black history

Back in 1865 African Americans celebrated what was called “Decoration Day.” This holiday is now known as Memorial Day. This is a little known history fact that was discovered by Yale University history Professor David Blight. Apparently, 15 years ago Blight was doing research for a book when he stumbled upon a box of unorganized papers of a Union veterans’ organization.

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated, 11 months after his split from Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam. Malcolm X assassinated in Audubon Ballroom at a rally of his organization. Three Blacks were later convicted of the crime and sentenced to life imprisonment...

1970 - Joe Frazier knocked out Jimmy Ellis in the second round of their New York fight and became the world heavyweight boxing champion.   Joseph William "Joe" Frazier, known as Smokin' Joe, born January 12, 1944, is a former Olympic and World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a brief comeback in 1981...

1964: Louis Armstrong’s “Hello Dolly” recording becomes his first and only number one record. Louis Armstrong was the first vital jazz soloist to attain world wide influence as trumpeter, entertainer, and show business personality...

Nelson Mandela's greatest pleasure, his most private moment, is watching the sun set with the music of Handel or Tchaikovsky playing. Locked up in his cell during daylight hours, deprived of music, both these simple pleasures were denied him for decades...

10 February 1937, Asheville, North Carolina, USA. Born into a musical family, Flack graduated from Howard University with a BA in music. She was discovered singing and playing jazz in a Washington nightclub by pianist Les McCann, who recommended her talents to Atlantic Records...

In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman to go to space.  While aboard the Endeavor for eight days, she worked with American and Japanese researchers. Also, on this date in 1995 Bernard Harris, African-American astronaut, takes space walk...

1986- Oprah Winfrey becomes the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show. It remains in production for 24 years. Oprah Winfrey was born Orpah Gail Winfrey on January 29, 1954, is an American television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, best known for her self-titled, multi-award winning talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in hi

African Americans have played an important part in American history.  Here is a look back at the firsts: In 1908, boxer Jack Johnson became the first African-American World Heavyweight Champion.  Johnson held the belt until 1915.  More facts after the jump.

Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty ImagesIn 1997, model Tyra Banks became the first-ever African-American on the cover of the Victoria's Secret lingerie catalog.

1865: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, was adopted by the 38th Congress. Ratification was completed December 6, 1865.

 Today in Black History: Ralph Ellison's powerful novel, Invisible Man, wins the National Book Award of 1952.