When Jacqueline Cochran Broke The Sound Barrier
Today in 1953, Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier. Then again, Cochran moved at high speed her whole career.
Molly Williams Was A New York Firefighter Before There Was a New York Fire Department
For International Firefighters Day, it's the story of Molly Williams, an enslaved Black woman who became the first known woman firefighter, and the first Black firefighter, in the United States.
A Chef Got Irritated With A Wealthy Diner And That’s Why We Have Potato Chips
It's National Potato Chip Day, so of course we’re going to take you through the history of potato chips and the story of chef George Crum, the man sometimes called “the Edison of grease.”
“The Fastest Cyclist In The World,” Major Taylor, Was A Black Sports Pioneer
There's a new exhibit at the Indiana State Museum about Marshall "Major" Taylor, a Black cycling star who became famous before Jack Johnson, Joe Louis or Jackie Robinson. Here's some of his story.
Dinosaurs Got Sore Throats And Sniffles, Apparently
There were cold-like illnesses and sore throats long before there were humans to catch colds and to get sore throats. A research project has found another creature that got sniffles: dinosaurs.
The Highly Photographic Life Of Frederick Douglass
Today is the assumed birth date in 1817 or 1818 of Frederick Douglass, who is known for his powerful writing and speeches, but was also probably the most photographed person of his time.
Basketball Great Lisa Leslie Scored 101 Points In A High School Game
Today in 1990, a high school basketball player scored 101 points in just 16 minutes. That was Lisa Leslie, who would become one of the biggest names in the WNBA.
The “Six Triple Eight” Brought Black Excellence To The Army During World War II
Today in 1945, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, began heading to England for deployment. These 855 servicemembers, all Black women, took on a mission that may not have been glamorous but was considered absolutely essential to the war effort.
Stevie Wonder Went On Tour To Make Martin Luther King Jr. Day A National Holiday
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, we look at how music legend Stevie Wonder and his song "Happy Birthday" helped raise awareness in the effort to create a national holiday in Dr. King's honor.
Washington Phillips, A Legendary Gospel Musician Surrounded By Musical Mysteries
Today in 1880 was the birthday of Washington Phillips, a musician who made some astonishing music in the 1920s, but we know very little about his life and his music - we aren't even completely sure what instrument he played.