This Week in History, December 5-11: 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. December 5 On this day in 1895, African-American mathematician and educator Elbert F. Cox was born. The recipient of a number of educational honors, he was the first Black to earn a Ph.D. in pure mathematics, a field concerned with mathematical theory rather than with practice or application. Also on this date in 1935, the National Council of Negro Women was founded by Mary McLeod Bethune as an idea to unite women and secure justice. The NCNW has grown into a multi-faceted, nonprofit organization that works at the local, state, national, and international levels to "leave no one behind" and to improve quality of life for women, children, and families. December 6 On this day in 1892, African-American dermatologist, philanthropist, and medical pioneer Theodore Lawless was born. He made a number of contributions to the field of dermatology, including strides toward the cure of leprosy, and received honorary degrees from Talladega College, Howard University, Bethune-Cookman College, Virginia State University, and the University of Illinois. Among his prestigious honors were the NAACP Spingarn Medal and the Golden Torch Award of the City of Hope. December 7 On this day we discuss Kwanzaa, an African-American celebration of culture that is observed from December 26 through January 1. Kwanzaa has its roots in the ancient African first-fruit harvest celebrations; find out why it's celebrated today and what the celebration symbolizes. December 8 On this day in 1899, African-American teacher and missionary Sarah Williamson was born. First principal and later dean of girls at Suehn Industrial Academy, she provided not only religious instruction, but taught her students English. December 9 On this day in 1919, African-American artist and photographer Roy DeCarava was born. The first African-American photographer to win a Guggenheim Fellowship, he opened a photographer's gallery in New York, a pioneering effort to win recognition for photography as a fine art. December 10 On this day in 1854, African-American businessman Edwin C. Berry was born. Often called the "Black Horatio Algier" of Athens, Ohio, he was known as the most successful Black small-city hotel operator in the United States. December 11 On this day in 1820, Martin F. Becker was born. One of the few Blacks to vote in Massachusetts at the time, he had a career that spanned such vocations as barber and sailor to trial justice and election manager.