Today In Black History On January 25th

8 Posted by - January 25, 2016 - BLACK WOMEN, CIVIL RIGHTS, January, Today In Black History

Sojourner Truth addressed the first Black Women’s Rights Convention (January 25, 1851) in Akron, Ohio. It was at this Convention in 1851 that she delivered her unforgettable “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. Sojourner fought for more than just racial inequalities; she would often talk about women’s rights in general, or lack thereof. As a female abolitionist, she had several hurdles to overcome, with the main one being born into slavery. Fighting for freedom for both herself and her infant daughter, she escaped in 1826 and went on to become one of the most influential leaders in the community.

The National Afro-American League was founded (January 25, 1890), which was one of the premier pioneer Black protest organizations of its time. On this date, they held their first meeting and selected Joseph C. Price as president. A Livingstone College graduate, he was a natural fit to carry on the duties of president. The league was actually established in 1887, but a name change to the National Afro-American League took place two years later. Their first national meeting in 1890 served to solidify the organization. This was among one of the many important historical points in Black History regarding the fight for voting, civil rights, employment, and education.

Gloria Naylor was born (January 25, 1950), who is known for her works as an author with “The Women of Brewster Place” and “Linden Hills.” Naylor was a National Book Award winner in 1983 for the former title. She is also the founder of the organization, One Way Productions. Through her company, she works to improve literacy in the Bronx area; although she is heavily involved in education philanthropy, she has also managed to win several honors in and outside of the publishing field. A graduate of Yale University and Brooklyn College, her works continue to sell well, get attention, and make an impact.

Sources:

http://www.biography.com/people/sojourner-truth-9511284#born-into-slaver

National Afro American League (1887–1893)

http://aalbc.com/authors/gloria.htm”>http://aalbc.com/authors/gloria.htm

No comments