon, the first man, activist and African American boxing champion heart surgeon, was (Ebony and Jet the first African African American leader of the Civil female general in Muhammad Ali born in Holliday- magazines), American United to have a navy Rights Movement, the U.S. Air Force, was born in sburg, Pennsylva- author, and busi- States Secretary of ship named in his was born in was born in Hous- Louisville, Ken- nia, 1856. nessman was born State, 2001. honor, was born Atlanta, Georgia, ton, Texas, 1943. tucky, 1942. in Arkansas City, in Cuero, Texas, 1929. Arkansas, 1918. 1917.

Ronald Ervin Susan Rice “Roots” the televi- Jackie Black Entertain- Angela Yvonne Leontyne Price McNair, physicist confirmed as U.S. sion miniseries Robinson is ment Television Davis, political made her Met- and NASA astro- Ambassador to based on Alex first African began broadcast- activist and edu- ropolitan Opera naut, died, along the U.N., the first Haley’s book Roots: American ing, 1980. cator, was born debut, 1961. with six other crew African American The Saga of an elected to in Birmingham, members, during female to hold American Family, Baseball Hall Alabama, 1944. launch of Space that position, began airing on of Fame, 1962. Shuttle Challenger, 2009. ABC, 1977. 1986.

Violette Nealy Franklin Thomas Benjamin Anderson named president Lawson Hooks, becomes the first of Ford Founda- attorney, minister African American tion, 1979. and civil rights woman admitted leader, was born to practice before in Memphis, Ten- the U.S. Supreme nessee, 1925. Court, 1926.

Cover image from Alexander’s The Greatest LP (Michael Ochs Archives) www.alafricanamerican.com Left to right: Aurelia Browder; Claudette Colvin; Browder v. Gayle Case Struck Down Montgomery’s Segregated Public Transportation System Mary Louise Smith; Susie McDonald

n November 13, 1956, the United States Su- and those of a few other courageous men and wom- v. Gayle, in U.S. District Court. The specific legal preme Court upheld a lower court ruling en that followed, eventually led to the Montgomery question before the court was whether the segrega- O that found segregated bus laws in Mont- Bus Boycott which started on December 5, 1955. In a tion of the Whites and African Americans on “pri- gomery, Alabama were in violation of U.S. Consti- city of 20,000 bus riders, these heroic women (Clau- vately” owned buses operated by the City of Mont- tution laws of “due process and equal justice under dette Colvin, Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald, and gomery violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the the law.” Four brave African American women, Clau- Mary Louise Smith) were among a handful of rid- U.S. Constitution, which guarantees equal protec- dette Colvin, Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald, and ers willing to endure the physical and psychological tion and treatment under the law. On June 19, 1956, Mary Louise Smith, served as plaintiffs in Browder threats associated with being a plaintiff. the three-judge panel of the United States District v. Gayle, the case that struck down Montgomery’s Shortly after the Montgomery Bus Boycott began, Court for the Middle District of Alabama ruled that segregated public transportation system and ended the city of Montgomery refused to meet the bus pas- Montgomery segregation codes “deny and deprive bus segregation throughout the land. The case also senger terms created by the Montgomery Improve- plaintiffs and other Negro citizens similarly situated ended the 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott, and ment Association (MIA), which included courteous of the equal protection of the laws and due process put another nail in the “separate but equal” coffin. treatment by bus operators; first-come, first-served of law secured by the Fourteenth Amendment.” The All four women had been either arrested for refusing seating; and employment of Negro bus drivers. This federal court essentially decided that the precedent to give up their seats to white passengers or harmed refusal prompted Montgomery leaders to start de- of Brown v. Board of Education (1954) could be ap- by being forced to comply with segregation codes termining the best strategy to end Alabama bus seat- plied to Browder. several months prior to Rosa Parks’ famous arrest on ing laws. Attorney Fred Gray proposed to the MIA The State of Alabama and the City of Montgom- December 1, 1955. that the best way to attack segregation laws would ery appealed to The U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. The catalyst for this historic case began on March be in federal court. NAACP Attorneys Robert Carter Supreme Court while agreeing with the reasoning of 2, 1955, when Claudette Colvin, a 15-year old student and Thurgood Marshall; Birmingham Attorneys Ar- Brown, attached their ruling to the Plessy v. Ferguson at Booker T. Washington High School, refused to give thur Shores, Ozell Billingsley, and Peter Hall; Clifford ruling of 1896. Brown did not argue the 14th Amend- up her seat to a white man. Colvin was handcuffed, Durr of Montgomery; and the Howard University ment; it merely said there was no room for Plessy in arrested, and forcibly removed from the bus as she Law School assisted Gray and Co-Counsel Charles the field of Education, thereby leaving Plessy intact. screamed that her constitutional rights were being Langford in preparing the case to challenge the con- The highest court in the land upheld the decision on violated. Colvin was the first person in 1955 to chal- stitutional legitimacy of Montgomery and Alabama November 13, 1956, outlawing bus segregation laws. lenge the City of Montgomery and State of Alabama’s bus segregation laws. Browder v. Gayle rivaled Plessy and set the stage for bus segregation ordinances and laws. Her defiance, On February 1, 1956, Gray filed the case, Browder Civil Rights Legislation in the 1960s and beyond.

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National Freedom Alfred L. Cralle Eric H. Holder Jr. Rosa Parks, civil Day. President received patent sworn in as the rights pioneer, Lincoln signed #576395 for a nation’s first who sparked the resolution that lever operated ice African American 1955 Montgom- proposed the cream scoop, a attorney general, ery, Alabama 13th Amendment design still widely 2009. bus boycott, was which would used today, 1897. born in Tuskegee, officially abolish Alabama, 1913. slavery, 1865.

Henry Louis Arthur Ashe Jr., The first day of Debra Janine Benard Anthony Mary Violet Nelson Mandela “Hank” Aaron, hall of fame tennis Negro History “Debi” Thomas Harris Jr. becomes Leontyne Price, of South Africa hall of fame base- player, humani- Week, originated became the first first African internationally is released from ball player, was tarian and activ- by historian Carter African American American astro- acclaimed opera prison after 27 born in Mobile, ist, dies, 1993. G. Woodson. Negro to win the United naut to walk in singer, was born years, 1990. Alabama, 1934. History Week later States National space, 1995. in Laurel, Mis- became Black His- Ladies’ Figure sissippi, 1927. tory Month, 1926. Skating title, 1986.

National Edward Gay Frederick Doug- Henry Lewis James Baskett, James Nathaniel Toni Morrison, Association Robinson, hall lass, abolitionist, becomes the first African “Jim” Brown, recipient of the for the Advance- of fame football women’s suffrag- first African American male hall of fame 1993 Nobel Prize ment of Colored coach, was born ist, editor, author American to actor to receive football player for Literature and People (NAACP) in Jackson, and statesman, lead a symphony an Oscar, was and actor, was the 1988 Pulitzer founded, 1909. Louisiana, 1919. was born in Tuck- orchestra in the born in India- born in St. Prize for her novel ahoe, Maryland, United States, napolis, Indiana, Simons Island, Beloved was born in 1818. 1968. 1904. Georgia, 1936. Lorain, Ohio, 1931.

Vonetta Flowers Sidney Poitier, John Robert James Reese William Edward Rebecca Lee Hiram R. Revels, becomes Winter actor, director, Lewis, civil rights Europe, ragtime Burghardt Du Crumpler becomes first African Olympics’ first author and leader, politician and jazz band- Bois, civil rights first African Ameri- American to African Ameri- diplomat, was and author, was leader, arranger activist, historian can woman to re- serve in the U.S. can gold medal- born in Miami, born in Troy, and composer, and author, was ceive a medical de- Senate. He filled ist, 2002. Florida, 1927. Alabama, 1940. was born in born in Great gree (New England the seat once Mobile, Alabama, Barrington, Mas- Female Medical held by Jefferson 1881. sachusetts, 1868. College), 1864. Davis, 1870.

Civil rights Marian Anderson, Michael Jackson, activist Jimmie world-renowned musician and Lee Jackson, opera singer and entertainer, wins after being shot civil rights activist, eight Grammy by state police, was born in Awards, 1984. dies in Marion, Philadelphia, Alabama, 1965. Pennsylvania, 1897.

