[Afrochic]

Feb. 7, 1926 - Negro History Week originated by Carter G. Woodson is observed for the first time. This week would later become Black History Month. It became a month long celebration in 1976.

Althea Gibson became the first black player to win a Wimbledon singles championship when she captured the title in 1957. She successfully defended her title a year later. She was named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in both years.

Feb. 27, 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.

Feb. 27, 1902 - 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.

Feb. 27, 1988 - Figure skater Debi Thomas becomes the first African American to win a medal (bronze) at the winter Olympic Games.

Feb. 24, 1864 - Rebecca Lee became the first black woman to receive an M.D. degree.

Feb 23, 1979 - Frank E. Peterson Jr. named the first black general in the Marine Corps

Feb. 18, 1896 - H. Grenon patents razor-stropping device. Patent No. 554,867.

Feb. 17, 1891 - A.C. Richardson patents churn; Patent No. 466,470.

Feb. 15, 1968 - Henry Lewis becomes the first black to lead a symphony orchestra in the United States.

Feb. 13, 1923 - The first black professional basketball team, "The Renaissance," was organized.

Feb. 12, 1865 - Henry Highland Garnet, first black to speak in the Capitol, delivered memorial sermon on the abolition of slavery at services in the House of Representatives.

Feb. 8, 1986 - Oprah Winfrey becomes the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show.

Feb. 6, 1867 - Robert Tanner Jackson becomes first African American to receive a degree in dentistry.

Feb. 2, 1839 - Inventor Edmond Berger patented the spark plug.

Feb. 2, 1897 - A.L. Cralle patents the ice cream mold.

Feb. 1, 1865 - John Rock became the first Black admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Feb. 1, 1887 - J. Robinson patents the food carrier.