Black History Facts
In response to Rosa Parks' act of bravery, this year long organizing effort became one of the most successful economic boycotts of its time.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott
Stemming from spirituals sang by enslaved West Africans and rising to popularity in Mississippi during the reconstruction era, this unique style of music was created & still enjoyed by Black Mississippians and is considered to be the blueprint for popular music as we know it. It produced legends such as B.B. King, Bobby Rush, and Muddy Waters.
The Blues
She might be able to see into the future, but even she couldn't predict that this classic sitcom would earn the distinction of being the first Disney Channel Original show to last for more than 100 episodes.
That's So Raven
Campaigning with the slogan "Unbought and Unbossed", she became the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress in 1968.
Shirley Chisholm
This Jackson State alum and NFL Hall of Famer is considered a football legend and held the NFL's rushing record for nearly two decades.
Walter Payton
Always at the forefront of Mississippi sports history, this institution boasts more former players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame than any other school in the state.
Jackson State University
This Mississippian and HBCU alum was a notable civil rights activist in Jackson and was known as Mississippi's first NAACP Field Secretary.
Medgar Evers
Originally airing September 24, 1987, this NBC sitcom is credited with influencing young Black people to attend college throughout its six season run.
A Different World
Since 1940, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund has been a leading voice in the legal battle for Civil Rights. This great organization was founded by this great Black attorney and judge.
Thurgood Marshall
Prior to being known for leading efforts against racial and economic oppression, this young aspiring minister graduated from Morehouse College in 1948.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Founded by Berry Gordy in 1960, this Detroit company would make history by inventing its own style of popular music and for introducing the world to legends such as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & The Pips, and The Temptations.
Motown Records
This Mississippian was an activist, community organizer, and most notably, the co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. She's best known for the phrase "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired".
Fannie Lou Hamer
Founded in 1980 by Robert Johnson and Sheila Johnson to "give African Americans a place on TV where they can see themselves consistently represented" this network was home to some of our favorite moments in Black pop culture.
BET (Black Entertainment Television)
Established in 1869, this institution is not just the oldest HBCU law school, but one of the oldest law schools in the nation.
Howard University School of Law
Founded October 23, 1877, the purpose of this institution was to serve "the purpose of educating Mississippi's newly freed slaves".
Natchez Seminary
This minister and civil rights leader was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement of the Northeastern United States. He was notable for his belief in Black nationalism and for the quote; "A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything".
Malcolm X
Still making history in the modern day, this Mississippian was just nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance opposite Will Smith in "King Richard".
Aunjanue Ellis
This music genius has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Aretha Frankiin, and was most notably the producer for Michael Jackson's "Thriller". With 28 Grammys, he boasts the title of being the living musician with the most awards.
Quincy Jones
This Pan-African activist, attorney, and former Jackson, Mississippi mayor first came into the national spotlight while acting as an attorney for Hip-Hop legend, Tupac Shakur.
Chokwe Lumumba
Founded February 25, 1837, this institution is known as the nation's first HBCU.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
In 2002, she became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Monsters Ball".
Halle Berry
Launched in June 1964, this state wide organizing initiative was the result of collaborations between Mississippi civil rights activists and out of state college students to fight voting restrictions and build political power in Mississippi.
Freedom Summer
In 1964, this late actor became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Lilies of the Field".
Sidney Poitier
Founded in 1966, this Black political organization is often the subject of scrutiny, but it is hardly credited for its contributions to the nation in regards to free clinics, school lunch programs, and WIC.
The Black Panther Party
Born into slavery on July 8, 1825, this person is credited as the founder of our "Dear Ole College Home".
Rev. H. P. Jacobs, M.D.