This Week in History, August 1-7: 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. Information for "This Week in History" is taken from the African American Registry. August 1 On this day in 1874, African-American business leader Charles Spaulding was born. He built the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company into the nation's largest Black-owned business by the time of his death. Also on this date in 1895, educator and college president Benjamin E. Mays was born. A mentor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he spoke at Dr. King's funeral. August 2 On this day in 1806, African-American educator and abolitionist Sarah M. Douglass was born. She established a school for Black students and was head of the girls' primary department at what was to become Cheney State College. August 3 On this day in 1832, Black nationalist Edward Blyden was born. Secretary of State in Liberia, he was a teacher and scholar who defended his race and who exalted the achievement of Black people. Also on this day, we honor the eleven remarkable African-Americans who have won the Nobel Prize, a group that includes Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Bishop Desmond Tutu. August 4 On this day in 1961, Illinois Senator Barack Obama was born. An African-American lawyer, politician, and activist, he was the first Black editor of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. Also on this day in 1901, entertainer Louis Armstrong was born. His hit, "Hello Dolly," was number-one on the Billboard magazine charts and garnered Armstrong a Grammy award. August 5 On this day in 1946, physicist and progressive scientist Shirley Jackson was born. The first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in theoretical solid state physics from MIT, she served on the board of AT&T Bell Laboratories and was the chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. August 6 On this day in 1938, African-American educator, administrator, scientist, and philanthropist Reatha Clark King was born. She was president of Metropolitan State University in Minnesota and worked to promote opportunities for minorities and women in higher education. 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.