Blacks walk in support of the Montgomery Bus Boycott (pinterest.com) www.alafricanamerican.com James Herbert Finley, Sr. Groundbreaking Business Owner, Civil Rights Advocate

ames Herbert Finley, Sr. owned and was formed on July 1, 1966, and filed operated the first chain of African with the Alabama Secretary of State. The J American drug stores in the state of first store in the chain of Finley’s drug- Alabama. He was also a dedicated civil stores was opened at the ground level rights advocate during the sixties and of the Franklin Building on the corner seventies, serving as Vice-President of of Davis Avenue and Cleveland Street in the Neighborhood Organized Workers Mobile, Alabama. Finley later opened an (NOW), a grass roots organization that additional four drug stores in Mobile at utilized Dr. Martin Luther King’s nonvio- Happy Hill, Davis Avenue and Hospital lent strategies of boycotting, picketing, Street, Costarides Street, and Stanton and marching. Finley and NOW lead- Road and King Street. ership were plaintiffs in the landmark Like many Civil Rights activists in the lawsuit that led to the dismantling of 1960s and 1970s, Finley was arrested on at-large local elections in the City of Mo- a series of conspiracy charges in August bile. At-large elections were used to en- 1973. For the first time in Mobile’s his- sure no person of color would be elected tory, a Federal Judge ordered night ses- to public office. The court’s ruling forced sions during Finley’s trial. The jury for elected officials to run from the district Finley was all white. After nine days and where they reside. nights of trial, the jury deliberated for After graduating from Xavier Univer- only 40 minutes to find Finley guilty of sity School of Pharmacy, Finley returned one charge of income tax evasion. Finley home in 1956 to work with his broth- spent 13 months in a federal peniten- er, John, at Finley’s Pharmacy, which tiary. Four months after his release, he opened in 1950. The brothers decided died of a massive heart attack in his drug to go into partnership and open a drug store on Costarides Street. Economic store at the corner of Marmotte Street parity for African Americans in Mobile, and Davis Avenue. They later dissolved Alabama came at a dear price. the partnership and their brother-in- On July 7, 2007, the City of Mobile law, Ben Jackson, bought out and as- honored James H. Finley, Sr. for his civic sumed that drug store. contributions by naming a street after Finley’s Drug Stores, Incorporated him.

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

Crispus Attucks, The Supreme Court The first Selma to Alexander T. Augusta, Oscar Stanton Harriet Tubman, Ralph David one of the first decided Dred Scott Montgomery march surgeon, Civil War De Priest, the first abolitionist, Union Abernathy, minister casualties v. Sandford. This ended when march- veteran, and highest- African American Army spy and suf- and civil rights of the American opinion declared that ers were attacked by ranking African elected to Congress fragist, died, 1913. leader, was born in Revolution, was slaves were not U.S. state and local police American officer in the 20th century, Tubman was Linden, Alabama, killed in the Boston citizens and could at the Edmund Pet- in the Union Army, was born in buried with 1926. Massacre, 1770. not sue in Federal tus Bridge “Bloody born in Norfolk, Va., Florence, Alabama, military honors. courts, 1857. Sunday”, 1965. 1825. 1871.

Virginia Hamilton, Cowtown/Work Quincy Delight Joseph Jenkins Mississippi became Nathaniel Adams Fred Shuttlesworth, children’s books to Ride polo team Jones, Jr., trumpet- Roberts, the first the last state to “Nat King” Cole, minister and civil author, was born from Philadelphia, er, music conduc- President of the ratify the 13th hall of fame rights activist, was in Yellow Springs, first African Ameri- tor and arranger, Republic of Libe- Amendment to jazz pianist and born Freddie Lee Ohio, 1936. can team to win the record producer, ria, was born in the United States singer, was born Robinson in Mount National Interscho- and film composer, Norfolk, Virginia, Constitution which in Montgomery, Meigs, Alabama, lastic Polo Champi- was born in Chi- 1809. abolished slavery, Alabama, 1919. 1922. onship, 2011. cago, Illinois, 1933. 1995.

Rev. Leon Sullivan Jan E. Matzeliger Lewis H. Latimer Joseph Paul Maynard Hol- Janet Harmon Aretha Louise elected to board received patent of New York City Reason, the first brook Jackson, Waterford Bragg, Franklin, hall of directors of 274,207 for shared patent African American Jr., the first the first African of fame pianist, General Motors, his Automatic number 255,212 four-star admiral African American American female singer and song- 1971. Method for Last- for a Globe Sup- in the United mayor of Atlanta, to hold a commer- writer, was born ing Shoes, 1883. porter for Electric States Navy, was Georgia, was born cial pilot license, in Memphis, Ten- Lamps, 1882. born in Washing- in Dallas, Texas, was born in Grif- nessee, 1942. ton, D. C., 1941. 1938. fin, Georgia, 1907.

Thomas J. Martin Arthur Mitchell, William Andrew Jackson The Fifteenth Thomas M. of Dowagiac, hall of fame Christopher Beard, hall of Amendment was Peterson of Perth Michigan received dancer and cho- “W. C.” Handy, fame inventor, adopted into Amboy, New Jersey, patent number reographer, was hall of fame blues was born in the Constitution cast the first vote 125,063 for im- born in Harlem, composer and Woodland, Ala- granting African by an African provements in the New York, 1934. musician, died, bama, 1849. American men American after the fire extinguisher, 1958. the right to vote, passage of the 15th 1872. 1870. Amendment, 1870.

Commemorative plaque (McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama); James H. Finley (Family of James H. Finley) www.alafricanamerican.com Dr. Charles Gomillion Renowned Educator, Activist

r. Charles Gomillion was born in John- University. He also earned several honorary ston, South Carolina on April 1, 1900. degrees from Howard University, Ohio State D Gomillion, son of a former slave, was University, Tuskegee Institute, and Paine Col- an educator and community activist, who lege. worked at Tuskegee Institute from 1928-1971. During his 43 years at Tuskegee Institute Gomillion, a tireless activist for voting rights, Gomillion served as a professor of Sociology, was the lead plaintiff in Gomillion v. Lightfoot, Chairman of the Division of Social Sciences, the landmark case that outlawed racial gerry- Dean of Students, and Dean of the College of mandering and helped pave the way for pas- Arts and Sciences. Gomillion’s sociological sage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. On Novem- theories and advice on race relations firmly es- ber 14, 1960, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in tablished him as a world renowned researcher, Gomillion v. Lightfoot that Tuskegee city offi- writer, and civil rights advocate. He was very cials had unconstitutionally redrawn the city’s popular among his peers and students and boundaries to ensure the election of white can- was an active member on several prominent didates in the city’s political races. The heart of organizations including the NAACP, the Ala- the case dealt with the altering of the shape of bama Council, the Southern Regional Council, Tuskegee from a square to an irregular 28-sided the Southern Council Educational Fund, and figure that eliminated from the city all but four Tuskegee Civic Association. As president of the or five of the 400 African American voters with- Tuskegee Civic Association, he worked with out eliminating any of the 1,300 white voters. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Chris- Although Gomillion’s father never attend- tian Leadership Conference to increase African ed school or learned to read or write, and his American voter registration in the South. mother had only gone through the third grade, Gomillion received numerous honors in- they stressed the importance of education. cluding the Charles S. Johnson Race Relations However, it was very difficult for Gomillion to Award, the Lyndon B. Johnson Political Free- receive a quality education due to the fact that dom Award, the Sociological Practice Associa- the African American school in Johnston was tion Distinguished Career Award, and the na- only open three months out of the year. Un- tional Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Man of the Year derstanding that education was the path to a home to help his aging parents. Later he re- Award. better life, Gomillion left home at 16 to attend turned to Paine College to finish his degree and Gomillion passed away on October 4, 1995, secondary school at Paine College in Augusta, began teaching at Tuskegee Institute in 1928. at the age of 95. Georgia. He completed high school and some Gomillion continued his studies in sociol- college before dropping out and returning ogy, eventually earning a Ph.D. from Ohio State

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Dr. Charles R. Drew, medical researcher who developed tech- niques for processing and preserving blood, died in a car accident, 1950.

Georgetown coach Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King, Booker Taliaferro Matthew A. Henson Granville T. Woods Hank Aaron hits his John Thompson Jr. delivered his “I’ve Jr. was assassinated Washington, edu- becomes one of patents (#315, 368) 715th career home becomes first Been to the Moun- in Memphis, Tenn., cator, author and the first people to apparatus for trans- run, surpassing Babe African American taintop” speech in 1968. political leader, was reach the North mission of messages Ruth as Major coach to win NCAA support of striking born enslaved on the Pole, 1909. by electricity, 1885. League Baseball’s basketball tourna- sanitation workers Burroughs plantation all-time home run ment, 1984. in Memphis, Tenn., in Virginia, 1856. leader, 1974. 1968.

Marian Anderson Robert Lee Elder Percy Lavon Julian, Harold Wash- Sidney Poitier be- First abolitionist Jackie Robin- performed her became the first research chemist ington becomes came first African society in U.S. son became critically acclaimed African Ameri- and pioneer in the first African American man to is founded in the first African concert on the can to play in chemical synthesis American mayor win the Academy Philadelphia, American major steps of the Lincoln the Masters Golf of medicinal drugs of Chicago, 1983. Award for Best Ac- 1775. league baseball Memorial, 1939. Tournament, from plants, was tor for his role in player of the 1975. born in Montgom- the movie Lilies of modern era, ery, Alabama, 1899. the Field, 1964. 1947.

Slavery abolished Mifflin Wistar Alice Walker wins Stationed in George Faison Locksley Wellington Catherine L. in the District of Gibbs, business- Pulitzer Prize for Germany, Major became the first “Slide” Hampton, Hughes, business Columbia, 1862. man, politician and fiction forThe Gen. Frederic African American jazz trombonist, executive, founder the first elected Color Purple, E. Davidson be- to win the Tony composer and ar- of Radio One and African American 1983. comes first Black Award for Best ranger, was born in TV One, was born municipal judge, to lead an army Choreographer – Jeannette, Pennsyl- Catherine Elizabeth was born in Phila- division, 1972. The Wiz, 1975. vania, 1932. Woods in Omaha, delphia, 1823. Nebraska, 1947.

