Black History Month originated in 1926, founded by Carter G. Woodson and was created to celebrate achievements, births, important timelines, events and to remember those we lost.
February 13: This Day in Black History was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
1. The Renaissance
1923: The first Black pro Basketball team “The Renaissance” was organized on this day. (Photo: The Urban Daily)
2. Earl ‘Fatha’ Hines
1940: “Boogie Woogie on St. Louis Blues” was recorded by Earl “Fatha” Hines and his orchestra on this day. The song eventually becomes a classic and is still popular among big band fans today. He is recognized as one of jazz’s greatest pianists. (Photo: Tumblr)
3. King Floyd
1945: Singer and songwriter King Floyd was born on this day in New Orleans, LA. His song ‘Groove Me’ topped the charts and sold over one million copies. He received a gold disc awarded by the R.I.A.A. in December of 1970. He passed away in 2006. (Photo: Tumblr)
4. The Miracles
1960:‘Shop Around’ by the Miracles was the #1 R&B song this day.
5. Junior Walker & the All-Stars
1965: Junior Walker & the All-Stars charted with ‘Shotgun’ which would eventually reach #1. While playing a benefit, Junior notices some teenagers doing a new dance called ‘the shotgun’ and that night his his motel room wrote the song to match the dance. (Photo: Tumblr)
6. James ‘Cool Papa’ Bell
1974: James “Cool Papa” Bell inducted into the baseball’s Hall of Fame on this day. By all accounts, he was the fastest human being to ever live. His quickness is legendary and he’s considered one of the best defensive center fielders of all time. He passed away in 1991. (Photo: AP)
7. Joseph L. Searles III
1970: Joseph L. Searles III became the first African American floor member and broker to the New York Stock Exchange on this day. (Photo: AP)
8. Al Green
1978: “Al Green Day” was declared in Los Angeles on this day as he performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Most artist given a day in their honor is usually bestowed on them by their hometown. Al was born in Forest City, AR, apparently, Los Angeles decided to adopt him. (Photo: Tumblr)
9. Michael Jackson
1980: ‘Rock With You’ by Michael Jackson topped the charts on this day. (Photo: AP)
10. Marvin Gaye
1983: Marvin Gaye sang the National Anthem on this day at the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. (Photo: Tumblr)
11. Donna Summer
1984: Donna Summer’s remake of the Drifters’ 1960 hit ‘There Goes My Baby’ charted on both the R&B and Pop charts on this day.. (Photo: AP)
12. Neverland Ranch
1988 – The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, purchased a Santa Ynez CA ranch on this day. He later named it Neverland (and it housed an amusement park, a full size movie theater, and a zoo). (Photo: AP)
13. Charles Thomas
1989: Oklahoma football player Charles Thompson was charged with selling cocaine on this day and was later sentenced to 2 years in prison. (NewsOne)
14. Monica
1999: ‘Angel of Mine’ by Monica was the Number 1 song on this day. (Photo: PR Photos)
15. Prince Michael Jackson
1997:Michael Jackson’s first son was born, Prince Michael Jackson. He turns 17 today.
16. Lucille Clifton
2010: The 2000 National Book Award-winning poet and 1988 Pulitzer finalist, Lucille Clifton, and former poet laureate of Maryland passed away on this day in Maryland at age 73. (Photo: AP)
17. Ray Charles
2005: The 47th Grammy Awards were dedicated in the memory of Ray Charles. He posthumously won five Grammy Awards while his album, Genius Loves Company, won a total of eight.
