This Week in History, June 22–28: 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. June 22 On this day in 1941, African-American journalist Ed Bradley was born. A former correspondent for CBS, he has been an anchor on "60 Minutes" for more than 20 years. Also on this day in 1947, Octavia Butler was born. An award-winning novelist in the science fiction genre, she is the winner of the MacArthur Foundation genius grant. June 23 On this day in 1870, African-American surgeon Matilda Evans was born; the first African-American woman to be licensed as a physician in South Carolina, she took patients into her own home until she could build a hospital for them. Founder of the Good Health Association of South Carolina, she established a clinic for Black children. June 24 On this day in 1914, entrepreneur and activist Oscar Howard was born. Active in the war against poverty, he devoted his catering company to providing home-delivered meals to the elderly poor in inner-city St. Paul and Minneapolis. Also on this day in 1813, Henry Ward Beecher was born. A Presbyterian minister, American abolitionist, orator, and writer, he used his religious influence to oppose slavery. June 25 On this day in 1933, James Meredith was born. When his admission to the University of Mississippi was denied, Attorney General Robert Kennedy ruled that the university was guilty of education segregation, and Meredith became the first Black admitted. He went on to start the March Against Fear from Memphis to Jackson; his papers are now part of a special collection at the University of Mississippi. June 26 On this day in 1909, African-American attorney and activist Gertrude Rush was born. Iowa's first Black female lawyer, she co-founded the Charity League and the National Bar Association. June 27 On this day in 1933, Caldwell McCoy was born. An electrical engineer who managed the largest computer facility in the nation devoted to a single scientific problem, he designed, tested, and evaluated systems for long-range detection of submarines. June 28 On this day in 1787, Black Seminole warrior Abraham was born. He headed up Prospect Bluff Fort in Florida, which became a haven for Africans who had escaped from slavery.