Contributions of African-Americans
December 26
On this day in 1892, Mary Holmes College was founded. Originally located in Jackson, Mississippi, the school was dedicated to the Christian education of "colored" girls, largely in the domestic arts. When fire destroyed the original school, it was rebuilt in West Point, Mississippi, where it is now located—and where, in spite of two more destructive fires, it continues to seek to educate youth for worthy, purposeful lives. December 26 is also the first day of Kwanzaa: Umoja or unity. Umoja is the foundational principal of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles), for without it, all the other principles suffer. Unity is a cardinal virtue of classic and general African societies; it is focused on family, generational, community, and pan-African unity.
December 27
On this day in 1857, African-American politician Henry Plummer Cheatham was born a slave in North Carolina. After serving in several government positions, he was elected to Congress from North Carolina, where he fought for reimbursement to the 61,000 depositors of the Freedmen’s Savings and Trust Company. December 27 is also the second day of Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia or self-determination. This second principle of the Nguzo Saba expresses itself in both commitment and practice. It requires that we as African people define and develop ourselves instead of allowing or encouraging others to do this. It demands that we recover our memory and once again shape our world in our own image and interest. Kujichagulia focuses on defining identity and Afro-centric thought and practice.December 28
On this date in 1865, military officer Edward Lee Baker, Jr., was born. After receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in the Battle of San Juan Hill, he was given command of the 49th Infantry. Baker led this 100-man unit to an unprecedented record of efficiency and discipline. Also on this date in 1954, award-winning actor Denzel Washington was born. He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for playing a defiant self-possessed slave in the film "Glory," and was nominated for an Oscar for the lead role in 1992's "Malcolm X," which transformed his career and turned him into one of Hollywood's most respected actors. December 28 is also the third day of Kwanzaa: Ujima or collective work and responsibility. The third principle is a commitment to active and informed togetherness on a subject of common interest. It is also recognition and respect for the fact that without collective work and struggle, progress is impossible and liberation unthinkable. Ujima focuses on African freedom as indivisible, active cooperation, and the challenge of culture and history.December 29
On this day in 1917, African-American politician Tom Bradley was born. The first Black elected to the Los Angeles city council, he became the city's first Black mayor, a position he held for twenty years until his retirement from politics. December 29 is also the fourth day of Kwanzaa: Ujamaa or cooperative economics. This principle is a commitment to the practice of shared social wealth and the work needed to achieve it. Ujamaa is above all human centered—concerned foremost with the well-being, happiness, and development of the human person.December 30
On this day in 1975, African-American golfer Eldrick "Tiger" Woods was born. He is the first Black and the youngest golfer to win a major golf tournament. Woods is now a five-time PGA Player of the Year in his seven full seasons on tour. He also conducts his own annual charity tournament, the Target World Challenge. December 30 is also the fifth day of Kwanzaa: Nia or purpose. The fifth principle is a dedication to the collective vocation of building, developing, and defending our community, its culture, and its history. This is done to regain our historical initiative and greatness as a people, and add good and beauty in the world.December 31
On this day in 1896, African-American historian, journalist, and Pan-Africanist Amy Garvey was born. A key figure in the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), her editorials demonstrated her commitment to Pan-Africanism and her belief that Black women should be active in their communities even to the point of sacrifice of self. December 31 is also the sixth day of Kwanzaa: Kuumba or creativity.
This principle is a vow to being creative in the name of restoring Black people to their traditional greatness by leaving our community more beautiful and beneficial. A large piece of expression can be found in the literature and culture of ancient Egypt.January 1
On this day in 1914, African-American doctor, activist, and community server Muriel Petioni was born. For forty years, she maintained a private practice that predominantly served poor and disadvantaged patients; because she always understood the importance of Black professionals serving as role models, she worked diligently with the Coalition of 100 Black Women to develop a mentoring program for young women interested in the sciences and medicine. January 1 is also the seventh and last day of Kwanzaa: Imani or faith. This principle is a profound belief in and devotion to all that is of value to Black people as a family, community, people, and culture. Imani is to believe in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.