Clatonia Joaquin Dorti- cus patents photograph- David Harold The United Negro Sarah Boone Coretta Scott Sojourner Truth, Edward Kennedy ic print washer. Patent Blackwell, the first Colege Fund was patents ironing King, civil rights abolitionist and “Duke” Ellington, number 537,968. 1895 African American founded to raise board, patent leader and women’s rights ac- hall of fame pia- inducted into the funds for private number 473,653. author, was born tivist, is first African Michelle J. Howard, first nist, composer African American woman National Academy historically Black 1892 in Marion, Ala- American woman and big band to command a U.S. Navy of Sciences, was colleges and uni- bama, 1927. to be honored with leader, was born ship and first female four- born in Centralia, versities, 1944. a bust in the U.S. in Washington, star admiral, was born in Illinois, 1919. Capitol, 2009. Riverside, California, 1960. D.C., 1899.

Dr. Gomillion with Martin Luther King Jr. (Courtesy of John Goodwin) www.alafricanamerican.com and the Federal Bar Association’s Judge Vanzetta Penn McPherson Montgomery Chapter, and she is a former chair of the Family Law Sec- Scholarship. Leadership. Character. Service. tion of the Alabama State Bar. In 1992, McPherson earned her with honors from Howard Univer- During the course of 16 years in own promotion with a merit-based sity in Washington DC, and later solo law practice, Attorney McPher- appointment as a U.S. Magistrate attended Columbia University in son honed her expertise in do- Judge for the Middle District of Ala- New York City, from which she se- mestic relations law, but she spent bama. She served with distinction cured a Master’s Degree in speech the majority of her time in federal for 14 years, presiding over crimi- pathology in 1971 and a law degree court, helping clients to secure nal and civil cases, including a na- in 1974. rights and remedies guaranteed by tionally publicized challenge to the Throughout her matriculat- the Constitution and federal anti- continued use of outdoor hitching ing years, from elementary school discrimination laws. As a respected posts as punishment for Alabama through law school, Vanzetta civil rights lawyer, she battled em- prisoners. McPherson embraced the four cor- ployment discrimination in public Judge McPherson has also led nerstones of the National Honor and private workplaces. an active civic life, participating anzetta Penn McPherson de- Society, into which she was in- Her most consequential lawsuit, in the inaugural class of Leader- voted a 30-year career as a ducted at 16: Scholarship, Leader- filed in 1987 against Montgomery ship Montgomery, the 20th class V civil rights lawyer and a fed- ship, Character, and Service. Her County, targeted a white Sheriff, in of Leadership Alabama, and the eral magistrate judge to the passion- parents, both English majors in office since 1954, who had promot- boards of directors for the Alabama ate pursuit of equal justice for all. Re- college, insisted that their children ed only one African American dep- State Council on the Arts, Alabama tirement ushered in her avocation, become skilled in oral and written uty and advanced all other African Shakespeare Festival, Alabama now spanning a decade, as a widely communication, embrace a mind- Americans only to court bailiff or jail Educational Television Foundation acclaimed columnist for The Mont- set for excellence in all pursuits, duty, while maintaining an openly Authority, Southern Poverty Law gomery Advertiser, writing bi-weekly and adopt an activist stance against hostile, racially-abusive environ- Center, and the Alabama World commentary on public affairs with discrimination in any form. ment. Court-ordered remedies ex- Affairs Council. She has received the same intellectual vigor, mastery After spending a year at a Wall tended beyond individual claims numerous professional and civic of language, and analytical prowess Street law firm, Judge McPherson to establish non-discriminatory awards, and she is a life member of that marked her legal career. returned to Montgomery in 1975 to policies and practices which trans- the NAACP and the National Coun- Judge McPherson was born in become an Assistant Attorney Gen- formed the Sheriff’s Department. cil of Negro Women. Montgomery on May 26, 1947, the eral. For two years, she represented Within a decade, black deputies led In all of her endeavors, Judge second child of educators Luther the State of Alabama in child sup- several divisions, and the current McPherson has been lovingly sup- L. Penn and Sadie Gardner Penn. port enforcement and criminal ap- elected sheriff is African American. ported by her devoted husband, She attended the Laboratory School peals. Her appearances before the McPherson coupled her suc- Thomas McPherson, Jr., a retired of Alabama State College in Mont- Alabama Supreme Court attracted cessful practice with service and district director of the Equal Em- gomery from nursery through high both law clerks and lawyers inter- leadership in bar associations: she ployment Opportunity Commis- school, graduating in 1965 as vale- ested in learning the craft of oral is a former president of the Ala- sion. Judge McPherson has one

dictorian. In 1969, she graduated argument. bama Black Lawyers Association son, Dr. Raegan W. Durant.

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

Joseph R. Winters Matthew A. Cherry John Albert Burr Pickney Benton William Grant Albert L. Murray, Joe Louis, hall of patents first fire of Washington, D. received patent Stewart Pinchback, Still, the “Dean of literary, music fame boxer known escape ladder, C. received patent number 624,749 the first African African American and social critic as “the Brown 1878. number 382,351 for for an improved American to be- Classical Compos- and novelist, Bomber,” was improvements in rotary blade lawn- come governor of ers” was born in was born in No- born Joseph Louis velocipede (bicy- mower, 1899. a state in the U.S., Woodville, Missis- komis, Alabama, Barrow in cle/tricycle), 1888. was born in Macon, sippi, 1895. 1916. La Fayette, Ala- Georgia, 1837. bama, 1914.

Rosa Jinsey Sigma Pi Phi Fra- Dr. William Harry U.S. Supreme Plessy vs. Fergu- Malcolm X, was John Matthew Young, “the ternity (the Boulé), Barnes becomes Court declares son: U.S. Supreme born Malcolm Shippen, Jr., mother of Black the first African first African segregation in Court upholds the Little in Omaha, the first African Lutheranism in American Greek American board- public schools doctrine of “sepa- Nebraska, 1925. American pro- Alabama,” was lettered organiza- certified medical unconstitutional rate but equal” fessional golfer, born in Rose- tion, was founded specialist, 1927. in Brown v. Board education and died, 1968. bud, Alabama, in Philadelphia, of Education deci- public accommo- 1890. Penn., 1904. sion, 1954. dations, 1896.

Katherine Mary James Mercer Sgt. William H. Coleman Alex- Madam C.J. Miles Dewey Ernest Gideon Dunham, hall of Langston Hughes, Carney becomes ander Young, Walker, first Davis III, hall of Green became the fame dancer, cho- 23 poet, novelist the first African the first African American wom- fame jazz trum- first African Ameri- reographer, author, and playwright, American award- American Mayor an to become peter, bandleader can to graduate educator, activist died, 1967. ed the Congres- of Detroit, Michi- a millionaire and composer, from Little Rock and “Matriarch and sional Medal of gan, was born through her own was born in Alton, Central High School Queen Mother of Honor, 1900. in Tuscaloosa, business, died, Illinois, 1926. in Little Rock, Black Dance,” died, Alabama, 1918. 1919. Arkansas, 1958. 2006.

Horace King, the Sojourner Truth Vivian Malone The Tulsa Race War in most respected delivered her becomes the first the Greenwood neigh- bridge builder in famous “Ain’t I a African Ameri- borhood of Tulsa, Okla- Alabama, Georgia, Woman” speech can to graduate homa occurred, resulting in 35 and northeastern at the Ohio from the Univer- city blocks of residences being Mississippi during Women’s Rights sity of Alabama, destroyed and 10,000 predom- the mid-1800s, Convention in 1965. inantly African American died, 1885. Akron, Ohio, 1851. people left homeless, 1921.

