FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What will we leave behind for future generations?
Will it be just footprints or a clear path to the future?
_ Excerpted from:
THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE
by Etha Gray
A Note Of Consideration
I was advised by those closest to me not to include "Footnotes From The Past" in this work. They felt it might detract from the essence of the poetry. Needless to say, after many hours of personal soul-searching, I chose to overrule their advice. My reasons for doing so is that after pouring through thousands of pages of history books through the past years, I discovered that, comparatively, African-Americans were more creative during slavery and immediately thereafter, than we are today.I realize that my "research in a nutshell" is neither scientific nor complete. However, the fact remains that there were more patents filed by African-Americans during the period 1800-1899 (350 counted) than the period since that time, 1900-1989 (less than 100). Did we give in, give up or just give out? That's why I do not feel that we, as a people, can afford to wait for the "academically approved" or "socially correct" moment of opportunity to educate our young minds of tomorrow. Remember the slogan: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Well, we live in a system that is cutting school programs and funding prison systems. We have a system which won't guarantee and educate in a free society, but will give them a law degree in prison. What's wrong with this picture? You can't use a `hickory stick' to force your kids to stay in school and get an education; but `they' can use a `bully stick' to keep them in line on the streets, in jail and in prison. Our children are in crisis. They are being incarcerated off the streets or dying in the streets faster than any other group. We cannot wait to educate. As you can see I chose to use the "any means necessary" tactic. Now if someone else will pick up the ball from here and pass it on, we just might get something going. If, in reading this work someone manages to learn more of our History and be inspired toward a better education or lifestyle, all the struggle and effort will be worth the while. I further hope that young people will see how they are being exploited through their "gansta rap" music; sexually explicit song lyrics and music videos; demeaning comedy shows; violent movie and television shows. I hope that they come to understand that these things, though profitable, are designed to corrupt generations to come.“Further, I believe that if a people don't know where they have been, they cannot determine where it is, they should go; and they certainly cannot know how to get there." -Taken from "The Slave Mother" Page 108 of THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE by ETHA GRAY
AFRICAN-AMERICAN MILESTONES
•From 1889 to 1922 there were 3,436 recorded lynchings of Blacks in the U.S.
From 1889 to 1922 there were 3,436 recorded lynchings of Blacks in the U.S.•In 1935, Frederick McKinley Jones built the first automatic refrigeration system for long haul trucks. The system was later adapted for all carriers, including ships. Other patents include, an air conditioning unit for military field hospitals; a portable X-Ray machine, and a refrigerator for military field kitchens.
In 1935, Frederick McKinley Jones built the first automatic refrigeration system for long haul trucks. The system was later adapted for all carriers, including ships. Other patents include, an air conditioning unit for military field hospitals; a portable X-Ray machine, and a refrigerator for military field kitchens. •Etha Gray, author of this work, wrote her first musical drama based on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,, in 1985. She wrote her first musical comedy, "Club Renaissance", in May, 1994.
Etha Gray, author of this work, wrote her first musical drama based on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,, in 1985. She wrote her first musical comedy, "Club Renaissance", in May, 1994. •In 1860, Blacks that had migrated to Victoria, Canada organized the first authorized all-Black military force in Western Canada. It was called the "Pioneer Rifle Corps."
In 1860, Blacks that had migrated to Victoria, Canada organized the first authorized all-Black military force in Western Canada. It was called the "Pioneer Rifle Corps." •Performing 500 kidney transplants, Dr. Samuel L. Kountz became an international leader in transplant surgery. He discovered that large amounts of the drug methylprednisone helped reverse rejection of kidney transplants. He made medical history by transplanting a kidney from mother to daughter: The first transplant between humans who were not identical twins.
Performing 500 kidney transplants, Dr. Samuel L. Kountz became an international leader in transplant surgery. He discovered that large amounts of the drug methylprednisone helped reverse rejection of kidney transplants. He made medical history by transplanting a kidney from mother to daughter: The first transplant between humans who were not identical twins.•In 1784, New Jersey Legislature freed all Blacks who fought in the Revolutionary War.
