(Photo By Flickr User Beacon)

Black History Weekend Today for February 6th & 7th:

February 6th-

1820- The first organized emigration back to Africa begins when 86 free African Americans leave New York Harbor aboard the Mayflower of Liberia. They are bound for the British colony of Sierra Leone, which welcomes free African Americans as well as fugitive slaves.

1867- The Peabody Fund for Black education in the South established.

1870- On this day, Jonathan Jasper Wright was elected to the South Carolina Supreme Court.

1898- Melvin B. Tolson, author, educator, poet, born in Moberly, MO.

1933- Walter E. Fauntroy was born in Washington, D.C. He went on to become a District of Columbia delegate to the House of Representatives.

1945- Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley, Jamacian reggae star is born in Nine Mile, Jamaica.

1961- Jail-in movement started in Rock Hill, SC, when students refused to pay fines and requested jail sentences. Students Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) urged south-wide “Jail, No Bail” campaign.

1993- Tennis player Arthur Ashe dies. Ashe was the first African-American to win at Wimbledon in 1975.

February 7th-

1872- Alcorn A&M College (Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS) opened.

1926- Negro History Week originated by Carter G. Woodson is observed for the first time

1967- .Comedian, author, recording artist, actor, and talk show host Christopher Julius “Chris” Rock, III, was born in Andrews, SC. He will become a critically comedian, hosting his self titled show on HBO. He will also bring to the forefront a boycott of the flag of his birthplace. He will star in and make a few movies of his own.

1974- Grenada achieves independence from Great Britain

(Courtesy Of blackfacts.com)