Sheriff Derrick Cunningham embodies the legacy of McPherson’s most consequential lawsuit / youtube.com www.alafricanamerican.com Dr. C. Eric Lincoln Distinguished Scholar, Researcher of the African American Experience

civil rights author, Alex Haley. The novel won the Ethics from Boston University. In 1957, he was or- Lillian Smith Award for Best Southern Fiction in dained as a Methodist minister. 1988, as well as the International Black Writers’ Al- In addition to the many books, research stud- ice Browning Award in 1989. ies, articles, and poetry Lincoln authored, he held At an early age Lincoln was abandoned by his both academic and administrative positions at parents and raised by his maternal grandparents, Clark College (now Clark-Atlanta University) in Mattie Sowell Lincoln and Charles Less Lincoln. Atlanta for 11 years. From 1962 to 1972, Lincoln He attended the Trinity School in Athens, an insti- served as adjunct or visiting professor at Portland tution created by the New England-based Congre- State College (now Portland State University, Or- gational Church to meet the secondary education egon), Union Theological Seminary (New York needs of African Americans in that community. City), and Fordham University (New York City). In r. Charles Eric Lincoln was While there Lincoln picked cotton to earn money 1970, Lincoln became the founding president of born on June 23, 1924, in to pay for his tuition and school supplies. Lincoln the Black Academy of Letters. In 1973, he returned D Athens, Alabama. Lincoln was an excellent student and, in 1939, graduated to Fisk as Professor of Religion and of Sociology is best known as a distinguished valedictorian. and also as chairman of the Department of Reli- scholar, author, and lecturer on the After high school Lincoln moved to Chicago gion and Philosophical Studies. In 1976, Lincoln Sociology of African American Re- to continue his studies, working during the day accepted a position at Duke University as Profes- ligion, Race, and Ethnic Relations and taking night classes at the University of Chi- sor of Religion and Culture and taught there un- in the United States. He authored, cago. In 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, til his retirement in 1993. In 1990, he was cited co-authored, or edited numerous Lincoln tried to enlist in the Navy but was refused by Pope John Paul II for “scholarly service to the books and articles about the Afri- enlistment because of his race. Ironically, in 1943, church” and in 1991, he was named the William can American experience. Lincoln he was drafted into the United States Navy and R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor Emeritus of authored several landmark works served until the end of World War II. After the war Religion and Culture. including The Black Muslims in he moved to Memphis, Tennessee to enroll in Lincoln was diagnosed with diabetes in the America (1961), The Black Church Lemoyne College where he earned a Bachelor of 1980s and his health began to decline, but that did Since Frazier (1974), and Race, Reli- Arts in philosophy and sociology. Lincoln eventu- not keep him from continuing his research, pub- gion and the Continuing American ally earned five degrees, including a Bachelor of lishing, and teaching. C. Eric Lincoln died on May Dilemma (1984). In 1988, he wrote Divinity and Master of Education from the Uni- 14, 2000, at the age of 75 in Durham, North Caro- The Avenue, Clayton City, a novel versity of Chicago, Master of Philosophy from Fisk lina. dedicated to his friend, and fellow University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Social

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

Morgan Porterfield Charles Sifford, hall Josephine Baker, Freeman, Jr., actor of fame golfer who entertainer and and film director helped to deseg- actress, was born was born in Mem- regate the PGA of Freda Josephine phis, Tennessee, America, was born McDonald in St. 1937. in Charlotte, North Louis, Missouri, Carolina, 1922. 1906.

Roland G. Fryer, Jr., John Wesley Carlos, Tommie Smith, Gail Fisher William D. “Willie” William Pinkney Marcus Mosiah youngest African hall of fame track hall of fame track became the first Davenport, hall of became the fourth Garvey, Jr., pub- American ever and field athlete and field athlete African American fame track and field American and the lisher, entrepre- granted tenure at and 1968 Olympics and 1968 Olympics to win an Emmy athlete, was born first African Ameri- neur, orator and Harvard University, medal ceremony medal ceremony Award, 1970. in Troy, Alabama, can to sail solo Black Nationalist, was born in Day- protester, was born protester, was 1943. around the world, died, 1940. tona Beach, Florida, in Harlem, New born in Clarksville, 1992. 1977. York, 1945. Texas, 1944.

Alabama governor Medgar W. Evers, Thurgood Nat (pronounced Ella Jane Fitzger- Eddie Levert, lead Minuteman Peter George Wallace stood civil rights leader, Marshall nomi- Nate) Love, one ald, hall of fame vocalist of the Salem fights in the in doorway of Foster is assassinated in nated to the U.S. of the most fa- jazz and pop vo- R&B vocal group Battle of Bunker Auditorium, blocking Jackson, Missis- Supreme Court by mous cowboys of calist, also known The O’Jays, was Hill, 1775. Vivian Malone and sippi, 1963 President Lyndon the Old West, was as the “First Lady born in Bessemer, James Hood from en- Johnson, 1967. born in Davidson of Song,” died, Alabama, 1942. rolling at the Univer- County, Tennes- 1996. sity of Alabama, 1963. see, 1854.

Sallie Martin, the African Americans Lionel Brockman James Chaney, Joe Louis Wilma Rudolph, Jeanine Menze “Mother of Gos- in Texas are noti- Richie, Jr., singer, Andrew Goodman knocked out Max first American became the first pel Music” and fied of Emanci- songwriter and and Michael Schmeling at woman to win African American entrepreneur, pation Procla- record producer, Schwerner, civil 2:04 of the first three Gold medals female to earn died, 1988. mation, issued was born in rights activists, round at Yankee in track and field in United States in 1863. “June- Tuskegee, Ala- were murdered Stadium, 1938. an Olympic Games, Coast Guard teenth,” marks the bama, 1949. near Philadelphia, was born in Clarks- aviation designa- event, 1865. Mississippi, 1964. dale, Tenn., 1940. tion, 2005.

James H. Mer- James Weldon Paul Laurence U.S. Supreme Charles Everett Lena Mary edith, the first Johnson, author, Dunbar, poet, Court overturned Dumas became Calhoun Horne, African American diplomat, poet, was born in the conviction of the first person singer, actress, student at the songwriter of Lift Dayton, Ohio, Muhammad Ali to high jump dancer and civil University of Mis- Every Voice and 1872. for refusing to be seven feet, 1956. rights activist, sissippi, was born Sing, and civil inducted into the was born in in Kosciusko, Mis- rights activist military, 1971. Brooklyn, New sissippi, 1933. died, 1938. York, 1917.

A sampling of titles written by C. Eric Lincoln / Amazon.com www.alafricanamerican.com reputation and healthy bank account. Dr. James Alexander Franklin, Sr. In 1924, Franklin moved his family to Mobile, Alabama. Franklin’s home Physician Dedicated His Life to Serving the Underserved became a safe haven for African Amer- icans traveling in the south, including tended Swift Memorial College and and began his medical practice. dignitaries such as Illinois Congress- later went to Lincoln University in In 1919, a turning point in his ca- man Oscar DePriest, entertainer Paul Pennsylvania, where he worked his reer and life occurred when a poor Robeson, actress Dorothy Dandridge, way through school waiting tables. white farmer approached him to re- opera singer Marion Anderson, and After two years at Lincoln Univer- quest medical attention for his wife baseball great Jackie Robinson. sity, he graduated in 1909 receiving a because he could not afford the med- By 1954, Ebony Magazine named Bachelor of Arts Degree, Magna Cum ical fees charged by Conecuh Coun- Franklin as “The South’s Richest Negro Laude. ty’s white doctor. Franklin attended Doctor.” Franklin built a portfolio of In 1911, Franklin entered the Uni- to the farmer’s wife and she improved two large office buildings, 17 houses, versity of Michigan’s School of Medi- under his care. However, when the several vacant lots, and drug stores. cine. He worked his way through white citizens of Evergreen found out His 13-room home still stands today as school shoveling ashes from the dor- that an African American man had a historical landmark and a part of the r. James Alexander Franklin, mitory’s furnaces. Although Frank- actually touched the body of a white Dora Franklin Finley African Ameri- Sr. was born on November 17, lin paid the same tuition, room, and woman, they were furious. They can Heritage Trail (named for his late D 1886, in Chattanooga, Tennes- board as white students, his room questioned the farmer and told him granddaughter) and is occupied by his see to Edward Franklin and Rosa Cal- was located in the basement away of their plans to lynch the black doc- youngest and only surviving child of 10 loway. As an African American physi- from other students. Besides a cot, the tor. The farmer was loyal to Franklin children, Joseph A. Franklin. cian practicing in the segregated Deep only other furniture in his room was for saving his wife and bought a train On Friday, July 21, 1972, at the age South, early in his career Franklin bare- a trunk, that doubled as storage and ticket for Franklin, his wife, and their of 85, Franklin – the physician, human- ly made enough to pay his rent. How- desk, and a simple kerosene lamp for two small children. The farthest des- itarian and scholar – quietly passed ever, he never turned a patient away light. While at UM, Franklin was cho- tination from Evergreen afforded away to his eternal home. and would accept “in kind” payments sen to be a part of Alpha Phi Alpha by the ticket was Plateau, Alabama, In 1975, Dr. Marilyn Aiello and a of food and supplies from those who Fraternity, Inc. - Epsilon Chapter, and a small community outside of Mo- group of concerned citizens recog- could not pay in cash. Franklin would because he was a talented pianist, he bile, also known as “Africa Town,” the nized the need for quality healthcare walk an average of 20 to 30 miles a day served as the class musician. With an home of the last known illegal ship- in the underserved community close to visit his patients. Because of his hard unbreakable spirit, Franklin gradu- ment of slaves brought to the United to Franklin’s home and founded the work, generosity, love, and respect for ated Magna Cum Laude in 1914. Af- States. Franklin Primary Healthcare Centers, his patients, Franklin would later be ter graduation, Franklin returned to Upon arrival to Plateau, the named after Franklin, who served the recognized as “The South’s Richest Ne- Tennessee and married Dora Alice Shamburger Family took in the new community for more than 60 years. To- gro Doctor.” Cochraham, a school teacher, on Oc- doctor and his family. Franklin was day, Franklin Primary Health Centers Franklin’s uncle, Reverend William tober 2, 1914. penniless at this point. He sold his has grown to 21 locations and one mo- H. Franklin, the first African Ameri- During World War I, Franklin was prize possession – a gold watch given bile unit to service Mobile communities can to graduate from Maryville Col- a member of the Army medical unit to him by his uncle – for $2. This in- and surrounding areas. Continuing the lege in Tennessee and the founder of in Kentucky. Although he was an cident caused Franklin to vow that legacy of service to the community, Dr. Swift Memorial College, in Rogersville, Army Doctor, his highest rank was he would never be broke again. He Franklin’s grandson – Dr. Coleridge T. Tennessee, inspired him to attend col- Sergeant. Franklin moved to Ever- started a medical practice in Plateau Franklin is currently a physician at the lege and medical school. Franklin at- green, Alabama in 1915 with his wife that grew rapidly along with his good Franklin Primary Healthcare Centers.

