This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 17, 1942
Boxing great Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for fabulous flights of speech, Ali once stated: "If Ali says a mosquito can pull a plow, don't ask how. Hitch him up!" But on the night of Obama's election, the legend said: "I was filled with emotion as I watched President-elect Obama's speech last evening. This is indeed an historic occasion for America and the rest of the world. It is a dream fulfilled for many."
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 16, 1979
Singer and actress Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn. During her short life, Aaliyah sold 32 million albums world-wide, and garnered five Grammy nominations. She died tragically in 2001.
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 11, 1971
Queen of hip-hop R&B Mary J. Blige was born Mary Jane Blige in the Bronx borough of New York City. According to her official Web site: "There's little, if any, denying that Mary J. Blige is one of the greatest singers of our time. The proof is in the consistent #1 albums and singles, six (6) Grammy awards, multi-platinum records and 15-years of love from the public, critics and fellow artists."
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 15, 1929
Legendary leader and civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta. NobelPrize.org states: "At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement."
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 16, 1950
Actress, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen was born Deborrah Kaye Allen in Houston, Texas. Allen lived in Mexico as a child, because her mother wanted her children to experience part of their lives free of the South's extreme racism.
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 17, 1931
Actor James Earl Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi. Jones may be most famous for his deep and distinctive voice, which has been featured in the roles of Darth Vader and Mufasa in 'The Lion King' (1994).
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 14, 1940
Founding leader of the Civil Rights Movement Julian Bond was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Chairman of the NAACP, Bond is further distinguished as the first black person to be nominated to be Vice President of the United States. He withdrew his name during the 1968 election, feeling that he was too young for this role.
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 15, 1957
Actor and director Mario Van Peebles was born in Mexico City, Mexico, the son of ground-breaking writer-director Melvin Van Peebles and a German actress. In addition to Mario's many achievements in acting and directing, "in 1991, he was chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world" (Aaregistry.com).
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 13, 1913
The Delta Sigma Theta sorority was founded by 22 female students at Howard University. According to Deltasigmatheta.org: "These young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities."
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
January 15, 1908
The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority was founded as the first black sorority at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The year 2008 marked the 100 year anniversary of the organization.
This Week in Black History: January 10-16, 2010
