In recognition of Black History Month, the Gazette is providing a weekly update on important dates. The information comes from a calendar provided by Chappell Funeral & Cremation Services in Garner.
Feb. 14 – In 1760 Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church was born.
Feb. 15 – In 1820 Susan B. Anthony, an abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, was born.
Feb. 16 – In 1874 Frederick Douglass was elected president of the Freedman’s Bank and Trust.
Feb. 17 – In 1938 Mary Frances Berry, the first woman to serve as chancellor of a major research university – the University of Colorado – was born.
Feb. 18 – In 1931 Toni Morrison, winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for her novel Beloved, was born.
Feb. 19 – In 2002 Vonetta Flowers becomes the Winter Olympics’ first African-American gold medalist. This is also Presidents’ Day.
Feb. 20 – In 1895 Frederick Douglass, a leading voice in the Abolitionist Movement, dies. Keep it a secret from President Trump, who thinks Douglass is doing great things
