#BoldlyBlack: Black History Facts

In 1926, historian, author, and journalist Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week as a way to honor and celebrate African-American history and culture. The second week of February was chosen to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: two important historical figures with ties to the Black American experience. Woodson along with various activist groups, universities, and organizations campaigned to support his creation. Due to his massive impact, Woodson is often referred to as “The Father of Black History”. Decades later in 1976, Black History Month became celebrated on a national level, with a proclamation signed into effect by President Gerald Ford. To celebrate Black History Month and beyond, here are some historical innovations and facts that have changed society not only for African-Americans but all of American society.

Carter G. Woodson

• Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week, which later evolved into Black History Month in 1970.

• Madame C.J. Walker was the first female self-made millionaire due to her successful haircare and beauty lines.

• Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister and activist who became the most visible figure in the civil rights movement. He is also the first African-American to have a national holiday established in his honor.

• Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

• Garrett Morgan invented the three-position modern day traffic signal.

• Phyllis Wheatley was the first African-American to publish a book of poetry: Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.

• Katherine Johnson was one of the first African-American female mathematicians to work at NASA. Her calculations helped to send astronauts to the moon and orbit around the Earth.

• Hattie McDaniel became the first African-American to win an Oscar. She took home Best Supporting Actress for her work in Gone With the Wind. Sidney Poitier became the first Black man to win an Oscar for his work in Lilies of the Field, winning Best Actor.

• Aretha Franklin was the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She also used her career to advocate for the civil rights movement and gender equality.

• Stevie Wonder was the first Black musician to win a Grammy for Album of the Year for Innervisions.

• Denzel Washington and Halle Berry became the first African-American actors to win best actor and best actress awards at the Oscars within the same night for Training Day and Monster’s Ball.

• At the London Olympics, Gabby Douglas was the first Black gymnast to win the Individual All-Around title.

• Barack Obama became the first African-American president of the United States. Additionally, Michelle Obama became the first African-American first lady upon his inauguration.

• Kamala Harris became the first Black and female vice president of the United States.

• JAY-Z became the first billionaire in hip-hop music due to his music career and business empire. He is also the fifth African-American overall to achieve this milestone.

• Beyoncé is the most awarded singer in Grammy history with 28 wins. She is also the most nominated woman in the history of the awards.