Black - African American History Facts

Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, known as "Mother of the Blues," was born in Columbus, GA, on this date in 1886. Among others, Rainey recorded with Louis Armstrong.

William L. Dawson, Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, the first black Vice Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and the first black Congressman to chair a standing Congressional Committee, was born in Albany, GA, on this date in 1886.

Sarah Boone, inventor, patented the Ironing Board on this date in 1892. Patent # 473,653.

William "Count" Basie, jazz pianist and musician died in Hollywood, FL, on this date in 1984.

Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, educator, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, humanitarian, and founder of the United Negro College Fund, died on this date in 1988.