This Week In Black History (January 11 – January 17)

January 11, 1971 – The “Queen of hip-hop soul,” Mary J. Blige was born in Bronx, NY. She is credited for merging R&B soul and hip hop. The musical icon, is respected among her peers in both genres of music. The multi award winning songstress credits include: What’s the 411?”, “My Life,” “No More Drama” to “Growing Pains,” just to name a few. Blige is currently nominated for “Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress,” “Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role” and “Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress” for her performance in “Mudbound”. (Courtesy Photo)

January 12, 1965 – Playwright and activist Lorraine Hansberry died of pancreatic cancer in New York City, NY. She wrote the acclaimed novel “A Raisin in the Sun.” She was the first Black playwright and the youngest to win a New York Critics’ Circle award. (Courtesy Photo)

January 13, 1989 – In 1969, Douglas Wilder became the first African American since Reconstruction to win a seat in the Virginia Senate and was the first to win office in Virginia, elected governor in the U.S. in 1989. (Courtesy Photo)

January 14, 1972 – “Sanford and Son” premiered on NBC network that year. The father and son duo, played by comedian Red Foxx and Demond Wilson, was hit among viewers, becoming a classic. (Courtesy Photo)

January 15, 1908 – Alpha Kappa Alpha became the first African American sorority, founded on Howard University’s campus in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy Photo)

January 16, 1979 – Songstress, actor and dancer Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, NY. The multi-talent remains one of the most admired female R&B enteratiners of the 1990s’ and early 2000s’. Aaliyah captivated the audience and music world with her unique style and sound, that continues to be respected in today’s musical climate. (Photo Courtesy: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

January 17, 1982 – NBA star Dwyane Wade was born in Chicago, IL. He played for the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and now currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers as point and shooting guard. (Courtesy Photo)

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