* Today in Black History - February 6 * 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 Anglo-American merchant George Peabody, founds the $ 2 million Peabody Education Fund. It is the first philanthropy established in the wake of the Civil War to promote free public education in 12 Civil War devastated southern states for whites and African Americans. The Peabody Fund will provide funding for construction, endowments, scholarships, teacher and industrial education for newly freed slaves. 1898 - Melvin B. Tolson, author and educator, is born in Moberly, Missouri. Educated at Fisk, Lincoln, and Columbia universities, his first volume of poetry, "Rendezvous with America," will be published in 1944. He will be best known for "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia," published in 1953. 1931 - The Harlem Experimental Theatre Group performs its first play at St. Philips Parish House. The group's advisory board includes famed actress Rose McClendon, author Jesse Fauset, and Grace Nail. 1933 - Walter E. Fauntroy is born in Washington, DC. He will become a civil rights leader and minister. He will later become the United States congressman for the District of Columbia from 1971 to 1991. 1945 - Robert Nesta Marley is born in St. Ann, Jamaica to Captain Norval and Cedella Marley. He will become a successful singer along with his group, The Wailers. Bob Marley and The Wailers were among the earliest to sing Reggae, a blend of Jamaican dance music and American Rhythm & Blues with a heavy dose of Rastafarianism, the Jamaican religion that blends Christian and African teachings. He will join the ancestors in 1981 at the age of 36, succumbing to cancer. As a result of his accomplishments, he will be awarded Jamaica's Order Of Merit, the nation's third highest honor, (April, 1981) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country's culture. He will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. 1950 - Natalie Cole is born to Nat "King" and Maria Cole. She will follow in her famous father's footsteps and become a recording star. She will become a Grammy Award-winning singer, and Best New Artist in 1975. 1961 - The "jail-in" movement starts in Rock Hill, South Carolina, when arrested students demand to be jailed rather than pay fines. 1993 - Arthur Ashe, tennis champion, joins the ancestors at the age of 49. He succumbs from complications of AIDS, contracted from a transfusion during a earlier heart surgery. ______________________________________________________________ Munirah Chronicle is edited by Brother Mosi Hoj "The TRUTH shall make you free" E-mail: <[log in to unmask]> Archives: <http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/Munirah.html> _____________________________________________________________ To SUBSCRIBE send E-mail to: <[log in to unmask]> In the E-mail body place: Subscribe Munirah Your FULL Name ______________________________________________________________ Munirah(TM) is a trademark of Information Man. Copyright 2003, All Rights Reserved by the Information Man in association with CODE One Communications.