1731. Benjamin Banneker was born on a farm near Baltimore, Maryland to a free mother and a slave father. A genius from birth, Banneker once examined a friend’s pocket watch, and from studying the mechanics, created the first clock made in this hemisphere. Made entirely of wood, the clock kept time with unerring accuracy for over forty years.
Banneker was chosen to work with the planners of the Federal Territory later to become known as Washington, DC. When the French architect, Pierre L’Enfant, quit and took all the plans with him, Banneker astonished the planners by reproducing the plans, in detail, entirely from memory.
Banneker also published a series of 10 almanacs which were widely distributed, and extremely popular for their accuracy.
Read more about Banneker here.
1868. Howard University opened its medical school with an initial enrolment of eight students.
1923. Dorothy Dandridge was born in Cleveland, Ohio. A famous singer and actress, she will be the first Black actress nominated for an Academy Award. Among her best-known roles are "Porgy and Bess," and "Carmen Jones." Take a look at the video below for a sample of her awesome work.
1925. Paul Robeson makes his film debut in Oscar Micheaux's movie "Body and Soul."
1965. Willie Mays is named the National League's Most Valuable Player.
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