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Frederick Carlton “Carl” Lewis, hall of fame track and field athlete, was born in Birmingham, Alabama, 1961.

The Civil Rights Macon Bolling Arthur George Andrew Jackson Donnie L. Leroy Robert The Clotilda, the Act of 1964 was Allen became the “A. G.” Gaston, Beard of Wood- Cochran, first “Satchel” Paige, last known U.S. signed into law by first African Ameri- entrepreneur and lawn, Alabama African American hall of fame base- slave ship to bring President Lyndon B. can licensed to businessman, was received patent to command the ball player, was enslaved Africans to Johnson, 1964. practice law in the born in Demopo- number 478,271 U.S. Navy Blue born in Mobile, America, arrived in United States, 1844. lis, Alabama, for an improved Angels, was born Alabama, 1906. Alabama with 110 1892. rotary steam near Pelham, African captives, engine, 1892. Georgia, 1954. 1860.

Dr. Daniel Hale Mary Jane W.E.B. DuBois Frederick McKinley Thurgood Marshall Sarah E. Goode, Maggie Lena Williams performs McLeod Bethune, and William Jones received three becomes first first African Walker, hall of fame first successful hall of fame Monroe Trotter patents (numbers African American American woman businesswoman, open heart surgery, educator and civil organize the Ni- 2,475,841 – 2,475, appointed U.S. to receive a patent educator and the 1893. rights leader, was agara Movement, 843). Patent 2,475, solicitor general, (322,177) for her first female bank born in Mayes- a forerunner of 841 was for a porta- 1965. invention of the president, was born ville, South Caro- the NAACP, 1905. ble air-cooling unit cabinet bed, 1885. in Richmond, lina, 1875. for trucks, 1949. Virginia, 1864.

Ida Bell Wells- Billie Holiday, Nelson R. Mandela, William Henry Hastie Violet Palmer, the The National Emlen Lewis Barnett, journalist hall of fame jazz first South African was confirmed as first woman to of- Association of Tunnell, the first and civil and wom- singer and song- president to be Judge of the Third ficiate a National Colored Women’s African American en’s rights activist, writer known elected in a fully U. S. Circuit Court Basketball Asso- Clubs, Inc. was inducted into the was born enslaved as “Lady Day,” representative of Appeals, the first ciation game, was founded in Pro Football Hall in Holly Springs, died, 1959. democratic election, African American born in Compton, Washington, of Fame, died, Mississippi, 1862. was born in Mvezo, federal circuit judge, California, 1964. D.C., 1896. 1975. South Africa, 1918. 1950.

Jackie Robinson becomes Alexander Dumas, 23 first African American playwright and novelist, Garrett A. President Harry The Chicago 14th Amendment, Keeth Thomas baseball player inducted was born Dumas Davy de Morgan, Sr. used S. Truman issues Race Riots, the granting African Smart, the first into Baseball Hall of Fame, la Pailleterie in Picardy, his gas mask Executive Order worst of the Americans full American to be 1962. France, 1802. to rescue men 9981, ending country’s riots citizenship rights, named the top- Elizabeth R. Haynes, first Whitney Moore Young, Jr., trapped in an segregation in during the Red becomes part of ranked fencer in- African American woman civil rights leader, was underground armed forces, Summer of 1919, the Constitution, ternationally, was to serve on the national born in Lincoln Ridge, tunnel, 1916. 1948. began. 1868. born in Brooklyn, board of YWCA, was born Kentucky, 1921. New York, 1978. in Lowndes Co., AL, 1883.

African American physicians are still critically needed in their communities / huffingtonpost.com www.alafricanamerican.com Cleveland Josephus Eaton II Hall of Fame Musician, Composer, Bandleader

leveland “Cleve” Eaton II born troduced him to the tuba and string bass. August 31, 1939, in Fairfield, Ala- Eaton played in a jazz group in college C bama, is a legendary jazz bassist, at Tennessee A&I State University, where who began his musical studies when he he earned his bachelor’s degree in music, was only five years old. Eaton played with then moved to Chicago and toured with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and later with the the Ike Cole Trio. Count Basie Orchestra. Eaton was dubbed Eaton has played with music greats in “the Count’s Bassist” during his 16-year nearly all genres including jazz with John stint with the Count Basie Orchestra. Klemmer, Ike Cole, and Bunky Green; R&B His 1975 recording Plenty Good Eaton with The Dells and Bobby Rush; pop with is considered a classic in the funk music Minnie Riperton, Jerry Butler, and Rota- genre. Eaton is a member of the Alabama ry Connection; and big band music with Jazz Hall of Fame and Alabama Music Hall George Benson, Henry Mancini, Frank of Fame. Over the years, Eaton became Sinatra, Joe Williams, Billy Eckstein, Sarah a consummate bassist, producer, com- Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald. Eaton has poser, publisher, arranger, and head of also performed with Nancy Wilson, Peggy his own Birmingham based record com- Lee, Meme Hines, Sammy Davis, Jr., Julie pany. All together he has lent his talents London, Bobby Troupe, Brook Benton, on over 100 albums and composed about Lou Rawls, Nipsey Russell, Morgana King, three times as many songs. He has played Gloria Lynne, Herbie Hancock, the Magic on four gold singles, including “Hang on City Jazz Orchestra, The Platters (origi- Sloopy” and “Wade in the Water,” and nal), The Temptations, and The Miracles. four gold albums, including Solar Wind In 1974, he began performing and and Sun Goddess. touring with his own group, Cleve Eaton During Eaton’s childhood, he acquired and Co., and in 2004, his group became an intense and comprehensive musical Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All Stars. background. He was playing his mother’s Several other well-known Alabama jazz piano at the age of 5, and by the time he musicians, including pianist Ray Reach, was 8 he had turned his efforts toward drummer John Nuckols, trumpeter Tom- the saxophone. Two years later he took my Stewart, and saxophonist Sam Wil- up the trumpet and when he reached the liams, are frequent players with Cleve Ea- age of 15, music teacher John Springer in- ton and the Alabama All Stars.

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

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

President Lyndon Ralph Johnson William Augustus Jesse Owens wins General Colin Alex Haley, author Emma Ophelia B. Johnson signed Bunche, Nobel Hinton, bacteri- fourth gold medal at Powell is nomi- of Roots and The DeVore, the first into law the National Peace Prize winner, ologist, pathologist, Summer Olympics nated chairman, Autobiography of prominent African Voting Rights Act, political scientist educator, and first in Berlin, 1936. Joint Chiefs of Malcom X, was American model guaranteeing African and diplomat, was African American Staff, the first born in Ithaca, in the United Americans the right born in Detroit, to publish a medi- African American New York, 1921. States, was born in to vote, 1965. Michigan, 1904. cal textbook, died, to hold the post, Edgefield, South 1959. 1989. Carolina, 1922.

The Brownsville Maria Halle Monroe Nathan Carol Elizabeth Marcus Mosiah James H. Mer- Benjamin Bannek- Raid of 1906, the Berry, first Afri- Work, sociologist Moseley Braun, Garvey, Jr., pub- edith became er, wrote a letter to “Brownsville Af- can American to and bibliographer, first African Ameri- lisher, entrepre- the first African then U.S. Secretary fair,” resulted in win an Academy and publisher of the can woman elect- neur, orator and American to of State Thomas the largest U.S. Award for Best Negro Year Book, ed to the United Black Nationalist, graduate from Jefferson pointing Army dismissal, Actress, was born was born in Iredell States Senate, was was born in St. the University of out the hypocrisy 167 African Ameri- in Cleveland, County, North Caro- born in Chicago, Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Mississippi, 1963. of slavery, 1791. can soldiers, 1906. Ohio, 1966. lina, 1866. Illinois, 1947. 1887.

The first 20 George Franklin The Haitian The National Bayard Rustin, Althea Gibson, first 19th Amendment Africans were Grant, pioneering Revolution began Negro Business civil rights leader African American to the Constitu- brought to what dentist and inven- when slaves in League was and the chief to win the French, tion ratified, would become tor of the golf tee, Saint Domingue founded in Boston, organizer of the Wimbledon, and giving women Jamestown, patent number (Haiti) rose in re- Massachusetts with 1963 March on U. S. Open tennis the right to vote, Virginia aboard 638,920, died, volt and plunged Booker T. Wash- Washington for singles titles, was 1920. a Dutch ship, 1910. the colony into a ington as its first Jobs and Free- born in Silver, South 1619. 12-year war, 1791. president, 1900. dom, died, 1987. Carolina, 1927.

