Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 4 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Ron Carter Born May 4, 1937 Field: Jazz / Bass / Music Education Ron Carter is a legendary jazz bassist, cellist, composer, and educator. He is widely recognized as one […]
“If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?” — Garrett Morgan Morgan promoted excellence and perseverance in innovation.
Honoring those we lost on May 3 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Nina Mae McKinney Born June 12, 1912 — Died May 3, 1967 Field: Film / Theater / Early Black Hollywood Nina Mae McKinney was one of early Hollywood’s most visible Black actresses and performers. She appeared […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 3 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 3, 1866 — Memphis Massacre aftermath reveals the violence of Reconstruction backlash Category: Reconstruction / Racial Terror / Black Citizenship By May 3, the violence in Memphis had made clear that Black freedom after […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 3 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Septima Poinsette Clark Born May 3, 1898 — Died December 15, 1987 Field: Civil Rights / Education / Voting Rights / Movement Strategy Septima Clark was an educator and civil […]
“The longer I live, the more I realize that freedom is not something to be secured in any one moment of time.” — Coretta Scott King King reminds us that freedom is an ongoing journey.
Honoring those we lost on May 2 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Maidie Norman Born October 16, 1912 — Died May 2, 1998 Field: Acting / Theater Education / Black Film History Maidie Norman was a radio, stage, film, and television actress as well as an educator in […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 2 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 2, 1912 — James Reese Europe’s Clef Club Orchestra performs at Carnegie Hall Category: Black Music / Carnegie Hall / Early Jazz / Cultural Breakthrough James Reese Europe led the Clef Club Orchestra in […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 2 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Elijah McCoy Born May 2, 1844 — Died October 10, 1929 Field: Invention / Engineering / Industrial Technology Elijah McCoy was an inventor and engineer best known for lubrication systems […]
“The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class—it is the cause of humankind.” — Anna Julia Cooper Cooper emphasized the universality of justice and equality.