This Week In Black History (December 7 – December 13)

December 7, 1941 – Doris “Dorie” Miller, a Black cook onboard the USS West Virginia, shoots down four Japanese planes during attack on Pearl Harbor. Miller became one of the first heroes of World War II, but was never recommended for or awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor. (Photo Courtesy: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

December 8, 1925 – A jack of all trades, Sammy Davis Jr., born in Harlem, New York City, was a mutli-talent who broke racial barriers in Hollywood. Davis was a successful actor, comedian, singer and dancer. He was also part of the Rat Pack, comprised of entertainers: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. He starred in several films, including: “Anna Lucasta” with Eartha Kitt (1958), “Porgy and Bess” with Dorothy Dandridge and Sidney Poitier (1959), “Ocean’s 11” (1960). (Courtesy Photo)

December 9, 1938 – David Jones, also known as Deacon Jones, was a former professional American football player born in Eatonville, Florida. Jones was a football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and the Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. (Photo Courtesy: Associated Press)

December 10, 1985 – Actress, singer and TV personality, Raven-Symoné was born in Atlanta, GA. She captivated the audience, starring in “The Cosby Show” as Olivia Kendall and went on to star as in ABC’s “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” as Nicole Lee in 1993. Symoné followed with “The Little Rascals” (1994), “Dr. Dolittle” (1998), and Disney Network’s “That’s So Raven” and “The Cheetah Girls” and is a former co-host for “The View.” (Courtesy Photo)

(Courtesy Photo)

December 12, 1870 – Joseph H. Rainey became the first African American to be sworn into United States House of Representatives on December 12, 1870. Rainey served as a Republican representing South Carolina’s 1st District from December 12, 1870 until March 3, 1879. (Courtesy Photo)

December 13, 1967 – Actor, comedian and singer Jamie Foxx was born in Terrell, TX. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor in his prized portrayal of legendary singer Ray Charles in biopic “Ray.” Foxx got his start “In Living Color” in 1991 and followed with his own sitcom “The Jamie Foxx Show” in 1996. (Courtesy Photo)

Related Articles