This Week In Black History (September 21 – September 27)
September 21, 1998 – Florence Griffith Joyner, nicknamed “Flo-Jo” was an Olympic track star, dies in Mission Viejo, CA. Known for her interesting style and amazing speed, Joyner holds the world records in the 100- and 200-meter events. (Courtesy Photo)
September 22, 1905 – Atlanta race riots took place, as many Blacks and Whites were killed. (Photo Courtesy: Le Petit Journal)
September 23, 1930 –Music icon, Ray Charles was born in Albany, GA. Blind, Charles was a pioneer, using soul, R&B, gospel, pop and country with acclaimed hits “Unchain My Heart,” “Hit the Road Jack,” “Georgia on My Mind” and many more. (Photo Courtesy: Rock Hall Library and Archive)
September 24,1829 – On this day, author, abolitionist and anti-slavery activist, David Walker wrote “The Appeal.” The narrative was a motivating piece for free and slave African Americans, as well as cause for alarm for Southern slave owners and many Northern abolitionists who favored more gradual change. (Courtesy Photo)
September 25,1957 – Little Rock Nine took place as Central High School integrated. Nine Black students were escorted from the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division into an all-White High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Courtesy Photo)
September 26, 1968 – The Studio Museum of Harlem opens in New York City.
September 27, 1950 – Poet and scholar, Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for poetry in book Annie Allen (1949) that year. (Courtesy Photo)