In 1784, New Jersey Legislature freed all Blacks who fought in the Revolutionary War.•Black cowboys were a common sight during the mid to late 1800's. One of the more famous black cowboys was Nat "Deadwood Dick" Love, born in Tennessee in 1854, Deadwood Dick became a well-known figure in the history of the American West.
Black cowboys were a common sight during the mid to late 1800's. One of the more famous black cowboys was Nat "Deadwood Dick" Love, born in Tennessee in 1854, Deadwood Dick became a well-known figure in the history of the American West.•Elijah McCoy was a fireman on the railroad and his job was to shovel coal onto the fire in the engine and to oil its moving parts. After experimenting with ways to lubricate engines, in 1872 he invented the lubricating cup. From 1872 to 1891 he invented several other lubricating machines.
Elijah McCoy was a fireman on the railroad and his job was to shovel coal onto the fire in the engine and to oil its moving parts. After experimenting with ways to lubricate engines, in 1872 he invented the lubricating cup. From 1872 to 1891 he invented several other lubricating machines.•On January 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Declaration which legally and officially declared an end to slavery. However, some scholars say that it was only a military tactic to help the North win the Civil War. The good news of the signing of the Proclamation did not reach Texas until a ship docked at Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1863. It spread like wildfire throughout the state. Black Americans have celebrated that day of freedom until present day.
On January 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Declaration which legally and officially declared an end to slavery. However, some scholars say that it was only a military tactic to help the North win the Civil War. The good news of the signing of the Proclamation did not reach Texas until a ship docked at Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1863. It spread like wildfire throughout the state. Black Americans have celebrated that day of freedom until present day. •In 1939, Dr. Ernest E. Just, a biologist and pioneer investigator of egg fertilization, artificial parthenogenesis and cell division, published a book titled "The Biology of the Cell Surface. Many of his ideas and statements have only recently been confirmed.
In 1939, Dr. Ernest E. Just, a biologist and pioneer investigator of egg fertilization, artificial parthenogenesis and cell division, published a book titled "The Biology of the Cell Surface. Many of his ideas and statements have only recently been confirmed.•The entire 369th infantry, an all-Black unit organized during World War I., received the Croix de guerre for valor demonstrated during the war.
The entire 369th infantry, an all-Black unit organized during World War I., received the Croix de guerre for valor demonstrated during the war.•The all-Black U.S. Tenth Cavalry participated in the capture of Apache Chief Geronimo and the capture of Bill the Kid.
The all-Black U.S. Tenth Cavalry participated in the capture of Apache Chief Geronimo and the capture of Bill the Kid.•Slave owners were paid a massive sum of $993,406.35 to relinquish their slaves. Slaves were never compensated for their years in slavery.
Slave owners were paid a massive sum of $993,406.35 to relinquish their slaves. Slaves were never compensated for their years in slavery.•The first U.S. jury to have both white and Black jurists was impaneled during the Reconstruction era to try the former president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. Davis was, however, released without trial.
The first U.S. jury to have both white and Black jurists was impaneled during the Reconstruction era to try the former president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. Davis was, however, released without trial.•A slave named Philip Reed was the principle mason involved in the erection of The Statue of Freedom which sits on top of the Capitol Building in Washington, D. C.
A slave named Philip Reed was the principle mason involved in the erection of The Statue of Freedom which sits on top of the Capitol Building in Washington, D. C. •During the Civil War, sixteen Black soldiers and five Black sailors were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
During the Civil War, sixteen Black soldiers and five Black sailors were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.•Born in 1939, Black scientist, Dr. George E. Carruthers developed the first moon-based space observatory with a ultraviolet camera spectrograph that was carried to the lunar surface aboard Apollo 16.
