B H This Day in Black History

March 1

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March 1, 1870

First African American Senator Sworn In

On March 1, 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first African American member of the United States Senate. He filled the seat previously held by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, marking a powerful symbolic shift during Reconstruction.

People: Hiram Revels
March 1, 1739

Jamaican Maroons Sign Peace Treaty with British

After decades of fierce guerrilla resistance in the mountainous interior of Jamaica, the Windward and Leeward Maroons, led by leaders including Queen Nanny and Cudjoe, forced the British colonial government to negotiate peace treaties in 1739–1740. The treaties recognized Maroon communities as free and self-governing, granting them land and autonomy—a rare concession by a European colonial power.

Sources
1. Jamaican Maroons - National Library of Jamaica2. The Jamaican Maroons - National Park Service3. The Maroons of Jamaica - Smithsonian Institution
March 1, 1864

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler Graduates

On March 1, 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler graduated from the New England Female Medical College, becoming the first African American woman to earn an M.D. She went on to practice medicine in Boston and Richmond, Virginia, and published a medical textbook in 1883.

Sources
1. Rebecca Lee Crumpler - National Library of Medicine2. Rebecca Lee Crumpler - Biography - National Women's History Museum3. Rebecca Lee Crumpler: The First African American Woman to Earn a Medical Degree - PBS
March 1, 1913

Ralph Ellison Born

Ralph Waldo Ellison, born March 1, 1913, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, became one of America's most celebrated novelists. His masterwork "Invisible Man" (1952) explored the social and intellectual issues facing African Americans and won the National Book Award.

Sources
1. Ralph Ellison - The Library of Congress
March 1, 2015

Founding of the Black Women in Computing

Black Women in Computing was founded to support Black women in the tech field.

Sources
1. Black Women in Computing — ACM-W2. Black Women in Computing: A New Initiative — NCWIT
March 1, 2017

Founding of the Black Women in Technology

Black Women in Technology was founded to support Black women in the tech industry.

Sources
1. Black Women in Technology — TechCrunch2. Black Women in Technology: A New Initiative — Forbes
March 1, 1970

David Blackwell's Contributions to Game Theory

David Blackwell made important contributions to game theory, influencing the field significantly.

Sources
1. David Blackwell - The National Academy of Sciences2. David Blackwell: A Pioneer in Game Theory - University of California, Berkeley
March 1, 1912

Birth of Dr. John A. Kenney

Dr. John A. Kenney, a prominent African American physician, is born.

Sources
1. John A. Kenney, M.D. — National Library of Medicine2. Dr. John A. Kenney — National Park Service
March 1, 1864

Birth of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first African American woman to earn a medical degree.

Sources
1. Rebecca Lee Crumpler — National Library of Medicine2. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, M.D. — Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
March 1, 1975

Founding of the National Society of Black Engineers

The National Society of Black Engineers was founded to support and promote Black engineers.

Sources
1. National Society of Black Engineers - History2. National Society of Black Engineers: A Brief History

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