Black - African American History Facts

Leontyne Price, world-renowned lyric soprano and the first black person to sing opera on television, was born in Jackson, MS, on this date in 1927. This Emmy award-winning singer has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the NAACP Spingarn Medal.

Roberta Flack, famed singer, was born in Asheville, NC, on this date in 1939. Some of her best-known songs are: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Where Is the Love," and "Killing Me Softly."

Ronald (Ron) H. Brown was elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee on this date in 1989. Brown was the first black person to head a major political party.

Alex P. Haley, author of Roots and the Autobiography of Malcolm X, died in Seattle, WA, on this date in 1992.

Barack Obama formally announced the start of his historic Presidential campaign in Springfield, IL, on this date in 2007.

Barack Obama won his 2nd Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album (Audacity of Hope) on this date in 2008.