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

Eaton (right) during his days with Ramsey Lewis (center) / David Gahr www.alafricanamerican.com Autherine Lucy Foster First African American to Enroll at the University of Alabama

tions. In 1949, she entered Miles College in came down from the U.S. Supreme Court, Birmingham and graduated with a B.A. in the NAACP decided that the Myers/Lucy English in 1952. case would be the first test. On June 29, 1955, Shortly after graduating from Miles Col- federal Judge Harlan Grooms ruled that UA lege, Lucy was contacted by her friend, Pollie had to admit the two women. Although the Anne Myers, whom she had met in a public institution denied Myers’s admission on the speaking class, about enrolling in graduate grounds that she had been pregnant out school at UA with her. Lucy decided to enroll of wedlock, Lucy decided to attend by her- with Myers and they both requested and re- self and, on February 1, 1956, became the ceived admission forms in early September. first African American student to enroll at Lucy applied for the Master of Education UA. Unfortunately, due to mob violence on program. After paying the $5 dormitory de- campus, the University of Alabama’s Board utherine Lucy Foster was born Octo- posit fee, on September 13, 1952, they both of Trustees voted to expel Lucy from the uni- ber 5, 1929, in Shiloh, Marengo Coun- received letters welcoming them to the Uni- versity, allegedly for her own safety. A ty, Alabama. In 1952, Lucy became the versity of Alabama. On April 22, 1956, Lucy married Hugh first African American to enroll at the Univer- Anticipating the inevitable rejection of Lawrence Foster, a divinity student at Bishop sity of Alabama (UA). However, when school their enrollment, which occurred on Sep- College in Tyler, Texas, whom she had known administrators discovered Lucy was African tember 19 when the Admissions Office dis- from Miles College. They moved to Texas American, she was denied admittance. After covered that they were African American, where they would have four children, two of a three-year court battle, in 1956 Lucy finally Lucy and Myers had retained a lawyer, Ar- whom eventually attended the University of matriculated at UA. However, violent protest thur Shores, who worked for the National Alabama. The couple returned to Alabama on campus led to Lucy’s expulsion by univer- Association for the Advancement of Colored in 1974. In 1988, the University of Alabama’s sity officials after she attended classes for only People (NAACP). When the women went to Board of Trustees voted to overturn its expul- two days. the Admissions Office on September 20, the sion of Lucy, and she enrolled and received After Lucy graduated from Linden Acad- Dean of Admissions, William F. Adams, told her master’s degree in education on May 9, emy High School in Marengo County, Ala- them that they could not enroll, although he 1992. The university has named an endowed bama, she enrolled at Selma University and would not state that it was because of their scholarship after her and placed her portrait received a two-year teaching certificate. How- race. He also attempted to return their $5 in the Ferguson Center on campus. ever, she was unable to get a job because the room deposit. state of Alabama had recently begun requiring In 1954, when the Brown vs. Board of

four-year degrees for full-time teaching posi- Education decision outlawing segregation

AUGUST S M T W TH F S OCTOBER 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 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 31 SEPTEMBER 29 30 31 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Halle Tanner Dillion Joseph Hatchett, Johnson becomes becomes first first woman of African American any race to practice state Supreme medicine in Court justice in Alabama, 1891. Florida, 1975.

Dorothy Maynor, Lewis Howard Claudette Colvin, Lee Roy Young, Jr. Earl Manigault, Ruby Bridges Hall, Sonia Sanchez, concert soprano Latimer, draftsman civil rights pioneer, became the first street basketball first African Ameri- poet and play- and founder and hall of fame arrested for refus- African American player known as can to desegregate a wright, was born of the Harlem inventor, was born ing to give up her Texas Ranger in “The Goat,” was southern elemen- in Birmingham, School of Arts, in Chelsea, bus seat on March the police force’s born in Charleston, tary school, was Alabama, 1934. was born in Massachusetts, 2, 1955, was born 165-year history, South Carolina, born in Tylertown, Norfolk, Virginia, 1848. in Montgomery, 1988. 1944. Mississippi, 1954. 1910. Alabama, 1939.

Hoyt William James Charles Mae Carol Jemison Nell Carter, singer Prince Hall, the The 16th Street Frederick Fuller, editor, Evers, first African becomes first and film, stage, founder of “Black Baptist Church McKinley Jones critic and lead- American elected African American and television Freemasonry,” was bombed in became the first ing figure in mayor of a Missis- woman to travel actress, was born was born (ap- Birmingham, African Ameri- the Black Arts sippi city since Re- in space, 1992. Nell Ruth Hardy proximate birth Alabama, 1963. can awarded the Movement, was construction, was in Birmingham, date), 1735. National Medal of born in Atlanta, born in Decatur, Alabama, 1948. Technology, 1991. Georgia, 1923. Mississippi, 1922.

Vanessa Williams Booker T. Washing- The first Interna- Charles Howard Clifford Leopold The Interstate Com- Nancy Green, becomes first ton delivered his tional Congress Wright, physi- Alexander, Jr., law- merce Commission born a slave, one African American “Atlanta Compro- of Black Writ- cian, author yer, businessman (ICC) ordered an of the first African woman named mise” speech at the ers and Artists and museum and the first African end to segregation Americans hired Miss America, Cotton States and was convened founder, was American Secretary on interstate trans- to promote a cor- 1983. International Expo at the Sorbonne born in Dothan, of the Army, was portation and with- porate trademark in Atlanta, Georgia, in Paris, France, Alabama, 1918. born in New York in transportation “Aunt Jemima”, 1895. 1956. City, 1933. facilities, 1961. died, 1923.

Executive Order William Craft, William Levi Donald Cortez The National The Committee Charles Sylvan 11246 was signed subject of Run- Dawson, profes- Cornelius, tele- Baptist Conven- on Urban Condi- “Cholly” Atkins, by President ning…; or, the sor, choir direc- vision show host tion, USA, Inc. tions Among dancer and Tony Lyndon B. John- Escape of William tor, and com- and producer was formed in Negroes (The Award-winning son requiring and Ellen Craft poser, was born (Soul Train), was Atlanta, Georgia, National Urban choreographer, equal employ- from Slavery, was in Anniston, born in Chicago, 1895. League) founded was born in Pratt ment opportu- born in Macon, Alabama, 1899. Illinois, 1936. in New York City, City, Alabama, nity, 1965. Georgia, 1824. 1910. 1913.

A plaque commemorating Autherine Lucy on the campus of the University of Alabama / Wikimedia Commons www.alafricanamerican.com John Calhoun Bishop, Sr. “Ain’t Nothin’ Like ’Em Nowhere”

as Jerusalem Heights. In the beginning, it University of Alabama football teams played wasn’t just ribs and white bread. Lillie Brant in Tuscaloosa, sports broadcasters often vis- Bishop, Bishop’s wife, came up with the first ited Dreamland for a sample of the local fla- menu, which included several items in ad- vor. Many times they would end up bragging dition to ribs, such as fried fish sandwiches, about their Dreamland experience during cheeseburgers, and hamburgers. Ms. Lillie, their national telecasts. As a consequence of an excellent cook, worked side-by-side with these on-air mentions, and the grass roots Bishop. Although there were several delicious marketing ability of Bishop’s son, John, Jr., items on the menu, what kept customers Dreamland’s notoriety and revenues began to coming back were the mouthwatering ribs, grow. Also during that time, John Jr. and UA’s ohn Calhoun Bishop, Sr. was born October made with the Bishops’ secret sauce, and the head football coach, Ray Perkins, developed 15, 1921, in Duncanville, Alabama, a small warmth customers felt every time they passed a great friendship. To further improve the J community 12 miles southeast of Tusca- through the doors. family business, in 1987, Bishop’s daughter, loosa. Thirty-seven years later, two big events In the restaurant’s early days, because of Jeannette Bishop-Hall, returned from Chica- happened in Tuscaloosa. Paul “Bear” Bryant segregation, Dreamland was a place where go where she was working for Mayor Harold became the head football coach at the Univer- African Americans would go to have a good Washington and took over the day to day op- sity of Alabama, and in the Jerusalem Heights time and good food. The only whites that erations of the restaurant. Under her leader- neighborhood, Bishop, also known as “Big would dine at Dreamland were Bishop’s food ship, Dreamland experienced an unmatched Daddy,” opened his first Dreamland Café. and restaurant supplies vendors. Bishop period of growth. A brick mason for many years, Bishop didn’t discriminate. “Everyone’s green to me,” Dreamland’s achievements in the restau- longed for another way to support his family. he liked to say. Bishop and Ms. Lillie made rant industry have been recognized in such He had narrowed it down to opening either a their café décor warm and inviting with a big national publications as Southern Living, mortuary or a restaurant when he got down on bar, a few tables and booths, and a potbellied The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, his knees and prayed for guidance. Legend has stove. They made diners feel like they were and Rolling Stone to name a few. Today there it that God told him in a dream that night to attending a big family reunion with ribs and are nine Dreamland restaurants across five build a café on the land next to his home, and white bread. Bishop always said, “You should states, seven concession locations located in on October 3, 1958, Bishop made that dream a be good to the grandparents,” so his own stadiums such as Bryant-Denny (University reality. children, Jeannette and John, Jr., would help of Alabama), Jordan-Hare (Auburn Univer- With his brick mason experience, Bishop, customers to their cars and open the door sity), Davis-Wade (Mississippi State Univer- his brother, and some friends built the origi- for them. The point is that Bishop didn’t just sity), and a mail order retail facility. nal Dreamland Café with their own hands. The open a café; he made a place that was home As John “Big Daddy” Bishop was known first Dreamland Café is located about two miles to his children and family and extended that for saying, “Ain’t Nothing Like `Em, Nowhere!” from the intersection of Hwy 82 and Interstate feeling of love to everyone that came by. And there hasn’t been anyone like Big Daddy, 59 just south of Tuscaloosa in an area known During the 1970s and 1980s, when the nowhere!

