Feb. 18
1931- Author Toni Morrison was born in Lorain, Ohio. Morrison, who was born Chloe Anthony Wofford, went on to win a Pulitzer Prize for her novel “Beloved”.
Feb. 19
1992- Filmmaker John Singleton became the first African American director to be nominated for an Academy Award in categories for best director and best screenplay for his first film, “Boyz ‘N the Hood.”
Feb. 20
1936- Jazz singer and actress Nancy Wilson was born in Chillicothe, Ohio. Wilson had more than 70 albums in her career and three Grammy awards.
Feb. 21
1965- Malcolm X was assassinated at age 39 in Audubon Ballroom at a rally for his organization. Thomas Hagan gunned him down while giving a speech in New York’s Audubon Ballroom.
Feb. 22
1989- DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, known as Will Smith, won the first Rap Grammy for their single, “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”
Feb. 23
1979- Frank E. Petersen Jr. was named the first African American general in the Marine Corps.
