Black History You Didn’t Learn in School

Here’s some Black history you didn’t learn in school. The Black history month origin dates back to 1926. The second week in February was designated by Carter G. Woodson, known as the “father of Black history,” as a week to promote and educate people about Black history and culture. Dr. Woodson was the only person whose parents were enslaved in the United States to earn a PhD, as well as the second African American behind W.E.B. Du Bois to earn a PhD from Harvard University. 

Black History month has since grown to encompass all of February and was recognized in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford during the Bicentennial celebration. Officially recognized in both the United States and Canada, it’s also observed in Ireland and the UK in October. 

In honor of Black History month, we’ve rounded up some Black Americans whose contributions to American history you may not know.

Madam C.J. Walker

Did you know the first woman millionaire in the United States was a Black woman? Due to an ailment that caused her hair to fall out, Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, went in search of a cure. Based on her experience she built a beauty and cosmetic company for Black women. The company is still in business today. She was an entrepreneur and activist for both women and African Americans. She died at the age of 51 in 1919.

Paul Williams

Architect Paul Williams born in Los Angeles in 1894 was the 1st African American member of (AIA) American Institute of Architects. He designed everything from small affordable homes to some of L.A.’s most iconic buildings including homes for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and Frank Sinatra. He served on the first Los Angeles City Planning Commission in 1920 helping to define both the architecture and design of the city. He may be best known for his collaboration with the Architect group of Pereria and Luckman of the iconic LAX Theme Building. He also designed Al Jolson’s Tomb which is a well-known Los Angeles landmark.

Elizabeth Keckley

Elizabeth Keckley was born into slavery in 1818. After 5 years of trying, in 1855 she bought freedom for her son and herself for $1200. She became a dressmaker to raise the money, and once freed, moved to Washington D.C. Having previously met Mary Todd in St. Louis, she soon found herself Mary Todd Lincoln’s dressmaker. She remained close to Mary Todd through the death of both their sons and after the death of Lincoln as well. 

Bill Smith

Bill Smith originally studied dance, with jewelry design as a sideline. In 1958, he opened a workshop in Manhattan. He went to work for Richelieu and after two months as head designer, he was named Vice President. His creativity allowed him to become the first black recipient of the Coty award in 1970. Smith went on to design jewelry for Coro and eventually moved to Cartier. He designed jewelry for everyone from Naomi Sims to Katherine Hepburn. 

Edmonia Lewis

Edmonia Lewis, known as “Wildfire,” was born in 1844. She was the first Black and Native American sculptor to gain international recognition. She worked in marble, and due to fear that her work would not be deemed original did all her own sculpting rather than hiring local workmen which was the norm.  She was able to go to college in Ohio due to a fortune her half-brother acquired in the California Gold Rush. College proved to be a difficult time, as she was plagued with accusations and prejudice. She then moved to Boston where she began sculpting in earnest. In 1866, as a successful sculptor, she moved to Rome. By this time she had become world-renowned and was tapped to create for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. Her sculpture titled “The Death of Cleopatra” won her both accolades and shock for its stark portrayal of a disheveled Cleopatra. 

To learn more about Black history, stop by the National Archives, or for information about each of the people in this post click on the links in their names.