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The 24th Infantry Thurgood Marshall Nat King Cole Geoffrey S. Fletcher, Autherine Lucy Fannie Lou Townsend Toni Morrison Regiment (the Deuce was sworn in as becomes first first African American Foster, the first African Hamer, voting rights became the first Four), the last all-Black the first African African American to receive an Academy American to attend activist and civil rights African American military unit, was American Justice of to host his own TV Award for writing (Pre- the University of leader, was born in woman to win deactivated in Korea, the Supreme Court, show, 1956. cious…) was born in Alabama, was born Sunflower County, the Nobel Prize in 1951. 1967. New London, in Shiloh, Alabama, Mississippi, 1917. Literature, 1993. Connecticut, 1970. 1929.

Jesse Louis Jackson, Eugene Jacques Frederick Douglass Granville T. Woods Wilton Norman Shirley Ann Caesar, At age 35, Martin Sr., clergyman and Bullard, the only Patterson, educa- patents telephone “Wilt” Chamberlain, hall of fame gospel Luther King Jr. civil rights leader, was African American tor and founder of system and ap- only player in NBA singer and songwrit- becomes youngest born Jesse Louis Burns pilot in World War I, the United Negro paratus, patent history to score 100 er known as “First man ever to win in Greenville, South was born in Columbus, College Fund, was number 371,241; points in a game Lady of Gospel,” Nobel Peace Prize, Carolina, 1941. Georgia, 1894. born in Washing- 1887. and average 50 was born in Dur- 1964. ton, D. C., 1901. points per game in a ham, North Caro- season, died, 1999. lina, 1938.

The Alabama Penny Million Man Mae Carol Jemison, Terry McMillan, Richard Arrington Jr., Fayard Antonio Valerie Thomas Savings Bank was March held in hall of fame astro- author, was born the first African Nicholas, half of received patent founded in Birming- Washington, D.C., naut, physician in Port Huron, American Mayor of the hall of fame number 4,229,761 ham. One of the 1995. and the first African Michigan, 1951. Birmingham, Ala- Nicholas Brothers for her invention first three African American woman bama, was born dance team, was of the Illusion American-owned and in space, was born in Livingston, born in Mobile, Transmitter, 1980. operated U.S. finan- in Decatur, Ala- Alabama, 1934. Alabama, 1914. cial institutions, 1890. bama, 1956.

The Supremes William A. Leides- Marjorie S. Joyner, Emmett W. Regina Marcia Benjamin O. Leonard Randolph become the first all- dorff, one of the inventor of the Chappelle, hall of Benjamin, former Davis, Jr. becomes “Lenny” Wilkens, female music group first black settlers permanent wave fame scientist and Surgeon General first African hall of fame bas- to attain a No. 1 in California, often machine, patent researcher, was of the United States, American general ketball player and selling album (The called the first Black number 1,693,515, born in Phoenix, was born in Mobile, in U.S. Air Force, coach, was born in Supremes A’ Go-Go), millionaire, was was born in Mon- Arizona, 1925. Alabama, 1956. 1954. Brooklyn, New York, 1966. born in St. Croix, terey, Virginia, 1896. 1937. Virgin Islands, 1810.

Martha Minerva Richard Arrington Ethel Waters, hall of Franklin, hall of fame Jr. elected first fame gospel, blues nurse and founder of African American and jazz vocalist National Association mayor of Birming- and actress, was of Colored Graduate ham, Alabama, born in Chester, Nurses, was born in 1979. Pennsylvania, 1896. New Milford, Con- necticut, 1870.

Dreamland BBQ, Montgomery, Alabama / dreamlandbbq.com www.alafricanamerican.com Dr. Frederick D. Reese Courageous Educator, Civil Rights Advocate

sity, where he majored in both math and science. arrest, “Don’t arrest these people because what He then earned his Masters in Education degree you going do with the 7,000 students that we from Livingston University. He also studied at have running around here when they go back to the University of Alabama, Southern University, school Monday?” It was the first time in the Civil and Auburn University before receiving his Doc- Rights Movement that teachers in the South pub- torate of Divinity and an Educational Specialist licly marched as teachers; they were the largest degree from Selma University. black professional group in Dallas County, and By the mid-1960s, Reese was the president of their actions inspired involvement from their the Dallas County Voter’s League, which became students and others who were unsure about par- the major Selma freedom organization after the ticipating in demonstrations. State of Alabama banned the NAACP in 1956. Re- Later, Reese became a principal and a city ese was also a member of The Courageous Eight, councilman, serving 12 years on the Selma City the name given to the eight trustee board mem- Council. He ran for mayor of Selma in 1984, and r. Frederick D. Reese was born on No- bers of the Dallas County Voter’s League in Selma led a campaign to motivate Walmart executives vember 28, 1929, in Dallas County, Ala- for their work fighting segregation and voting to hire African Americans as store managers. D bama. Reese, a minister, educator, and rights in Selma. The Courageous Eight received Reverend Reese served as pastor of Selma’s Eb- civil rights activist, became a national figure on international attention in the 1960s and became enezer Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 March 7, 1965. On that infamous day Reese and a pivotal point to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 years. hundreds of other activists attempted to march and Civil Rights Act of 1968. Members included In 2000, in honor of his civil rights work, a across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala- Mr. Ulysses Blackmon, Dr. Amelia Boynton-Rob- stretch of more than three miles of U.S. Route 80, bama. The day would come to be known as inson, Mr. Earnest L. Doyle, Mrs. Marie Foster, where he marched to Montgomery, was named Bloody Sunday after protestors were beaten and Mr. James Edward Gildersleeve, Rev. J. D. Hunter, the Frederick D. Reese Parkway. The F.D. Reese sprayed with tear gas. After Bloody Sunday, Reese Dr. Reese, and Rev. Henry Shannon, Jr. Christian Academy in Kokomo, Indiana, was received a call from Martin Luther King, Jr. offer- Reese was a teacher at Hudson High School also dedicated to him. ing his support, and on March 21, 1965, 300 pro- and presided over the Selma Teachers Asso- On February 24, 2016, Reese received the testors (the number of protestors allowed by au- ciation. On January 22, 1965, Reese, Margaret Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the Sel- thorities) began the 50-mile march from Selma’s Moore, and a few other organizers mobilized al- ma to Montgomery marchers. The first Gold Brown Chapel AME Church to Alabama’s state most every African American teacher in Selma to Medal was awarded in 1776 by the second Conti- capitol in Montgomery. By the time they reached march to the courthouse to register to vote. Their nental Congress to General George Washington. Montgomery on March 25, the number of march- mindset was, “How can we teach American civ- Since the American Revolution, Congress has ers had swelled to over 25,000. These events even- ics if we ourselves cannot vote?” The teachers commissioned gold medals as its highest expres- tually led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, climbed the steps but were barred from enter- sion of national appreciation for distinguished which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. ing to register. They were pushed down the steps achievements and contributions by individuals Johnson on August 6, 1965. twice, the police jabbing them with nightsticks. or institutions. Reese graduated from Alabama State Univer- Officials reportedly urged against the teachers’

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

Shirley Chisolm of James Weldon Johnson Douglas Wilder Crystal B. Fauset, Benjamin Banneker, Benjamin Thornton George R. Carruthers Brooklyn, New York, and J. Rosamond becomes the first elected state represen- mathematician, received patent awarded patent becomes the first Johnson compose African American to tative in Pennsylvania, inventor, astronomer, number 1,831,331 3,478,216 for his African American Lift Every Voice and be elected governor becoming the first surveyor and almanac for an Apparatus for Image Converter for woman elected to Sing, widely regarded in the United States African American author, was born in automatically re- Detecting Electro- Congress, 1968. as the Black national (Virginia), 1989. woman to serve in a Ellicott’s Mills, cording telephone magnetic Radiation, anthem, 1901. state legislature, 1938. Maryland, 1731. messages, 1931. 1969.

