On This Day: February 7th in Black History

February 7th in Black History

February 7th marks several pivotal moments in Black history, from athletic achievements to cultural milestones.

Notable Events

1926 - Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," launched the first Negro History Week, which would later evolve into Black History Month. Woodson chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

1964 - The Beatles arrived in America, but what's less discussed is how Black artists like Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino directly influenced their sound—a debt the Beatles themselves openly acknowledged.

1990 - The South African government lifted its 30-year ban on the African National Congress (ANC), paving the way for Nelson Mandela's release just two days later.

Births on This Day

1867 - Laura Wheeler Waring was born in Hartford, Connecticut. She became one of the most celebrated portrait artists of the Harlem Renaissance, known for her dignified portrayals of African American leaders and intellectuals.

1968 - Peter Mensah, Ghanaian-British actor known for powerful roles in "300," "Spartacus," and "True Blood," was born.

Did You Know?

On this day in 1897, the first African American-owned newspaper in Virginia, the Richmond Planet, celebrated its 14th year of publication under editor John Mitchell Jr. Mitchell used his platform to crusade against lynching and racial injustice, making the Planet one of the most influential Black newspapers of its era.

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