Black - African American History Facts

The Savings Bank of the Order of True Reformers opened in Richmond, VA, on this date in 1889.

The Supreme Court ruled in Smith v. Allwright, on this date in 1944, that white primaries were not constitutional. This decision opened the door for black participation in politics in the South for the first time since Reconstruction.

Carter Godwin Woodson, the "Father of Black History," died in Washington, DC, on this date in 1950. He started what is now known as "Black History Month" and founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Baptist minister and civil rights activist, delivered his "I've Been to the Mountain-top" speech at the Memphis Masonic Temple on this date in 1968. This was Dr. King's last public appearance before his assassination.

Sarah Vaughn, jazz entertainer, died in San Fernando Valley, CA, on this date in 1990. Some of her popular songs were: "It's Magic," "Black Coffee," "Broken-Hearted Melody," and "Make Yourself Comfortable."

Ronald (Ron) H. Brown, the first black U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, was killed in a plane crash on this date in 1996.