May 10, 1994 After more than 27 years as a political prisoner, Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as the first democratically elected president of South Africa, […]
Category: This Week in Black History
This Week in Black History
April 21, 1974 Former Los Angeles resident Lee Elder birdies three of his last four holes before sinking an 18-foot birdie putt in a playoff […]
This Week in Black History
April 13, 1964 At the 36th Academy Awards program, Sidney Poitier receives the Oscar for best actor for his role in “Lilies of the Field.” […]
This Week in Black History
April 8, 1974 Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hits the 715th home run of his career off Al Downing of the Los Angeles Dodgers, […]
This Week in Black History
April 2, 1855 John Mercer Langston was elected clerk of the township of Brownhelm, Ohio. He is considered to be the first African-American elected to […]
This Week in Black History
March 20, 1948 Los Angeles actor James Baskett becomes the first Black man to receive an Academy Award when he wins an honorary Oscar for […]
This Week in Black History
March 17, 1999 Maurice Ashley becomes the first Black person to become a chess grandmaster. The rank is conferred by the International Chess Federation to […]
This Week in Black History
March 9, 1966 Andrew Brimmer becomes the first Black governor of the Federal Reserve Board. He was appointed by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. For more […]
This Week in Black History
March 5, 1770 Massachusetts sailor Crispus Attucks is shot to death by British Redcoats. The event, later known as the “Boston Massacre,” effectively launches the […]
This Week in Black History February 26, 1988
Debi Thomas becomes the first African American to medal at a Winter Olympics when she wins the bronze medal in women’s figure skating at Calgary, […]