We salutes African Americans who’ve made & continue to make American history. To the artists, entrepreneur, business moguls, doctors and educators from the canvas to the stage. To the poets, the authors, the inventors, innovators and trailblazers, we honor and remember them all, this and every Black History Month.

Happy Black History Month! It was on this day in black history….

1895

The great abolitionist and orator, Frederick Douglass died in Washington at age 77. On the day of his death Douglass attended a meeting of the National Council of Women in Washington, D.C. His speech was well received and led to him receiving a standing ovation. Shortly after returning home he suffered a massive heart attack or stroke and died.

1900

JF Pickering patents the airship, better known as the blimp.

John F. Pickering made improvements to the existing design of the airship or blimp. On this day Pickering received a patent number (643975), for his new design.  The improvements allowed the airship to be powered by an electric motor and added directional controls. Below is a blueprint on the Pickering blimp.

 

Patent for J.F. Pickering Air Ship - YouTube
Patent for J.F. Pickering Air Ship - YouTube
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1927

Sidney Poitier was born on this day.

Poitier is an actor, film director, author and diplomat. The acting legend starred in countless critically acclaimed films and secured his place in history as one of the greatest actors of all time. The famous Bahamian actor made history when he became the first African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, for his role in Lilies of the Field.

 

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