This Week in History, June 30–July 6 Contributions of African-Americans

Note: Here, learn about some of the African-Americans who have influenced history and contributed to the culture we now enjoy. To learn more about each individual, click on that person's name. June 30 On this day in 1974, Alberta W. King—mother of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—was murdered as she sat at the organ in the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. July 1 On this day in 1911, news publisher and businesswoman Lucile Bluford was born. As part of a 50-year career in journalism, she was publisher of the Kansas City Call—the only business to remain open in the city's commerce district during its downturn. Also on this day in 1911, Leona P. Thurman was born. One of 15 civic, business, and government leaders appointed to serve on President Richard Nixon's blue ribbon panel to conduct a year-long study of the Department of Defense, she was Kansas City's first Black woman lawyer. July 2 On this day in 1922, NAACP head Aaron Henry was born. Later elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, he spearheaded the formation of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and was active in the civil rights movement. Also on this day in 1925, Medgar Evers was born. His assassination in Mississippi galvanized the civil rights movement in the south. July 3 On this day in 1945, African-American educator Ruth Simmons was born. Director of Princeton's African-American Studies Program, she was the first Black president of Brown University. Also on this day in 1919, chemist Samuel Massie was born. The first African-American to teach at the U.S. Naval Academy, he was named one of the 75 premier chemists of the 20th century. July 4 On this day in 1864, African-American physician, professor, author, and activist Charles Roman was born. Though his right leg was amputated when he was young, he went on to a brilliant medical career, serving as the fifth president of the National Medical Association. Also on this day in 1812, John Jasper was born. One of the great slave preachers, he once baptized 300 people in four hours. July 5 On this day in 1899, Anna Hedgeman was born. The first Black woman to serve on the mayoral cabinet in New York City, she is personally credited with recruiting 40,000 Protestant Church members for the March on Washington in 1963. July 6 On this day in 1920, African-American inventor Otis Boykin was born. He invented the electrical device used in all guided missiles and IBM computers, and invented the control unit for pacemakers. Also on this day in 1917, Jimmy Griffin was born; he became the first Black deputy chief of police in St. Paul, Minnesota.