The Lena Baker Story
Lena Baker was an African American maid who was executed for murder by the State of Georgia in 1945 for killing her employer, Ernest Knight...
Tag : Black Firsts
David Nelson Crosthwait Jr.: Inventor and leader in electrical and mechanical engineering
[dropcap size=small]D[/dropcap]avid Nelson Crosthwait Jr. was an African American electrical and mechanical engineer and one of the leaders in the United States in the field...
The Lincoln Motion Picture Company: First Black American Movie Company
The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was the first movie company organized by Black filmmakers, and developed a solid reputation for producing films that, according to...
William H. Carney: First Black American to merit the Medal of Honor
William Harvey Carney was an African American soldier during the American Civil War who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle...
Oliver Lewis: Winner of the First Kentucky Derby
Oliver Lewis became the first jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, America’s longest continuous sporting event on May 17, 1875. His time of two minutes...
Matilda Evans: Medical Pioneer of South Carolina
Matilda Arabella Evans was the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina. She became a powerful advocate for improved health care...
Mary Eliza Mahoney: The first African American professional nurse in the United States
In 1879, Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first Black graduate nurse in the United States. Mary Eliza Mahoney was born on May 7, 1845, in...
Martin R. Delany: The Father of Black Nationalism
Every people should be originators of their own destiny. Martin Robinson Delany (May 6, 1812 – January 24, 1885) stands as one of the most...
Kofi Ghanaba (Guy Warren): The Divine Drummer who pioneered Afro-jazz
“The reuniting of African-American jazz with its African roots.” Kofi Ghanaba, also known as Guy Warren, was one of the most influential Ghanaian musicians of...
Sugar Ray Robinson: “Pound for pound” the best boxer in history
Sugar Ray Robinson is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. Robinson held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951, and by...