This Week in History, October 31 - November 6: 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. October 31 On this day in 1896, African-American actress and vocalist Ethel Waters was born. In addition to her work in films and on Broadway, she became the first artist to release a blues record on the Black-owned Black Swan label, recording "Down Home Blues" and "Oh Daddy.” November 1 On this day in 1796, the African Free School was opened. The first school for Blacks in America, it was the first of seven such schools, which were eventually incorporated into the public school system. November 2 On this day in 1826, artist Edward Mitchell Bannister was born. He was one of the first Blacks to receive national recognition as a painter, and was the only major Black artist of the nineteenth century who did not travel to Europe to study art. November 3 On this day in 1992, attorney and politician Carol Mosley-Braun became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Also on this day in 1868, John Willis Menard became the first Black man elected to the U.S. Congress. November 4 On this day in 1750, Black pioneer and explorer Jean-Baptist-Point Du Sable was born. The twenty years he settled on the shores of Lake Michigan established his title of "Father of Chicago." November 5 On this day in 1899, African-American aviator James Banning was born. The first Black to obtain a license from the U.S. Department of Commerce, he and a friend became the first Blacks to fly coast to coast—from Los Angeles to Long Island—in a plane they pieced together from junkyard scraps. 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.