This Week in History, November 6-12: 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. November 6 On this day in 1814, novelist and antislavery proponent William S. Brown was born. Brown eventually became a lecturer on behalf of women's rights and temperance, but it was as a fugitive slave speaking on the evils of slavery that he was best known. November 7 On this day in 1950, African-American neurosurgeon Alexa Canady was born. In addition to being the first woman and first Black to become a neurosurgeon in America, she is a clinical associate professor at Wayne State University and is working to change the way African-Americans are perceived both as patients and physicians. Also on this day in 1972, Barbara Jordan and Andrew Young became the first African-Americans from the south elected to Congress since Reconstruction. Jordan represented Houston, Texas, and Young was a representative of Atlanta, Georgia. November 8 On this day in 1966, Edward Brook became the first African-American elected to the Senate since the Reconstruction era in the United States and the first Black senator elected by popular vote. November 9 On this day in 1731, mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker was born. Completely self-taught, he built a clock out of wood, planned the survey for the establishment of the city Washington, D. C., and published important almanacs that influenced business owners of his day. November 10 On this day in 1735, abolitionist and philanthropist Granville Sharpe was born. He fought for the freedom of slaves in England before emigrating to the United States. A co-founder of the American Episcopalian Church, he and others formed the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. After the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, Sharpe and others formed the Society for the Mitigation and Gradual Abolition of Slavery. November 11 On this day in 1907, African-American author, playwright, composer, and activist Shirley DuBois was born. While living and traveling through many parts of the world, she was a prolific writer who championed the cause of African-Americans. November 12 On this day in 1941, the National Negro Opera Company was founded.