Black History Month originated in 1926, founded by Carter G. Woodson and was created to celebrate achievements, births, important timelines, events and to remember those we lost.
February 28: This Day in Black History was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
1. Tasha Smith
1971: Actress Tasha Smith was born on this day in Camden, New Jersey.
2. Hattie McDaniel
1940: Actress Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to win an Academy Award. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Mammy in Gone with the Wind on this day. (1940 was a leap year and the Academy Awards were held on February 29th) (Photo: NewsOne)
3. Native Son
1940: Native Son by Richard Wright was published.
4. Ollie Matson
1959: NFL trade: The Chicago Cardinals traded Ollie Matson to LA Rams for 9 players. When he retired in 1966, his career all-purpose yards were second only to Jim Brown. Matson was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
5. Rae Dawn Chong
1961: Actress Rae Dawn Chong was born.
6. Natalie Cole
1976: Natalie Cole took home Grammy Awards for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female’ for the song ‘This Will Be’ on this day at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards Show.
