This Week in History, June 27 - July 3: 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 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. June 29 On this day in 1867, African-American concert soprano and pioneer music educator Emma Hackley was born. She funded a scholarship for Black musicians and traveled to folk festivals throughout the nation teaching Negro spirituals. June 30 On this day in 1974, Alberta W. King—mother of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—was murdered as she sat at the organ in the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. July 1 On this day in 1911, news publisher and businesswoman Lucile Bluford was born. As part of a 50-year career in journalism, she was publisher of the Kansas City Call—the only business to remain open in the city's commerce district during its downturn. Also on this day in 1911, Leona P. Thurman was born. One of 15 civic, business, and government leaders appointed to serve on President Richard Nixon's blue ribbon panel to conduct a year-long study of the Department of Defense, she was Kansas City's first Black woman lawyer. July 2 On this day in 1922, NAACP head Aaron Henry was born. Later elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, he spearheaded the formation of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and was active in the civil rights movement. Also on this day in 1925, Medgar Evers was born. His assassination in Mississippi galvanized the civil rights movement in the south. July 3 On this day in 1945, African-American educator Ruth Simmons was born. Director of Princeton's African-American Studies Program, she was the first Black president of Brown University. Also on this day in 1919, chemist Samuel Massie was born. The first African-American to teach at the U.S. Naval Academy, he was named one of the 75 premier chemists of the 20th century.