Black - African American History Facts

Father Patrick Francis Healy, the first black person awarded a Ph.D. degree, was born in Georgia on this date in 1834.

The Dominican Republic gained its independence on this date in 1844.

John Willis Menard, the first black person elected to Congress, presented his case for having been denied the Louisiana Second Congressional District seat on this date in 1869. In doing so, Menard became the first black person to speak on the floor of the House.

Charlotte E. Ray, the first black female lawyer, graduated from Howard University on this date in 1872.

W. B. Purvis, inventor, patented the Hand Stamp, which can be found at almost any business, on this date in 1883. Patent # 273,149.

Marian Anderson, famous contralto opera singer, was born in Philadelphia, PA, on this date in 1902.

Charlayne Alberta Hunter-Gault was born in Due West, SC, on this date in 1942. Hunter-Gault and Hamilton E. Holmes, were the first blacks to integrate Georgia University. Hunter-Gault later became a highly regarded journalist/correspondent with PBS.

Debi Thomas, figure skater, became the first black American to win a medal (Bronze) at the Winter Olympics on this date in 1988.