This Week in History, August 7–13: Contributions of African-Americans

Note: Here, learn about some of the African-Americans who have influenced history and contributed to the culture we now enjoy. To learn more about each individual, click on that person's name. August 7 On this day in 1904, African-American scholar and diplomat Ralph J. Bunche was born. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation efforts in the United Nations, in which he negotiated four armistice agreements that halted the 1948-49 Arab-Israeli War. Also on this day in 1888, African-American educator and missionary Diana McNeil Pierson was born. She was the first Black to attend USC, and went on to a successful teaching career. August 8 On this day in 1936, African-American Congressman Julian Dixon was born. Congressman from California's 32nd District, which encompasses dozens of distinct ethnic neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Dixon wrote the first economic sanctions law against South Africa and was instrumental in gaining increased development assistance to the entire continent. August 9 On this day in 1869, African-American businesswoman and inventor Annie Malone was born. In search of a better method of hair care for Black women, she was the first to patent the hot comb and founded Poro College in 1917 in St. Louis, the first center in America dedicated to the study and teaching of Black cosmetology. August 10 On this day in 1909, Black Congressman George Crockett was born. A hearing officer with the United States Department of Labor and with the Federal Fair Employment Practices Commission, he served five terms in Congress as a representative from Michigan, during which time he was an outspoken opponent of apartheid. August 11 On this day in 1925, African-American cabinet member, ambassador, and nationally known syndicated newspaper columnist Carl Rowan was born. In addition to his accomplishments in government and communications, he created Project Excellence to help Black youth finish school and go on to college. Since being founding in 1987, it has awarded more than $58 million to some 2,400 young people. August 12 On this day in 1890, lyric soprano Lillian Evanti was born. After performing throughout the world, she was honored at the Franklin Roosevelt White House in 1934 and won critical acclaim for her role as Violetta in the National Negro Opera Company’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata. August 13 On this day in 1885, African-American attorney and civil rights advocate Lena Smith was born. The first Black woman to practice law in Minnesota, she was considered one of the most aggressive and successful civil rights lawyers of her time.