The National Negro Whoopi Goldberg, Condoleezza Rice, Lydia Newman William Christopher Samuel L. Younge Jr., Harold W. Moon, Opera Company actress, comedi- professor, diplomat of New York City “W.C.” Handy, first African Ameri- one of only two peo- was founded in enne and activist, and national secu- received patent hall of fame blues can college student ple to be enshrined Pittsburgh, Penn- was born Caryn rity expert, was born number 614,335 composer and musi- to die in the Civil in the Canadian and sylvania by Mary Elaine Johnson in Birmingham, for a new and im- cian, was born in Rights Movement, the Pro Football Hall Cardwell Dawson, in New York City, Alabama, 1954. proved hair brush, Florence, Alabama, was born in Tuskegee, of Fame, was born 1941. 1955. 1898. 1873. Alabama, 1944. in Los Angeles, California, 1956.

Annette Gordon- Dominique M. George Branham, William J. Powell, John L. Love, Oscar Palmer Percy Sledge, hall Reed, first African Dawes, member of III, the first African the first African received patent Robertson “The of fame R&B and American to win the first U.S. women’s American to win a American to design, 594,114 for a Big O,” hall of fame soul performer, Pulitzer Prize for His- team to win an Professional Bowl- build and operate pencil sharpener basketball player, was born in tory (The Hemingses Olympic gold medal ers Association title, his own golf course, that used a crank was born in Char- Leighton, Alabama, of Monticello . . .), in gymnastics, was was born in Detroit, was born in Green- to sharpen pencils, lotte, Tennessee, 1940. born in Livingston, born in Silver Spring, Michigan, 1962. ville, Alabama, 1916. 1897. 1938. Texas, 1958. Maryland, 1976.

Sojourner Truth, James Marshall Berry Gordy Jr., Coleman Alexander James Arthur abolitionist and “Jimi” Hendrix, hall of fame record Young, the first Baldwin, novelist, women’s rights hall of fame producer, founder African American playwright, poet, activist, died, guitarist, singer of Motown Records, mayor of Detroit, essayist, and civil 1883. and songwriter, was born in Detroit, Michigan, died, rights activist, was born in Seattle, Michigan, 1929. 1997. died, 1987. Washington, 1942.

Reese (at right) marches alongside Martin and Coretta King, Selma, 1965 / lockerdome.com www.alafricanamerican.com Rickey Smiley Celebrated Comic with a Desire to Impact, Motivate Others

munity. tickling prank phone calls, as Rickey delivers Growing up in a church filled with col- witty commentary and unpredictable humor. orful characters inspired Smiley’s signature Using radio as an uplifting message vehicle, characters that have visibly become a part of Rickey’s insightful yet humorous interviews his comedic trademark. Smiley is one of the with A-list celebrities raise social and politi- orn August 10, 1968, in Birmingham few “clean” comics amongst the top tier of cal awareness. Smiley’s down-home southern Alabama, Rickey Smiley’s rise to su- contemporary great comedians, and he has charm and philosophy to use insight rather B perstardom began when he was given amassed a deeply loyal fan base of enthusiasts than vulgarity to evoke laugher, is one of the the opportunity to be the opening act for sev- who gravitate to his quick-witted delivery and many reasons he forged a partnership with eral comedic titans, including Steve Harvey, captivating energy. He has performed sold out Radio One, one of the most respected urban George Wallace, and Carl Strong. With more shows where his diverse audiences are drawn broadcasting conglomerates in the country. than 25 years in the entertainment industry, to characters such as “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins,” Smiley served as host of the prestigious Smiley has become one of the industry’s most “Lil’ Daryl,” “Joe Willie,” and “Beauford.” Trumpet Awards in 2012, the 29th Annual Stel- engaging entertainers and a true entrepreneur, In 2000, Smiley started his climatic rise to lar Gospel Music Awards in 2014, and the 2014 building an impressive empire that has landed stardom as the headlining host of BET’s Com- NAACP Image Awards Dinner & Pre-Party. him preeminent roles on radio, television, film, icView and became further distinguished as He was also a presenter at the NAACP Image and on-stage performances. the only comedian who has had the honor of Awards Ceremony. He has eight bestselling When Smiley was 6 years old his father was hosting two consecutive successful seasons, CDs including iTunes #1 Best Selling Comedy killed, but he had several wonderful role mod- catapulting the show to its highest ratings in Album, Rickey Smiley– Prank Calls Number 6. els who stepped in to help fill the void. His history. After achieving this milestone, BET “I love what I do and enjoy getting up every grandfather and uncles became his father fig- then quickly signed Smiley to host The Way We day with the expressed purpose of bringing joy ures and instilled values in him that made him Do It during the 2001-2002 season, which later into the lives of others through laughter. The the man he is today. Smiley didn’t grow up in a became one of the networks top five shows. greatest satisfaction I can receive is knowing wealthy family. However, the people who sur- Smiley also delivered unforgettable appear- that my talents are a form of escapism that rounded him gave him a great sense of self and ances on Showtime at The Apollo, Uptown brings happiness into so many deserving lives. morals that no amount of money could buy. Comedy Club, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and To be blessed with sold out tours, a success- With this background, and a true desire to Snaps. ful radio show and two television platforms give back to the community, Smiley founded In 2007, Smiley became the host of the is more than I could ever have dreamed and The Rickey Smiley Foundation, a nonprofit or- Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Based in Atlan- I am committed to working harder than ever ganization created to impact the lives of chil- ta, in over 55 markets and growing, the Rickey to continue to be a positive influence and all dren and teens through programs that inspire, Smiley Morning Show is a blend of laughter, around best entertainer I can be.” impact, and motivate young people to live life social issues, and celebrity news. —Rickey Smiley to their fullest potential, as well as celebrate the Each day, millions of fans faithfully tune in lives of seniors who are the fabric of the com- and listen to the show best known for its rib-

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Rosa Louise McCauley Odetta Holmes, singer, Parks refused to give actress, songwriter, up her seat on a human rights activist, Montgomery, Alabama “The Voice of the Civil city bus, 1955. Rights Movement,” died, 2008.

Frederick Douglass The American Anti- Montgomery, Alabama The Thirteenth Comer Cottrell, Sammy Davis Jr., P.B.S. Pinchback of publishes first issue Slavery Society was bus boycott began, Amendment to businessman and singer, dancer, film Louisiana becomes of North Star, 1847. founded to abolish 1955. the United States founder of Pro-Line and stage actor, was first African American slavery in the U.S. Constitution was cosmetics, was born born in New York governor in U.S., 1872. under the leadership adopted, 1865. in Mobile, Alabama, City, 1925. of William Lloyd 1931. Garrison, 1833.

Ralph J. Bunche Henrietta Bradberry, George Franklin Jamie Foxx, standup Ernest Davis, hall of William A. Hinton, Andrew Jackson becomes first received patent num- Grant received comedian, actor and fame college foot- first African Amer- Young Jr., first African American ber 2,390,688 for a patent number singer, was born ball player and first ican on Harvard African American awarded the Nobel waterproof pneumati- 638,920 for his Eric Marlon Bishop African American Medical School fac- to be nominated as Peace Prize, 1950. cally operated way to invention of the in Terrell, Texas, to win the Heisman ulty, developer of the Ambassador to fire torpedoes under golf tee, 1899. 1967. Trophy, was born in Hinton test to detect the United Nations, water, 1945. New Salem, Penn- syphilis, was born in 1976. sylvania, 1939. Chicago, Illinois, 1883.

Condoleezza Rice Raiford Chatman Carter Godwin South Carolina Josh Gibson, hall Jerry Pinkney, Madam C.J. Walker, became the first “Ossie” Davis, Woodson, “father becomes the first of fame Negro award-winning businesswoman female to hold the actor, director, of Black history”, state to secede League baseball illustrator of chil- and America’s position of United playwright and educator, historian, from the Union, player, was born dren’s books, was first self-made States National social activist, was author and journal- 1860. in Buena Vista, born in Philadel- female millionaire, Security Advisor, born in Cogdell, ist, was born in New Georgia, 1911. phia, Pennsylva- was born Sarah 2000. Georgia, 1917. Canton, Virginia, nia, 1939. Breedlove in Delta, 1875. Louisiana 1867.

Ernest Nathan “Dutch” Morial, the first African American Cabell “Cab” John A. “Jack” Ruth Carol Taylor, Oscar-winning Thomas J. Bradley, Eldrick Tont Mayor of New Orleans, Calloway III, hall Johnson, becomes nurse, journalist actor Denzel the first African “Tiger” Woods, Louisiana, died, 1989. of fame jazz singer first African Amer- and the first African Washington, was American Mayor one of the most and bandleader, was ican World Heavy- American airline born in Mount of Los Angeles, successful golfers Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas, first born in Rochester, weight Boxing stewardess in the Vernon, New California, was of all time, was African American gymnast to win New York, 1907. Champion with a U.S. was born in York, 1954. born in Calvert, born in Cypress, the Olympic individual all-around 14th round TKO of Boston, Massachu- Texas, 1917. California, 1975. Gold medal, born in Virginia Tommy Burns, 1908. setts, 1931. Beach, Virginia, 1995. A Rickey Smiley Foundation activity at Birmingham’s Woodlawn High School / radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com www.alafricanamerican.com