Born in 1939, Black scientist, Dr. George E. Carruthers developed the first moon-based space observatory with a ultraviolet camera spectrograph that was carried to the lunar surface aboard Apollo 16.•In 1800, the U. S. Census listed 1,002,037 Blacks among the American population
In 1800, the U. S. Census listed 1,002,037 Blacks among the American population•In 1885 Granville T. Woods took out a patent for `an apparatus for transmission of messages by electricity'
In 1885 Granville T. Woods took out a patent for `an apparatus for transmission of messages by electricity'•The first recorded minstrel performance took place on the stage of the Federal Street Theater in Boston in 1799.
The first recorded minstrel performance took place on the stage of the Federal Street Theater in Boston in 1799.•In 1934, Arthur W. Mitchell became the first Black Democratic Congressman. Blacks that previously held Congressional positions were all members of the Republican party.
In 1934, Arthur W. Mitchell became the first Black Democratic Congressman. Blacks that previously held Congressional positions were all members of the Republican party.•In 1837 Virginia exported approximately 120,000 slaves to various parts of the South.
In 1837 Virginia exported approximately 120,000 slaves to various parts of the South.•By 1830, slavery was abolished in all of the Northern States.
By 1830, slavery was abolished in all of the Northern States.•Born in 1830, James Augustine Healy became the first Black Roman Catholic Bishop in America.
Born in 1830, James Augustine Healy became the first Black Roman Catholic Bishop in America.•David Ruggles, a Black abolitionist leader, published one of the first Black periodicals, The Mirror of Liberty in 1838.
David Ruggles, a Black abolitionist leader, published one of the first Black periodicals, The Mirror of Liberty in 1838.•Henry E. Baker was a Black examiner who worked in the U.S. Patent office in the early 1800's. He compiled a four volume work on Black inventors and found that between 1834 and 1900 at least 341 patents were issued to Black patentees.
Henry E. Baker was a Black examiner who worked in the U.S. Patent office in the early 1800's. He compiled a four volume work on Black inventors and found that between 1834 and 1900 at least 341 patents were issued to Black patentees.•In 1897, Black inventor G. W. Kelley received a patent for a steam table.
In 1897, Black inventor G. W. Kelley received a patent for a steam table.•Firefighters of today owe thanks to inventor Garret Morgan (1877-1963). He invented the "gas inhaler", a prototype of today's gas mask. After rescuing workers from a gas-filled tunnel, orders for the inhalator poured in from fire companies across the nation. After his identity became known, many of them canceled their orders. The gas mask was widely used during W.W.I by combat troops.
Firefighters of today owe thanks to inventor Garret Morgan (1877-1963). He invented the "gas inhaler", a prototype of today's gas mask. After rescuing workers from a gas-filled tunnel, orders for the inhalator poured in from fire companies across the nation. After his identity became known, many of them canceled their orders. The gas mask was widely used during W.W.I by combat troops. •Due to the success of his inhalator, he was paid $40,000 by General Electric for his automatic traffic signal.
Due to the success of his inhalator, he was paid $40,000 by General Electric for his automatic traffic signal. •His first invention was an improvement on the sewing machine, which he sold for $150.
His first invention was an improvement on the sewing machine, which he sold for $150. •Elijah Abel, a Utah pioneer, was the first Black to enter the priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was ordained in 1841.
Elijah Abel, a Utah pioneer, was the first Black to enter the priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was ordained in 1841.•Alice Parker was the first Black woman to receive a U.S. patent. She designed a heating furnace that operated on gas instead of coal in 1919.
Alice Parker was the first Black woman to receive a U.S. patent. She designed a heating furnace that operated on gas instead of coal in 1919.•The "Father of Russian Poetry," Alexander Pushkin, was born in 1799 and was the grandson of an African slave.
The "Father of Russian Poetry," Alexander Pushkin, was born in 1799 and was the grandson of an African slave.•In 1832, Alabama placed a fine of $250 to $500 on anyone found teaching a Black person, slave or free, to read or write.
In 1832, Alabama placed a fine of $250 to $500 on anyone found teaching a Black person, slave or free, to read or write.•In 1843, Black explorer and farmer, George Bush, led the first colony of American settlers to the shores of Puget Sound.
