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...
Tag : Black Firsts
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...
Mary Elizabeth Carnegie: Nursing Legend
Mary Elizabeth Carnegie was a ground-breaking nurse, educator, and author who championed the cause of African American nurses. She was the first Black nurse to serve as...
John Willis Menard: The First African American elected to Congress
John Willis Menard, an African American journalist, civil rights leader, editor, and poet became the first African American elected to Congress, but was not seated...
Harriet E. Wilson: The first female African-American novelist
Harriet E. Wilson is considered the first female African-American novelist, as well as the first African American of any gender to publish a novel on...
Rose Fortune: Pioneer Black Canadian Businesswoman
Rose Fortune (March 13, 1774-February 20, 1864), a Black Loyalist originally from the US, is best-known for her talent as a businesswoman at a time...