This Week in History, February 27 - March 5:
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.

February 27
On this day in 1890, African-American nurse Mabel Staupers was born. As executive secretary of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, she increased membership, established a citizen advisory committee, built coalitions with other medical groups, and effectively dismantled many racial barriers in the nursing profession in America.

February 28
On this day in 1943, "Porgy and Bess" opened on Broadway. It was the first American folk opera about the lives of Black Americans.

March 1
on this date in 1927, African-American entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte was born. A Tony- and Grammy-winning actor and singer, the Peace Corps gave him its Leader for Peace Award. Twenty percent of his income goes to the Belafonte Foundation of Music and Art, which helps young Black people study for careers in the arts. He also heads a group called the Urban Peace Movement. Also on this date in 1841, U.S. Senator Blanche K. Bruce was born. The first Black senator from Mississippi, he was also register of the Treasury, recorder of deeds in the District of Columbia, and a trustee of Howard University.

March 2
On this day in 1957, African-American computer scientist Mark Dean was born. Graduatingat the top of his class from the University of Tennessee, he is Vice President of Performance for IBM's RS/6000 Division. Holding more than 20 U.S. patents, he was inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame.

March 3
On this day in 1913, African-American educator and composer Margaret Bonds was born. During her illustrious career, Bonds taught at the American Theater Wing and performed with a number of orchestras; her works for piano and orchestra depict her sense of ethnic identity through her use of jazz harmonies, spiritual materials, and social themes.

March 4
On this day in 1900, African-American psychologist Ruth Howard Beckham was born. Best-known for her study of triplets, she was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

March 5
On this day in 1925, African-American attorney and Congressman George Washington Collins was born. A representative from Illinois, he had also served as the deputy sheriff of Cook County.