In 1843, Black explorer and farmer, George Bush, led the first colony of American settlers to the shores of Puget Sound.•In the Scottsboro Case of the 1930's, nine Black youths were sentenced to death for allegedly raping two white women. The case won International attention and after many years and numerous appeals, the defendants were acquitted.
In the Scottsboro Case of the 1930's, nine Black youths were sentenced to death for allegedly raping two white women. The case won International attention and after many years and numerous appeals, the defendants were acquitted.•Benjamin Banneker invented the first clock made in America. The wooden striking clock kept perfect time, striking each hour for over 20 years.
Benjamin Banneker invented the first clock made in America. The wooden striking clock kept perfect time, striking each hour for over 20 years. •With his eighth-grade education, he predicted solar eclipse of 1789;
With his eighth-grade education, he predicted solar eclipse of 1789; •Published the first scientific book written by a Black American in the form of The Almanac in 1795 which included tide tables; data on future eclipses; useful medicinal products and formulas and helped lay out the blueprint for Washington, DC
Published the first scientific book written by a Black American in the form of The Almanac in 1795 which included tide tables; data on future eclipses; useful medicinal products and formulas and helped lay out the blueprint for Washington, DC •On October 14, 1834, Henry Blair of Maryland was granted a patent for a corn-planting machine. Two years later he received a second patent for a device used to plant cotton.
On October 14, 1834, Henry Blair of Maryland was granted a patent for a corn-planting machine. Two years later he received a second patent for a device used to plant cotton.•In 1897, Andrew J. Beard received $50,000 for a patent of the "Jenny Coupler", an automatic device used by the railroad system which secures two cars together by merely bumping them together. This invention saved the lives and limbs of railroad workers.
In 1897, Andrew J. Beard received $50,000 for a patent of the "Jenny Coupler", an automatic device used by the railroad system which secures two cars together by merely bumping them together. This invention saved the lives and limbs of railroad workers. •Black inventor Lewis Latimer was a draftsman for Alexander Graham Bell and drew the plans for Bell's telephone. Latimer had worked for Granville T. Woods prior to working with Bell. Granville T. Woods took out a patent for "an apparatus for transmission of messages by electricity" in 1885. In 1887 he submitted a patent for the "improvement in telephone systems apparatus". Some scholars believe that Woods plans for the telephone were given to Bell by Latimer whereby affording Bell the opportunity to file the patent before Woods.
Black inventor Lewis Latimer was a draftsman for Alexander Graham Bell and drew the plans for Bell's telephone. Latimer had worked for Granville T. Woods prior to working with Bell. Granville T. Woods took out a patent for "an apparatus for transmission of messages by electricity" in 1885. In 1887 he submitted a patent for the "improvement in telephone systems apparatus". Some scholars believe that Woods plans for the telephone were given to Bell by Latimer whereby affording Bell the opportunity to file the patent before Woods. •At the beginning of the Civil War Blacks were officially excluded from the Armed Forces by both the Federal and Confederate Governments.
At the beginning of the Civil War Blacks were officially excluded from the Armed Forces by both the Federal and Confederate Governments.•The first Black quarterback in the American Football League was Marlin Briscoe who played with the Denver Broncos in 1968.
The first Black quarterback in the American Football League was Marlin Briscoe who played with the Denver Broncos in 1968.•Black political activist Angela Davis was arrested in 1970 on charges of conspiracy to murder and kidnap. Her case was one of the most publicized in American history, receiving international attention. Ms. Davis was tried and acquitted of all charges.
Black political activist Angela Davis was arrested in 1970 on charges of conspiracy to murder and kidnap. Her case was one of the most publicized in American history, receiving international attention. Ms. Davis was tried and acquitted of all charges.•The first Black artist to design a U.S. postage stamp was George Olden. He designed the s tamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1963.
