People, Locations, Episodes

John Hope Franklin, Educator born

On this date in 1915, African American educator John Hope Franklin was born.

A native of Oklahoma and a graduate of Fisk University, he received M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history from Harvard University. He has taught at a number of institutions, including Fisk University, St. Augustine’s College, North Carolina Central University, and Howard University. Professor Franklin’s has published numerous books and articles. His best-known book is From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, now in its seventh edition.

Sir William Arthur Lewis, Economist born

*Sir William Arthur Lewis was born on this date in 1915. He was a Black Caribbean economist, educator and Nobel Prize winner.

From St. Lucia, he was the fourth son of George Ferdinand and Ida Lewis. He was educated in St. Lucia up to the secondary Level. He proved during this time to be quite a scholar. Later he entered the London School of Economics where he distinguished himself as a student of Economics. His excellence was rewarded, when at the age of twenty-three, he was made a lecturer. During this time he published numerous papers and pamphlets.

Archie Williams, Athlete, Educator, and Engineer, born

Archie Williams was born on this date in 1915. He was an African American athlete and teacher.

Born in Oakland, CA, Williams attended San Mateo Junior College (now College of San Mateo). His coach, Dr. Oliver Byrd, was instrumental in preparing him for future achievements. Soon Williams transferred to the University of California-Berkeley to become a mechanical engineer. He continued to run track.

John Woodruff, Olympian, and Educator born

John Youie Woodruff was born on this date in 1915. He was an African American athlete and winner of the 800 metre run at the 1936 Summer Olympics. He also was a teacher, and military officer.

The Virginia Industrial Home School For Wayward Colored Girls Opens

*The Virginia Industrial Home School for Wayward Colored Girls is celebrated on this date in 1915. Founded by Janie Porter Barrett, the school’s creator and visionary. The Industrial Home School for Wayward Colored Girls was established in Hanover County, VA, as a rehabilitation center for black girls in trouble with the law near Richmond, VA. The […]

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History is Founded

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) was founded on this date in 1915. The brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson, the ASALH formed in Washington D. C., happened partially in response to the release of D. W. Griffith’s racist film, “The Birth of a Nation” that same year.

Lemuel Penn, Officer and Educator born

*Lemuel Penn was born on this date in 1915. He was a Black educator and soldier. Lemuel Augustus Penn was born in Washington D.C., joined the Army Reserve from Howard University, and served as an Officer in World War II in New Guinea and the Philippines, earning a Bronze Star. After serving his country, Penn […]

Charles Black, Law Professor born

*Charles L. Black Jr. was born on this date in 1915. He was a White American Professor, and authority in constitutional law.

Xavier University is Founded

This date marks the founding of Xavier University of Louisiana. It is one of the over 100 Historical Black Colleges and Universities in America.

Jerome Holland, Educator, and Diplomat born

On this date in 1916, Jerome Holland was born. He was an African American diplomat and educator.

Born in Auburn, N.Y., Jerome Heartwell Holland was (in 1935) the first Black man to play football at Cornell University. He graduated in 1939 and received a master’s degree in sociology two years later. After teaching sociology and physical education at Lincoln University, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1950. Holland served as president of Delaware State College, from 1953 to 1959 and of Hampton Institute from 1960 to 1970.

Phi Sigma Pi Fraternity is Founded

*On this date in 1916, Phi Sigma Pi fraternity was founded at Central Missouri State University; founded by E.L. Hendricks, C.A. Phillips, and C.H. McClure.

Yvonne Walker Taylor, Educator born

*Dr. Yvonne Walker-Taylor was born on this date in 1916. She was an African American educator and administrator.

Thelma Glass, Educator, and Activist born

*Thelma Glass was born on this date in 1916. She was a Black educator and activist. She was born Thelma McWilliams to a hotel cook and homemaker in Mobile, Alabama. She graduated from Dunbar High School (Mobile) and attended Alabama State University and Columbia University. She married Arthur Glass in 1942, and both taught geography at Alabama […]

Robert N. Hyde II, Educator born

*Robert Hyde was born on this date in 1916. He was an African American educator and administrator.

From Des Moines, Iowa, Robert N. Hyde II was the son of Branham and Stella Hyde; he also had a sister (Maxine Graham). A graduate of North High School in Des Moines, Hyde received his Bachelor of Science degree in philosophy from Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) in 1941, and his Master of Science in Education degree from Drake University in 1970.

The Rosenwald School Project in America Begins

*The Rosenwald School project in America is celebrated on this date in 1917. This Educational endeavor built more than 5,000 schools, shops, and teacher homes in the United States primarily for the education of Black children in the South during the early 20th century. The project was the product of the partnership between Julius Rosenwald and Booker […]