* Today in Black History - March 7 * 1539 - The first person of African descent to traverse the southern portion of, what is now, the United States is Estevanico, or Esteban, explorer from Azamov, Morocco. He discovers Arizona and New Mexico. His journey lasted eight years. He was leading an advance scouting party when he was killed at Hawikuh Pueblo, New Mexico. 1870 - Governor William W. Holden of North Carolina, denounces Klan violence and issues a proclamation declaring Alamance County in a state of insurrection. 1917 - Janet Collins is born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She will become a prima ballerina and the first African American to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. 1927 - In Nixon v. Hearn, the United States Supreme Court strikes down a Texas law prohibiting African Americans from voting in a "white" primary. 1941 - British troops invade Abyssinia (Ethiopia). This invasion will result in the liberation of Ethiopia from fascist Italian occupation (1936 - 1941). 1942 - The first five cadets graduate from the Tuskegee Flying School: Captain Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. and Second Lieutenants Mac Ross, Charles DeBow, L.R. Curtis, and George S. Roberts. They will become part of the famous 99th Pursuit Squadron. 1945 - Photographer Anthony Bonair is born in Trinidad. A photographer since the early 1970's, Bonair's work explores dance, Carnival, and the streets as well as new directions utilizing multiple- exposure techniques. 1950 - Franco Harris is born in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He will become a NFL fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks. In his career, he will be All-AFC three times, play in eight Pro Bowls, MVP in Super Bowl IX, rush for 1,000 yards for nine seasons, rush for 100 yards in 47 games, rush for 12,120 career yards, 91 touchdowns rushing, 9 TDs receiving, 14,622 combined net yards, and 1,556 yards rushing in 19 post- season games. One of his most memorable plays will be "The Immaculate Reception" in a Steeler win against the Oakland Raiders. This play will be voted the play of the 20th Century on Superbowl Sunday, January 30, 2000. He will be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on January 27, 1990 and enshrined on August 8, 1990. 1951 - Ezzard Charles wins a 15-round heavyweight decision against Jersey Joe Walcott. 1952 - Lynn Swann is born. He will become a NFL wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After retiring from football, he will become a network sportscaster. 1965 - John Lewis leads a group of civil rights marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where they are attacked by Alabama state troopers and sheriff's deputies with tear gas and billy clubs. This violent confrontation will be known as "Bloody Sunday," and will spark the historic Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march led by Martin Luther King Jr. 1985 - The record "We Are the World" is released as a single. The song, whose proceeds benefit African famine relief efforts, is written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones, with the singing participants organized by Jones, Harry Belafonte, and Ken Kragen. To insure that the all-night recording session went off without a hitch and that the true cause of the song was etched into the hearts and minds of the wide array of internationally known talent performing, a hand- written sign is placed outside the studio at A&M Records in Hollywood which simply said, "Check Your Egos at the Door." 1987 - World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champ, "Iron Mike" Tyson becomes the youngest heavyweight titlist ever as he beats James "Bonecrusher" Smith in a decision during a 12-round bout in Las Vegas, Nevada. ______________________________________________________________ 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.