The first Black artist to design a U.S. postage stamp was George Olden. He designed the s tamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1963.•The First Annual Convention of the People of Color was held in Philadelphia in 1831.
The First Annual Convention of the People of Color was held in Philadelphia in 1831.•Paul Robeson, internationally acclaimed human rights advocate, singer, actor and athlete died in 1976.
Paul Robeson, internationally acclaimed human rights advocate, singer, actor and athlete died in 1976.•The first African Free School was opened in New York in 1787.
The first African Free School was opened in New York in 1787.•William Henry Lane, aka, "Juba" perfected the tap dance in the early 1800's. He made tap an artistically recognized form of entertainment.
William Henry Lane, aka, "Juba" perfected the tap dance in the early 1800's. He made tap an artistically recognized form of entertainment.•Leontyne Price made her debut with the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1961.
Leontyne Price made her debut with the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1961.•In 1884, William Purvis patented a machine for making paper bags.
In 1884, William Purvis patented a machine for making paper bags.•The first published play by a Black was written by William Wells Brown entitled "The Escape; or "Leap to Freedom, and was published in 1858.
The first published play by a Black was written by William Wells Brown entitled "The Escape; or "Leap to Freedom, and was published in 1858.•In 1967 Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway headed the all-Black Broadway production of Hello Dolly.
In 1967 Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway headed the all-Black Broadway production of Hello Dolly.•In 1973, Tougaloo College of Mississippi awarded blues singer B. B. King an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for his musical contributions.
In 1973, Tougaloo College of Mississippi awarded blues singer B. B. King an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for his musical contributions.•L.S. Burridge and N.R. Marshman took out a paten for a typewriting machine in 1885.
L.S. Burridge and N.R. Marshman took out a paten for a typewriting machine in 1885.•The all-Black Fifty-fourth Massachusetts regiment, raised during the Civil War was the first to protest the unequal salaries of Black and white soldiers.
The all-Black Fifty-fourth Massachusetts regiment, raised during the Civil War was the first to protest the unequal salaries of Black and white soldiers.•While working as a laboratory assistant, testing automatic controls for airplanes, Otis Boykin, born in 1920, invented: a resistor presently used in computers, radios, & TV's; a variable resister for guided missiles; a•Thick-film resistor for computers; developed a control for artificial heart stimulators; burglar-proof cash register and chemical air filter.
While working as a laboratory assistant, testing automatic controls for airplanes, Otis Boykin, born in 1920, invented: a resistor presently used in computers, radios, & TV's; a variable resister for guided missiles; a•Thick-film resistor for computers; developed a control for artificial heart stimulators; burglar-proof cash register and chemical air filter. •Engineer, David N. Crosthwait, Jr.(1898-1976), born in Nashville, TN, received his BS & MS from Purdue University. He also patented: the automatic water feeder - 1920; automobile indicator - 1921; thermostat-setting apparatus - 1928; vacuum heating system - 1929; and the vacuum pump - 1930.
Engineer, David N. Crosthwait, Jr.(1898-1976), born in Nashville, TN, received his BS & MS from Purdue University. He also patented: the automatic water feeder - 1920; automobile indicator - 1921; thermostat-setting apparatus - 1928; vacuum heating system - 1929; and the vacuum pump - 1930.•Dr. Charles Drew (1904-1950), perfected a means of preserving and shipping blood plasma, leading to the establishment of blood banks throughout the world. The British Government recruited him to set up the first blood bank in England. During W.W.II, he was appointed director of the American Red Cross blood donor project. Ironically, injured in a car accident he died when the attending hospital physician refused him a blood transfusion because of the color of his skin.
Dr. Charles Drew (1904-1950), perfected a means of preserving and shipping blood plasma, leading to the establishment of blood banks throughout the world. The British Government recruited him to set up the first blood bank in England. During W.W.II, he was appointed director of the American Red Cross blood donor project. Ironically, injured in a car accident he died when the attending hospital physician refused him a blood transfusion because of the color of his skin.•The first Black Y.M.C.A was organized in Washington, DC in 1853.
