BLACK HISTORY FACTS THAT HAPPEN ON THIS DATE DECEMBER 28TH: The third day of Kwanzaa, Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility. Elizabeth Mumbet Freeman, abolitionist and plaintiff in an historic civil rights suit in which she won her own freedom, died in Stockbridge, MA, on this date in 1829. Born into slavery, she ran away form her owners after mistreatment by her masters wife. She petitioned successfully for her freedom, citing her knowledge of the Bill of Rights and the new constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in her argument that all men were created equal, thereby justifying her petition for freedom, Her victory effectively abolished slavery in Massachusetts. Freeman was the great-grandmother of W.E.B. DuBois, one of Americas most renowned scholars, leaders, and fighters for civil rights. Earl Fatha Hines, famed jazz musician and father of modern jazz piano, was born in Pennsylvania on this date in 1903. Leaders of many civil rights organizations announced, on this date in 1988, that African-American was a preferable term to Black, a term which gained prominence during the Civil Rights Move. Actor Denzel Washington was born on this day in Mount Vernon, NY, in 1954. Washington will star in such films as Malcolm X, Glory, Much Ado about Nothing, and A Soldiers Story. He will have a start in television in his role on popular show St. Elsewhere. He will win an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in Glory.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 15:39:25 +0000
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