In recognition of Black History Month, what are some of your favorite little-known Black history facts?
Kyng Sankofa, Lexington, Ky
Samuel Cornish and John Brown Russworm, two Black men, started the first Black-owned newspaper in America, The Freedom’s Journal, in 1827. Also, the debates about what we call ourselves, Black, African American, colored, etc., have been going on since the 1830s. Back then, the debates centered around colored, oppressed Americans, Negro, Black, African, and Africo-American.
Dani Robinson, Aurora, Ill.
Jean Pointe Baptiste Du Sable not only founded Chicago but also settled many other cities in Illinois.
Craig Anderson, Oceanside, Calif.
Blacks were called cowboys because of the word “boy,” and whites were called “cattlemen.” Whites didn’t start using the word cowboy until it became popular. Two out of every five cowboys in the Old West were Black.
Cynthia Kidd, Washington, D.C.
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner was a remarkable 20th-century inventor who received five patents. In spite of enduring racism her entire life, Kenner succeeded in patenting inventions that made everyday life easier. Her inventions include the sanitary belt – a predecessor to the maxi pad, a serving tray and pocket that connects to a walker, and a toilet paper holder that ensures the loose end of the paper is within reach.
Vashay Conley, Johnson City, Tenn.
1. The Buffalo Soldiers actually captured San Juan Hill. 2. Thousands of black soldiers volunteered to give up their ranks in order to fight at the Battle of the Bulge, which helped the Allied forces win, but they never got their ranks reinstated. 3. The majority of the world’s mathematics came from African mathematics.
Compiled by Sarafina Wright