The first Black Y.M.C.A was organized in Washington, DC in 1853.•In 1955 Marian Anderson made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera House.
In 1955 Marian Anderson made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera House.•Chemist, Dr. Percy L. Julian, with 86 patents is widely known for his research in derivative drugs used for arthritis sufferers. In 1935, he synthesized the drug physostigmine, used today for glaucoma treatment. Further research with the soybean lowered the cost of sterols, resulting in todays’ cortisone.
Chemist, Dr. Percy L. Julian, with 86 patents is widely known for his research in derivative drugs used for arthritis sufferers. In 1935, he synthesized the drug physostigmine, used today for glaucoma treatment. Further research with the soybean lowered the cost of sterols, resulting in todays’ cortisone.•Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the world's first successful heart operation in 1893.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the world's first successful heart operation in 1893.•The Anti-Aircraft gun used in W.W. II was patented by Henry Blair.
The Anti-Aircraft gun used in W.W. II was patented by Henry Blair. ••As early as 1793, Black scientist Benjamin Banneker proposed in his Almanac that the US appoint a Secretary of Peace.
•As early as 1793, Black scientist Benjamin Banneker proposed in his Almanac that the US appoint a Secretary of Peace.•Leonard C. Bailey patented the folding bed July 18, 1889.
Leonard C. Bailey patented the folding bed July 18, 1889.•The automatic lawn sprinkler so enjoyed today is the outgrowth of the lawn sprinkler patented May 4, 1897, by J. H. Smith.
The automatic lawn sprinkler so enjoyed today is the outgrowth of the lawn sprinkler patented May 4, 1897, by J. H. Smith.•J.H. Evans patented the convertible sofa October 5, 1897.
J.H. Evans patented the convertible sofa October 5, 1897.•Charles Brooks invented the street sweeper March 17, 1896.
Charles Brooks invented the street sweeper March 17, 1896.•The window washer's job was helped along by the patent of the `window cleaner' patented September 27, 1892 by A. L. Lewis. It is also known today as the Squeegee.
The window washer's job was helped along by the patent of the `window cleaner' patented September 27, 1892 by A. L. Lewis. It is also known today as the Squeegee.•The egg beater was patented by W. Johnson, February 6, 1884.
The egg beater was patented by W. Johnson, February 6, 1884.•Black American Alexander Miles patented the elevator October 11, 1887.
Black American Alexander Miles patented the elevator October 11, 1887.•John F. Pickering patented the Air Ship February 20, 1899. It is known today as ‘the blimp’.
John F. Pickering patented the Air Ship February 20, 1899. It is known today as ‘the blimp’.•Dr. William A. Hinton of Chicago, Illinois, developed the "Hinton Test" universally used for detecting syphilis.
Dr. William A. Hinton of Chicago, Illinois, developed the "Hinton Test" universally used for detecting syphilis.•Lloyd Augustus Hall discovered the use of curing salts for preserving and processing meats revolutionized the meat industry registers 100 patents.
Lloyd Augustus Hall discovered the use of curing salts for preserving and processing meats revolutionized the meat industry registers 100 patents.•Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN.
Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN.•The lantern, which has been a boon to the outdoorsman was patented August 19, 1884 by M. C. Harney.
The lantern, which has been a boon to the outdoorsman was patented August 19, 1884 by M. C. Harney.•Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, became the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT in 1973.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, became the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT in 1973.•In august 1983, Col. Guion Bluford is the first African-American Astronaut to fly in space. He was also, among the first crew to perish in outer space.
In august 1983, Col. Guion Bluford is the first African-American Astronaut to fly in space. He was also, among the first crew to perish in outer space. •W. B. Purvis patented the revolutionized written communications with his patent of the Fountain Pen January 7, 1890.
W. B. Purvis patented the revolutionized written communications with his patent of the Fountain Pen January 7, 1890.•During slavery, Benjamin Montgomery, slave of Jefferson Davis, invented a boat propeller. US laws prevented slaves from receiving patents during that time and Montgomery was never able to patent his invention.
