The 365 Black History serious is designed to give our community a chance to learn and appreciate the achievement, struggles and experience of our ancestors, inventors, business people, scientific, educators, children and more.

On May 5th in Black History:

1865 – Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. activist, born

Mr. Powell is one of the most important figures in the history of African Americans in the United States. Born May 5th, 1865, he became a Baptist pastor and American politician. He represented Harlem, New York City, in the United States House of Representatives from 1945 to 1971 and was the first African American to be elected from New York to Congress.

Powell was a relentless activist for the rights and freedoms of African Americans across the country and an advocate for Black people around the world.

1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks becomes the first Black person awarded a Pulitzer Prize, for Annie Allen

Gwendolyn Brooks is one of the greatest American poets of all time and was an excellent teacher. On this date in history, she became the first African-American woman to win a Pulitzer price in 1950 for her second collection, Annie Allen.

Brooks was born June 7th, 1917 and passed on December 3rd, 2000. Her work will forever be loved and remembered.

1988 – Eugene Marion is installed as the first Black Archbishop in the US.

1993 – J. Terry Steib becomes the first Black bishop in the state of Tennessee.

1975 – Hank Aaron Surpassed Babe Ruth’s RBI record

Most people are familiar with Hank Aaron become Major League Baseball’s all time leading homerun leader passing Babe Ruth’s record. However, most people don’t know he also passed Ruth in RBI, runs batted in, as well.

Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs and over 2200 RBIs, both are records taht still stand to this day. Aaron was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame on August 1st, 1982. He worked in and around baseball for many years following his retirement and is very active in the African American struggle in this country.