September 30th in African American History – Franklin Joseph “Frankie” Lymon

http://todayinafricanamericanhistory.com/african-american-history/september-3...

September 30th in African American History – John Royce “Johnny” Mathis

http://todayinafricanamericanhistory.com/african-american-history/september-3...

September 28th in African American History - Miles Dewey Davis III

September 28, 1991 Miles Dewey Davis III, jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer, died. Davis was born May 26, 1926 in Alton, Illinois. By the age of 16, Davis was a member of the musical society and playing professionally. In 1944, he moved to New York City to study at the Juilliard School of Music. In 1945, he entered a recording studio for the first of many times during this period as a sideman.

September 27th in African American History - Earl Rudolph “Bud” Powell

September 27, 1924 Earl Rudolph “Bud” Powell, jazz pianist, was born in New York City.

At an early age, Powell learned classical piano, but by eight became interested in jazz and by 15 was playing in his brother’s band. His debut recording was with Cootie Williams’ band in 1944. In 1947, he made his debut recording as a leader with the album “Bud Powell Trio.”

September 26th in African American History – Bessie Smith

September 26, 1937 Bessie Smith, blues singer, died. Smith was born on April 15, 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1912, she was hired as a dancer with the Moses Stokes troupe which included Ma Rainey. By the early 1920s, Smith had starred with Sidney Bechet in “How Come?,” a musical that made its way to Broadway, and she had become the biggest headliner and highest paid entertainer on the Black Theater Owners Association circuit.

October 30th in African American History – Frank L. Mingo

October 30, 1989 Frank L. Mingo, advertising executive, died.

Mingo was born December 13, 1939 in McComb, Mississippi. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Roosevelt University and a Master of Science degree in Advertising from Northwestern University. After graduating, Mingo went to work for J. Walter Thompson where he became their first Black account executive, with clients that included Oscar Meyer and Sears Roebuck.

Mingo next moved to McCann-Erickson as a vice president and account supervisor. In that capacity he helped Miller Brewing Company introduce their Miller Lite to the market. In 1977, Mingo co-founded Mingo-Jones Advertising with clients that included Walt Disney Productions and Westinghouse Electric Corporation. In 1986, Jones left the firm and it was renamed The Mingo Group. Mingo also worked with the NAACP and the National Urban League to expose minorities to careers in advertising.

Mingo was posthumously inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Fame.

http://todayinafricanamericanhistory.com/african-american-history/october-30t...

October 30th in African American History – John Youie Woodruff

October 30, 2007 John Youie Woodruff, Olympic champion, died.

Woodruff was born July 5, 1915 in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. As a 21 year old college freshman, Woodruff won the 800 meter Gold Medal at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympic Games.

Woodruff went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1939 and a Masters degree in the same field from New York University in 1947. From 1941 to 1945, he served in the United States military, rising to the rank of Captain. He reentered military service during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1957 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Annually, a 5 kilometer race is held in Connellsville to honor Woodruff.

http://todayinafricanamericanhistory.com/african-american-history/october-30t...