During slavery, Benjamin Montgomery, slave of Jefferson Davis, invented a boat propeller. US laws prevented slaves from receiving patents during that time and Montgomery was never able to patent his invention.•Tired of dull pencil lead, J. L. Love patented the pencil sharpener November 23, 1897.
Tired of dull pencil lead, J. L. Love patented the pencil sharpener November 23, 1897.•The first recorded minstrel performance took place on the stage of the Federal Street Theater in Boston in 1799.
The first recorded minstrel performance took place on the stage of the Federal Street Theater in Boston in 1799.•G. W. Kelley revolutionized the food service industry with his patent of the steam table October 26, 1897.
G. W. Kelley revolutionized the food service industry with his patent of the steam table October 26, 1897.•Jan Matzeliger, Born in Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, revolutionized the shoe industry with his March 10, 1883 invention of a method for lasting shoes. His patented device could adjust a shoe, arrange the leather over the sole, drive in the nails, and deliver the finished product in one minute's time. As a result, the price of shoes was reduced by 50%, wages doubled, working conditions improved for workers in the shoe industry. He died at 37 and never realized a cent from his invention.
Jan Matzeliger, Born in Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, revolutionized the shoe industry with his March 10, 1883 invention of a method for lasting shoes. His patented device could adjust a shoe, arrange the leather over the sole, drive in the nails, and deliver the finished product in one minute's time. As a result, the price of shoes was reduced by 50%, wages doubled, working conditions improved for workers in the shoe industry. He died at 37 and never realized a cent from his invention.•The African Benevolent Society was formed in 1808.
The African Benevolent Society was formed in 1808.•St. Clair Drake, distinguished African American anthropolo- gist born in 1911.
St. Clair Drake, distinguished African American anthropolo- gist born in 1911.•The abolitionist newspaper, the Liberator was first printed in 1831.
The abolitionist newspaper, the Liberator was first printed in 1831.•Historian, John Hope Franklin was born in 1915.
Historian, John Hope Franklin was born in 1915.•The National Negro Baseball League was organized in 1920 by Andrew Foster.
The National Negro Baseball League was organized in 1920 by Andrew Foster.•The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was chartered as a national organization in 1911.
The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was chartered as a national organization in 1911.•Harold R. Perry was the second African American Roman Catholic bishop in US history, in 1966.
Harold R. Perry was the second African American Roman Catholic bishop in US history, in 1966.•Marian Anderson was the first Black to appear with the Metropolitan Opera, in 1955.
Marian Anderson was the first Black to appear with the Metropolitan Opera, in 1955.•The first black woman to graduate college in America was Fannie M. Jackson Coppin.
The first black woman to graduate college in America was Fannie M. Jackson Coppin.•Fisk University was founded in Nashville, Tenn. in 1866.
Fisk University was founded in Nashville, Tenn. in 1866.•The Congressional Black Caucus was organized in 1971.
The Congressional Black Caucus was organized in 1971. ____________________________ •This list, by no means, is meant to convey all the achievements of African-Americans. There are many more, buried in history. The challenge now, is to have educators motivate their students, of all ethnicities to do more research on the subject. It is astonishing just how many items in use today, that are products created in the mind of slaves, for which they were never compensated or recognized.
This list, by no means, is meant to convey all the achievements of African-Americans. There are many more, buried in history. The challenge now, is to have educators motivate their students, of all ethnicities to do more research on the subject. It is astonishing just how many items in use today, that are products created in the mind of slaves, for which they were never compensated or recognized. •Yes, I do believe that African American History should be a required subject in the education system. It should not be relegated to one month per year, as is done today. We are worth more, and deserve more. However, if we do not stand up and fight for that right, no one else cares.
Yes, I do believe that African American History should be a required subject in the education system. It should not be relegated to one month per year, as is done today. We are worth more, and deserve more. However, if we do not stand up and fight for that right, no one else cares.