People, Locations, Episodes

Lobo (the word), a definition

*On this date in 1600, we affirm Lobo (the word). Lobo is a racial categorical term from the Spanish colonial era in the Americas. It refers to mixed-race lineage, far down the racial hierarchy the Spanish colonial regime created.  Lobo and coyote are derogatory names for persons of mixed race, referred to by animal names. It could include persons […]

Louis de St. Denis, Soldier and Slave Owner born.

*Louis de St. Denis was born on this date in 1676. He was a white-French Canadian soldier, slave owner, and explorer. Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis was born in Beauport, New France (Quebec), the eleventh of the twelve children. His father was Nicolas Juchereau, Seigneur du Chesnay. His mother, Marie Thérèse Giffard de Beauport. […]

Richard Pierpoint, Soldier born

*The birth of Richard Pierpoint is celebrated on this date in c. 1744.  Also known as Black Dick, Captain Dick, Captain Pierpoint was a Black British soldier. Richard Pierpoint was born in Bundu, what is now Senegal.  When he was about sixteen, he was captured and sold as a slave. He survived the crossing of the Atlantic and was sold to a […]

Juliette Gaudin, Catholic Nun born

*Juliette Gaudin was born on this date in 1808. She was an Afro Cuban educator and Nun. Born in Cuba, she dedicated her life to mercy among orphans, the needy elderly, and the Black race. In 1842, along with Henriette Delille, she helped establish The Sisters of The Holy Family Parish in New Orleans, Louisiana. Juliette Gaudin […]

New York Central College Begins Classes

*On this date in 1849, we celebrate the opening of New York Central College.  This college was the first in the United States founded on the principle that all qualified students were welcome. It was an abolitionist institution called New York Central College, McGrawville, and Central College. It was founded by Cyrus Pitt Grosvenor and […]

Amanda Lyles, Businesswoman, and Socialite born

*The birth of Amanda Lyles is celebrated on this date in 1850.  She was a Black socialite and businesswoman.   From Illinois, Amanda Lyles was one of the first women entrepreneurs in Minnesota.  Lyles met and married her husband, Thomas H. Lyles, around 1870.  They were involved in real estate, construction companies, loan agencies, and […]

Lincoln University of Missouri is Founded

*Lincoln University of Missouri began classes on this date in 1866. One of over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America, they have a very interesting history.

At the close of the Civil War, soldiers and officers of the 62nd United States Colored Infantry, stationed at Fort McIntosh, Texas, but composed primarily of Missourians, took steps to establish an educational institution in Jefferson City, Missouri, which they named Lincoln Institute. The following stipulations were set for the school:

Rube Foster, Baseball Player, and Manager born

*On this date, we the recall the birth of Andrew “Rube” Foster in 1879. He was an African American baseball player, one of the most completely talented baseball players in Black baseball.

From Calvert, Texas. As a raw-talent rookie pitcher in 1902, Foster is credited with 51 victories. In 1903, pitching for the Cuban American Giants, he won four games in the play-off victory over the Philadelphia Giants. The next year, after jumping to the Philly team, Rube won two games in the three-game play-off victory over his former teammates.

Albert A. Smith, Artist, and Musician born

*Albert Smith was born on this date in 1896.  He was a Black artist and musician.  Albert Alexander Smith was born in New York City, the son of parents who immigrated from Bermuda.  From an early age, his parents encouraged his artistic talents, paying for music lessons. Eventually, he became a banjo player and guitarist, […]

Lena Edwards, Doctor, and Administrator born

*Lena Frances Edwards was born on this date in 1900. She was an African American medical doctor.

The Crusader Magazine is Published

*On this date in 1918, The Crusader magazine is celebrated. During the early 20th century, it was one of the most prominent and vital black communist publications. It was the work of Cyril Valentine Briggs. It was published initially with the support of a West Indian merchant and later with the backing of the Communist Party. In December 1918, […]

Jack McDuff, Jazz Organist born

*On this date in 1926 Jack McDuff was born. He was an African American jazz organist.

The Mississippi Health Project Begins

*The Mississippi Health Project is celebrated on this date in 1935. This healthcare project was an initiative sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority during the Great Depression. The purpose of the Mississippi Health Project was to bring health awareness to Mississippi Delta residents who did not have access to health care. The initiative lasted for six […]

The Chicago Cubs Baseball Team Integrates

*The Chicago Cubs baseball team integrated for the first time on this date in 1953. Former Kansas City Monarchs Gene Baker and Ernie Banks debuted together as the Cubs’ double-play combination that day.

A shortstop stuck playing second base, Baker led N. L. second basemen in errors his first three seasons. In 1961 he was named manager of the Batavia, N. Y., minor league team, becoming the first black manager in organized baseball.

Kevin Clash, Puppeteer born

*Kevin Clash was born on this date in 1960. He is an African American puppeteer.

From Baltimore, Maryland, Clash is the distinctive voice for Elmo, the Muppet character. Elmo was introduced on “Sesame Street” in the 1980s. Clash began making puppets when he was 10, having been a “Sesame Street” fan from early childhood. He began performing with his puppets at age 12 in his neighborhood, later taking his act to Baltimore’s Harborplace. Local Baltimore television personality Stu Kerr spotted Clash and hired him for his show, “Caboose.”