[CrimsonTide4]

February 27, 2002

Independence Day for Dominican Republic

1788
Prince Hall, Revolutionary War Veteran and founder of African Masonic Lodges, *may* have been born on this date. Though his accomplishments are well celebrated, little is known of Prince Hall's early life.

1833
On this day in 1833, Maria W. Steward delivered one of the four speeches which confirmed her place in history as the first American-born woman to give public lecturers. Stewards lecturers
focused on encouraging African-Americans to attain education,
political rights, and public recognition for their achievements. Her speech on thi day delivered at the African Masonic Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, was titled "On African Rights and Liberty."

Sixty-seven years later in Boston on this same day, African-American teacher and poet Angelina Weld Grimke was born. Grimke was a descendant of the famous white abolitionist and feminist sisters Angelina and Sarah Grimke.

1869
John W. Menard spoke in Congress in defense of his claim to a contested seat in Louisiana's Second Congressional District. Congress decided against both claimants. Congressman James A. Garfield of the examining committee said "it was too early to admit a Negro to the U.S. Congress." Menard was the first Black to make a speech in Congress.

1869
Congress adopted the 15th constitutional amendment, making it illegal for the US or any single government to deny or abridge the right to vote "on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude."

1883
Walter B. Purvis patented hand stamp.

1902
On this day Marian Anderson, who will become a world-renowned opera singer and the first African American soloist to perform at the White House, is born in Philadelphia, PA.

1942
Journalist Charlayne Hunter Gault was born this day in Due West, South Carolina.

1964
Anna Julia Cooper, champion for the rights of black women, dies at the age of 105.

1988
Figure skater Debi Thomas becomes the first African American to win a medal (bronze) at the winter Olympic Games.