This Week in History, January 30 - February 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.

January 30
On this day in 1844, African-American politician, lawyer, and educator Richard Greener was born. The first African-American graduate of Harvard, he was dean of Howard University's law school and was the first African-American to be elected a member of the American Philological Association, the primary academic society for classical studies in North America.

January 31
On this day in 1919, African-American athlete and businessman Jackie Robinson was born. Breaking professional baseball's racial barrier, he was the first African-American inducted into the Hall of Fame.

February 1
On this date in 1902, African-American writer Langston Hughes was born. Active in social and political causes, he used his poetry as a vehicle for cultural protest. Though he wrote in several literary genres, he is best known for his poetry, which used the oral and improvisational traditions of Black culture.

February 2
On this day in 1827, African-American businessman and abolitionist John Parker was born. Active as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, prior to the Emancipation Proclamation he took an active role in freeing an estimated 1,000 slaves from bondage.

February 3
On this day in 1867, African-American zoologist and inventor Charles Turner was born. He was best known for his observations and descriptions of arthropods; a classic characteristic of the insects was named after him.

February 4
On this day in 1913, African-American civil rights activist Rosa Parks was born. Her refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, was considered the turning point in the fight for civil rights for African-Americans. She is the first woman to have lain in state in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

February 5
On this day in 1934, African-American baseball executive Hank Aaron was born. After a career on several major league baseball teams, he retired in 1976 with a record 755 home runs and 2297 runs batted in, remaining major league baseball’s all-time home run hitter.