To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch Celebrates Black History.
American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month.
Black History Month brings to the forefront the inspiring stories of African-American icons—many of whom overcame great odds to leave their mark on the United States. In celebration we explore our Black History collection and learn more about the black individuals who have made extraordinary achievements in their fields, including inventors such as George Washington Carver, activists like Harriet Tubman, athletes such as Joe Louis and Michael Jordan, and entertainers like Billie Holiday and Oprah Winfrey.
We also pause to pay tribute to lesser known names like those profiled below Architect Paul Williams and William and Ellen Craft. And you will find two slide shows, one of widely known names and others not so much. There are resource links to other comprehensive websites and a series of videos available for your viewing.
Of course no Black History celebration would be complete without the mention of Martin Luther King and our 1st Black President Barack Obama. Their names, as well as their personal histories, have become synonymous with the rich legacy that is African-American culture.
African American Registry * Black History All Year * Black History Pages * Black History Web * This Day in Black History * Videos Black History
Widely Known Names
Lessor Known Names
Carter G. Woodson organized the first Negro History Week Celebration on the second week of February in 1926. The week celebration eventually became a month long celebration which is now known as Black History Month.
Both Condoleezza Rice and Martin Luther King, Jr. started college when they were just 15 years old. She studied political science at the University of Denver; he majored in sociology at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
In 2008, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt became the first man to ever set three world records in a single Olympic games.
Carter G. Woodson organized the first Negro History Week Celebration on the second week of February in 1926. The week celebration eventually became a month long celebration which is now known as Black History Month.
Jefferson Franklin Long becomes first Black person to speak in the House of Representatives as a congressman in 1871.
Phillis Wheatley, a slave brought from Africa as a child and sold to a Boston merchant, spoke no English. By the time she was sixteen, however, under the tutelage of her owners, she had mastered the language. Her interest in literature led her to write and publish Poems on Various Subjects in 1773. She is one of, if not the, earliest published African American author.
Lincoln University in Pennsylvania is the first institution of higher education founded for African-Americans. It paved the way for the 104 other historically black colleges, which have produced distinguished alums like Thurgood Marshall, Spike Lee, and the almighty Oprah.
Jefferson Franklin Long becomes first Black person to speak in the House of Representatives as a congressman in 1871.
Paul Revere Williams Architect to the Stars
In the course of his five-decade career, Williams designed approximately 3000 buildings, served on many municipal, state and federal commissions, was active in political and social organizations and earned the admiration and respect of his peers. In 1957, he was the first African American elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
Paul Williams’ commission included the Theme Building for the Los Angeles International Airport. Williams first assignment, as an architect, was a house for Frank Sinatra. In 1931, he was commission to design a house for E.L. Cord, manufacturer of Cord Automobiles which further enhanced his prominence among California architects. SEE BELOW VIDEO
The Great Escape From Slavery
The Story of Ellen and William Craft
Passing as a white man traveling with his servant, two slaves fled their masters in a thrilling tale of deception and intrigue. A married couple from Georgia, Ellen and William Craft, traveled in first-class trains, dined with a steamboat captain and
stayed in the best hotels during their escape to Philadelphia.
Ellen, a quadroon with very fair skin, disguised herself as a young white cotton planter traveling with his slave (William). It was William who came up with the scheme to hide in plain sight, but ultimately it was Ellen who convincingly masked her race, her gender and her social status during their four-day trip. Despite the luxury accommodations, the journey was fraught with narrow escapes and heart-in-the-mouth moments that could have led to their discovery and capture. Courage, quick thinking, luck and “our Heavenly Father,” sustained them. SEE VIDEO BELOW
