Voices In Color

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1922, actress Dorothy Dandridge was born. Dandridge's portrayal of Carmen in Carmen Jones won her a Oscar nomination making her the first Black woman to be nominated for an Oscar.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1961, President Kennedy named Thurgood Marshall to U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1998, sprinter Florence Griffith-Joyner, winner of three gold and a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics, died. She was 38.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1983, Lt. Col. Guion S. Bluford Jr. was the first Black US astronaut to enter space.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1960, Branford Marsalis, jazz saxophonist and icon was born.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1990, Washington, D.C. elected Sharon Pratt Dixon (now Kelly) as its first black, woman mayor.  Making this a first for a woman of any race.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1992, Carol Moseley Braun was the first African American woman to be elected to the US Senate.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1983, President Ronald Reagan signs law designating the third Monday in January Martin Luther King Jr Day.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1987, Mae C. Jemison, M.D. was chosen by NASA to begin training as a space shuttle astronaut.

Today's Black Fact

On this day in 1973, Doris A. Davis of Compton, California becomes the first African American woman to govern a metropolitan city.