The History of Birthday Celebrations

Since ancient times, birthdates have been recorded as historical data. These dates have proven important and helpful when studying civilizations past, and even today it is common to know the birthdates of close friends and family. With these annual birthdates has also come birthday celebrations, but the very idea of celebrating the date of your birth is deeply rooted in pagan traditions.

Cathay Williams, the First Black Female in the U.S. Military, Pretended to Be a Man

In 1866, the U.S. military unknowingly enlisted their first Black female soldier during the Civil War. Her name was Cathay Williams, but she enlisted herself as a man using the name William Cathay. According to America's Female Buffalo Soldier, "there were only two people that knew her true identity – a cousin and a friend, who faithfully kept her secret."

The History of African American Females in Golf

Golf is a sport that, since its conception, has been made exclusive to only certain demographics. Because of this, it took many decades until Black men were even allowed to compete. However, it took even longer for players of the sport to accept Black women onto the field.

Willie O'Ree, the First Black Hockey Player to Play in the NHL

The NHL (National Hockey League) was founded in 1917 and is currently made up of 24 teams in the United States and 7 teams in Canada. However, it wasn't until 1957 that the league accepted their first Black player, Wilie O'Ree.

Alice Coachman, the First Black Woman to Win an Olympic Gold Medal

Alice Coachman was a trailblazer for Black women in the world of sports. In 1948, she became the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal. She broke through barriers and managed to succeed in a time where the world didn’t want to see a black woman in sports.

Stepin Fetchit, Hollywood's First Black Movie Star

It was the 1930s and film had grown to new heights. However, one of the peaks in film at the time has been lost to history. That peak was Stepin Fetchit whose real name is Lincoln Perry, the first ever black movie star. Perry first started out as a comic character actor before growing to become a vaudeville artist, according to a book entitled Stepin Fetchit: The Life and Times of Lincoln Perry.

Garrett Morris Was the First Black Cast Member on 'Saturday Night Live’

After premiering in 1975, Saturday Night Live grew exponentially to become one of TV’s longest, most adored shows. It has started the careers of many famous actors and sparked the joy of comedy into the hearts of millions. However, it took two years before Saturday Night Live debuted their first black cast member.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the First Black Woman in America to Become a Medical Doctor

Today, health workers have become some of the most important laborers around the world. However, even the medical profession had discriminative origins, as it wasn’t until 1864 until the first African American woman became a medical doctor. Her name was Rebecca Lee Crumpler.

Thomas L. Jennings Was the First African American to Ever Hold a Patent 

In 1821, Thomas L. Jennings, an African American from New York City, became the first black man to receive a patent. According to an article by Smithsonian Magazine, Jennings invented ‘a process called ‘dry scouring,’ a forerunner of modern dry cleaning.’

Sam Cooke Was the First African American Pop Singer to Have His Own Record Label

Sam Cooke, commonly know as the King of Soul, has been influential to the world of music for decades. Even at the age of 15, Cooke was a singer in a Chicago gospel group named The Highway QC’s. While following the influence of Ray Charles, Cooke was said to be ‘the pioneer cross-over artist from gospel to rhythm and blues.’