Black - African American History Facts

The North Carolina General Assembly incorporated the town of Princeville, NC, on this date in 1885. Princeville is the oldest black incorporated town in the United States.

Frederick Augusta Douglass, orator and activist, died in Washington, DC, on this date in 1895. Douglass was a leading black spokesman for almost 50 years.

Sydney Poitier, actor and "Academy Award" winner for his performance in Lilies of the Field, was born in Miami, FL, on this date in 1924.

John Hope, President of Atlanta University, died on this date in 1936.

Nancy Wilson, pop and jazz singer, was born in Chillicothe, OH, on this date in 1937.

Jean Baptist Pointe Du Sable, trader, fur trapper, and founder of Chicago, IL, was commemorated on a U.S. postage stamp on this date in 1987.

Kweisi Mfume, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman, was named Executive Director of the NAACP on this date in 1996.