Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens was the first African-American woman to be admitted to the American College of Surgeons. Born to former slaves, her father, Charles Dickens, was a water boy during the civil War. Her mother, Daisy, worked as a servant for the prominent Reynolds family. They would insist that their daughter attend a desegregated […]
In 1957, nine black students integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, despite the will of then-Gov. Orval Faubus. The students underwent extreme verbal and sometimes physical abuse after being admitted. Student Melba Patillo had acid thrown into her eyes. Others were spat on and confronted by students. The bravery of those nine Little […]
Harry T. Moore of Brevard County, Florida has been called the first civil rights martyr. He founded the first branch of the NAACP in his state and later became its state secretary. Employed as a school principal, Moore spent his life investigating lynchings, filing lawsuits against voting rights cases and fighting for black teachers. Moore […]
Cheryl White was the first black female jockey in the United States. She made her mark while riding her mother’s horse, Ace Reward. Though she finished last in her first race, she made her winning mark in countless races to come. White’s father, Raymond White, was a noted owner and trainer at the tracks […]
Emlen “The Gremlin” Tunnell of Pennsylvania was the first black and first defensive player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He was known as one of the greatest defensive backs in the history of the game. Like all the best players of his era, Tunnell suffered through severe injuries, […]
Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller is the subject of today's "Little-Known Black History Fact."
