This Week In Black History (September 28 – October 4)
September 28, 1928 – Koko Taylor, known as the “Queen of Chicago Blues,” was born in Shelby County, Tennessee. She made her debut on Chess records in 1964 with hit song “Wang Dang Doodle,” selling more than one million copies. In the mid 1970’s, she released the album “I Got What It Takes,” receiving her first Grammy nomination. In 1984, she won her first Grammy for her work on Atlantic’s compilation “Blues Explosion.” (Courtesy Photo)
September 29, 1975 – Founded by William Venoid Banks, WGPR-TV (Where God’s Presence Radiates) was the first Black owned television station in United States, located in Detroit, airing on channel 62. (Courtesy Photo)
September 30, 1991- Mike Powell Breaks The World Long Jump Record, when he jumped 8.95 meters, at the 1991 World Championship in Tokyo. Powell broke the world long jump world record previously held by Bob Beamon, set at 8.90, at the 1968 Olympics. To this day Powell’s world long jump world record remains unbroken. (Courtesy Photo)
October 1, 1945 – Legendary R&B singer, Donnie Hathaway was born in Chicago, IL. He is remembered for his soulful voice and song “The Ghetto,” a classic single among Black music culture. He released album “Everything Is Everything” in the early 1970’s. Hathaway collaborated with fellow iconic soul artist, Roberta Flack with “You’ve Got a Friend.” The duo went on to form a multitude of duets on album, “Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway” in 1972. The soft and romantic ballad “Where Is the Love?” topped the R&B charts and won a Grammy. His success followed with another cherished song, “The Closer I Get to You.” Hathaway’s legacy lives on through daughter and Grammy Award winning singer, Lalah Hathaway. (Courtesy Photo)
October 2, 1937 – An established civil rights attorney, Johnnie Cochran was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. A sought after attorney, Cochran handled cases involving police brutality within the African American community. He is infamous for taking on high profile cases for celebrity clients such as Michael Jackson and O. J. Simpson. His legacy continues with his private practice, Johnnie L Cochran Jr. law firm located in Los Angeles. (Courtesy Photo)
October 3, 1904 – Educator, Mary McLeod Bethune opened Daytona Normal and Industrial School in Daytona Beach, Florida. In 1923, the school merged with Cookman Institute and became Bethune-Cookman College. Seventy-six Blacks were reported lynched in 1904. (Courtesy Photo)
October 4, 1943 – Activist H. Rap Brown was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) while attending Southern University and A&M College. He graduated from SNCC and joined the Black Panther Party. His reputation became synonymous with the phrase “Burn, Baby, Burn.”
Brown later converted to Islam and changed his name to Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin. (Photo Courtesy: Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
