African American History Search Posts: Parker Robbins, U.S. Colored Troops Officer, Lawmaker and InventorJanuary 1, 2016 On January 1, 1864, Parker Robbins of Bertie County, a free person of color of mixed African and Native American descent, enlisted in the 2nd United State Colored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Monroe, Va. Pioneering Black Physician, James F. Shober of WilmingtonJanuary 6, 2016 On January 6, 1889, James Francis Shober, the first black physician with a medical degree to set up practice in North Carolina, died. Jazz Drummer Max Roach, N.C. NativeJanuary 10, 2016 On January 10, 1924, popular jazz drummer Max Roach was born in Pasquotank County. Shortly after moving to New York City with his family in 1928, Roach began to study piano with his aunt. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Founder of Palmer Institute, DiedJanuary 11, 2016 On January 11, 1961, noted African-American educator and founder of the Palmer Memorial Institute, Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown died. Tab Smith and the Birth of Rhythm and BluesJanuary 11, 2016 On January 11, 1909, alto saxophonist Talmage “Tab” Smith was born in Kinston. St. Augustine's: Freedmen’s School to UniversityJanuary 13, 2016 On January 13, 1868, classes began at Raleigh’s Saint Augustine’s University. Black Delegates Had Voice at 1868 ConventionJanuary 14, 2016 On January 14, 1868, a North Carolina constitutional convention, now known as the “Convention of 1868,” opened in Raleigh. Advocate for African Culture, Orishatukeh FadumaJanuary 25, 2016 On January 25, 1946, noted educator Orishatukeh Faduma died. Henry Frye: First African-American on the N.C. Supreme CourtFebruary 3, 2016 On February 3, 1983, Henry Frye was sworn in as North Carolina’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice. Seventies Performer Roberta Flack, Native of Black MountainFebruary 10, 2016 On February 10, 1937, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist Roberta Flack was born in Black Mountain. Harriet Jacobs of Edenton and Her Compelling Life StoryFebruary 11, 2016 On February 11, 1813, freedom seeker, writer and abolitionist Harriet Jacobs was born in Edenton. Maceo Parker of Kinston Brought the FunkFebruary 14, 2016 On February 14, 1943, saxophonist Maceo Parker was born in Kinston. Hiram Revels and the Genesis of Black Political RepresentationFebruary 25, 2016 On February 25, 1870, Hiram Revels was seated in the United States Senate. Polymath and Centenarian Anna Julia Cooper of RaleighFebruary 27, 2016 On February 27, 1964, black feminist activist, scholar and educator Anna Julia Haywood Cooper died at the age of 105. Thomas Day of Milton, North Carolina’s Premier Furniture CraftsmanMarch 1, 2016 Palmer Graduate Cast as Lionel JeffersonNovember 3, 2016 On November 3, 1949, television actor and writer Michael Evans was born in Salisbury. Medal of Honor Recipient Lawrence JoelNovember 8, 2016 On November 8, 1965, Specialist/SFC Lawrence Joel of Winston-Salem, a Korean War veteran, began a routine patrol near Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Floyd McKissick and Soul CityNovember 9, 2016 On November 9, 1973, civil rights activist Floyd McKissick broke ground on Soul City in rural Warren County. Mel Tomlinson, Master of Ballet and Modern DanceNovember 27, 2016 North Carolina Approves the 13th AmendmentDecember 4, 2016 On December 6, 2010, officials of the North Carolina Office of Archives and History, and others met to dedicate and unveil four plaques commemorating the extension of civic and voting rights. Henry Plummer Cheatham, Educator and Advocate for EqualityDecember 27, 2016 On December 27, 1857, Republican Congressman, educator, and conservative and diplomatic advocate for racial equality Henry Plummer Cheatham was born into slavery near Henderson. Selma Burke, Renowned for FDR Portrait on the DimeDecember 31, 2016 On December 31, 1900, renowned sculptor Selma Burke was born in Mooresville.
