1872 – Alcorn A&M College (now known as Alcorn State University was founded in Mississippi. Alcorn is a public, historically black, comprehensive, land-grant institution located northwest of Lorman, Mississippi, approximately 80 miles southwest of Jackson, Mississippi....

[wp_ad_camp_1]1954 – Oprah Winfrey birthday American television personality whose syndicated daily talk show is among the most popular was born in Kosciusko, Miss. [wp_ad_camp_2]1926 – Violette Neatley Anderson Violette Neatley Anderson is the first African American woman admitted...

[wp_ad_camp_1] Ralph Ellison’s powerful novel, Invisible Man, wins the National Book Award. Ralph Ellison’s powerful novel, Invisible Man, wins the National Book Award. [wp_ad_camp_2]1972 – Mahalia Jackson Gospel music legend Mahalia Jackson dies this day in Evergreen Park,...

[wp_ad_camp_1] 1931 – Sam Cook, Father of Soul Music, born. Singer Sam Cook, the son of a minister and believed by many to be the first father of soul music, was born in Chicago, Illinois. Cook began his singing career with a gospel group known as the Singing Children. His fame came in...

[wp_ad_camp_1] 1931 – Actor James Earl Jones born Actor James Earl Jones was born in Arkabutla, Tate County, Mississippi. His movie credits include The Hunt for Red October, Roots, Dr. Strangelove and voices in both Star Wars and The Lion King. [wp_ad_camp_2]1931 – Lawrence...