This Week in History, March 27 - April 2: 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. March 27 On this day in 1909, African-American civil rights and peace activist Wally Nelson was born. He played a major role in ending racial segregation as the authorized policy of the federal prison system and was the first national field organizer for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). March 28 On this day, African-American sculptor Ed Wilson was born. Known for figurative works that are typically created in metal, he designed a park in downtown Binghamton honoring President John F. Kennedy and sculpted the column at its center. March 29 on this date in 1918, African-American singer, actress, and entertainer Pearl Bailey was born. Known for her comedic timing and charm, she was honored for her service to American troops, was named a special delegate to the United Nations, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. March 30 On this day in 1903, African-American ambassador Mercer Cook was born. Ambassador to the Republic of Niger, he was also special envoy to Senegal and Gambia. March 31 On this day in 1942, African-American journalist Robert McGruder was born. Executive editor of the Detroit Free Press, he was a director of the Michigan Press Association and an advisory board member of the Institute for Minority Journalists at Wayne State University. He won a number of awards, including the John S. Knight Medal, the highest employee honor given by Knight Ridder, Inc. April 1 On this day in 1911, African-American librarian and storyteller Augusta Baker was born. She amassed a collection of books to provide inspiring Black role models and present an accurate view of African-American life to children, a project that became the New York City Library's James Weldon Johnson Memorial Collection. She was coordinator of children's services in all 82 branches of the New York Public Library for 13 years and was a consultant to television's "Sesame Street." April 2 On this day in 1908, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall was born. Graduating first in his class at Howard University Law School, his most important victory was in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the well-known case involving racial segregation in public schools.