People, Locations, Episodes

Radio One Goes “On The Air”

*On this date in 1980, Radio One, Inc. is celebrated.  Formerly, Radio One is a Silver Spring, Maryland-based American media conglomerate.  It is the most prominent Black-owned broadcasting company, and as of 2014, it was the ninth highest-earning Black-owned business in the United States. It operates 55 radio stations and majority-owning the syndicator Reach Media, […]

Meghan Markle, Duchess born

*Meghan Markle was born on this date in 1981.  She is a Black actress, model, humanitarian, and Duchess Of Sussex. Born in Los Angeles, CA, Rachel Meghan Markle’s father is white, and her mother is black.  Her mother, Doria Radlan, has a master’s degree in social work and is a psychotherapist and yoga instructor.  Her […]

Beyoncé Knowles, Singer, and Lyricist born

*Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter Knowles was born on this date in 1981. She is a Black singer, songwriter, and Fashion Design businesswoman. Beyonce Giselle Knowles is from Houston, Texas, the daughter of Celestine “Tina” Knowles (née Beyonce), a hairdresser and salon owner, and Mathew Knowles, a Xerox sales manager. Beyoncé’s name is a tribute to her mother’s […]

Nicki Minaj, Singer, and Entertainer born

*Nicki Minaj was born on this date in 1982. She is an Afro Caribbean rapper, singer-songwriter, and actress. Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty was born in the Saint James district of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and raised in Queens of New York City; she gained public recognition after releasing the mixtapes Playtime Is Over (2007), Sucka Free (2008), and Beam Me Up […]

Donald Glover, Actor, and Director born

*Donald Glover was born on this date in 1983.  He is a Black actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, musician, and DJ. He performs music under the stage name Childish Gambino and as a DJ named mcDJ. Donald McKinley Glover Jr. was born at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and was raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia. His mother, Beverly Smith, is a retired daycare provider, […]

Trevor Noah, Comedian and Media Host born

*Trevor Noah was born on this date in 1984. He is a Black South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. Trevor Noah was born in Johannesburg, Transvaal (now Gauteng), South Africa. His father, Robert, is of Swiss-German ancestry, and his mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, is a Black Xhosa woman. Under apartheid legislation, Noah […]

Meechy Monroe, Hair Stylist born

*Meechy Monroe was born on this date in 1985. She was a successful blogger who provided beauty tips and hair tutorials for black women with natural hair. Monroe was born Tameka Moore; her parents are Alexander and Patricia Moore. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Monroe gained an international YouTube following for videos demonstrating African […]

Emicida, Rapper born

*Emicida was born on this date in 1985.  He is an Afro Brazilian rapper, singer, songwriter, and MC.  He was born Leandro Roque de Oliveira into a poor family in Sau Paulo, Brazil. His father died when Leandro was still a child, as told in the song “Ooorra …”.  He composed rhymes and passed them […]

Amie Bramme Sey, Media Journalist born

*Amie Bramme Sey was born on this date in 1987. She is an Afro Swedish multi-media host and programmer. Ami-Miriam “Amie” Bramme Sey was born in Stockholm and grew up in Södermalm as the daughter of Maudo Sey and sister of the singers Seinabo Sey (half-sister) and Fatima Bramme Sey. She has studied at Södertörn […]

Rihanna, Multi-Media Entertainer born

*Rihanna was born on on this date in1988. She is a Black Barbadian American entertainer.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born in the St. Michael parish in Barbados to Monica (Braithwaite), an accountant, and Ronald Fenty, a warehouse supervisor. Her mother is of Afro-Guyanese descent and her father has Afro-Barbadian and English/Irish/Scottish ancestry (known as “Redlegs” in the Caribbean). Rihanna lived the life of a normal island girl going to Combermere, a top sixth form school. Rihanna won numerous beauty pageants and performed Mariah Carey “Hero” in a school talent show.

Library of Congress Inserts 1941 Black Film

On this date in 1991, “The Blood of Jesus” was chosen as one of 25 films added to the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry.

Black director Spencer William’s 1941 movie is about an atheist who accidentally shoots his Baptist wife. She dies and goes to an afterlife crossroads, where the devil tries to lead her astray.

Black Entertainment Television is Listed on The NYSE

On this date in 1991, BET Holdings, Inc. was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

BET Holdings, the parent company of Black Entertainment Television, sold 4.2 million shares of stock in an initial public offering that day on the NYSE.

This business transaction made BET the first African American company listed on Wall Street’s “Big Board.”

Under One Roof, (Television Show) Debuts

*On this date in 1995, “Under One Roof” aired on CBS television.

As of 2006, it was the last prime time American TV drama that featured an “all black” cast. Under One Roof was a six episode midseason replacement series in spring of that year and CBS’ answer for those who wanted a drama series featuring a predominantly African American group of actors.

The Boondocks (Sitcom) is Published

*On this date in 1999, the publication of The Boondocks is celebrated.  This is an African American adult animated sitcom.   Aaron McGruder created the Boondocks for the Cartoon Network’s late-night programming block, Adult Swim.  It is based on his comic strip of the same name.  The series premiered on November 6, 2005. The show […]

Black History in American Cinema (Film), a story

*Black history in American cinema is celebrated on this date in 1898. These are films made by, for, or about Black Americans. Historically, African American films have been made with African American casts and marketed to African American audiences. The short movie Something Good – Negro Kiss was created in 1898. Early commercial films often depicted minstrel […]