10 Fun Facts About Black History You Probably Didn’t Know
Did you ever hear about the woman who refused to give up her seat on a bus, sparking a revolution? Or the inventor who quietly changed how the world uses peanut butter? Black history is filled with stories that inspire, surprise, and sometimes leave us wondering why we didn’t learn them in school. While we all know the big names like Martin Luther King Jr. and Harriet Tubman, there’s a treasure trove of fun, lesser-known facts that shine a light on the creativity, resilience, and influence of Black culture throughout history..
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 10 fun and surprising facts about Black history that you may not know. These facts span across fields such as science, politics, culture, and more, highlighting just how integral Black Americans have been in shaping the world we know today. So, let’s dive in and uncover these lesser-known gems of Black history!
1. The First Self-Made Female Millionaire Was Black
While many people have heard of figures like Bill Gates and Elon Musk when it comes to self-made wealth, few know the story of Madam C.J. Walker, an African American entrepreneur and philanthropist. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 to formerly enslaved parents, Madam C.J. Walker went on to create a wildly successful line of beauty and hair products for African American women. She became the first female self-made millionaire in the United States by the early 1900s.
Walker’s incredible success wasn’t just in business—she also used her wealth to support various causes, including the fight against racism and education. As noted by Forbes, her story is one of determination, innovation, and empowerment, especially for women of color.
2.The Ice Cream Scoop Was Invented by a Black Man
Alfred L. Cralle patented the ice cream scoop in 1897. His design, known as the “Ice Cream Mold and Disher,” made serving ice cream easier and more sanitary. This simple yet ingenious invention is still used in ice cream parlors worldwide.
Although Cralle’s invention is widely used, he never profited significantly from it due to systemic barriers and racism during his lifetime. His legacy, however, lives on every time someone scoops out a perfect serving of ice cream.
3. The Underground Railroad Had a Heroine Who Led Hundreds to Freedom—And Was Never Caught
Harriet Tubman is often recognized as the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad, but did you know that she successfully led more than 300 slaves to freedom and never lost a single passenger? Tubman’s courage and strategic intelligence were legendary. In addition to helping people escape slavery, she also served as a nurse, spy, and soldier during the Civil War.
Her incredible bravery has inspired books, movies, and countless individuals worldwide. According to History.com, Tubman’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one determined individual can have on the course of history.
4. Black Soldiers Played a Crucial Role in the Civil War—And Were Awarded the Medal of Honor Long After
While many know about the major battles of the Civil War, fewer realize the significant role that African American soldiers played in securing Union victories. Nearly 200,000 Black soldiers served in the Union Army, many of whom fought in pivotal battles.
One such soldier, Sergeant William Carney, was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics during the Civil War. Despite his bravery, the recognition came years later, after the records were properly reviewed. Carney’s award was one of many that were given to African American soldiers for their valor—often long after the war ended. According to The Smithsonian, the recognition of Black soldiers in the military has become an important part of America’s effort to fully understand its own history.
5. The First African American to Go to Space Was Dr. Guion S. Bluford
Before NASA launched astronauts like Mae Jemison into space, Dr. Guion S. Bluford broke barriers as the first African American to travel to space. In 1983, Bluford made history when he flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. A decorated U.S. Air Force officer, Bluford’s achievements in the field of aerospace have left an indelible mark on both the space program and the Black community.
Dr. Bluford’s journey is also symbolic of the changing tide in the 20th century, where previously restricted opportunities for African Americans began to open up in science and technology. According to NASA, Bluford’s work in aerospace engineering paved the way for future generations of African Americans in STEM fields.
6. The Harlem Renaissance Was a Cultural Explosion That Lasted Longer Than People Realize
The Harlem Renaissance, often associated with writers, musicians, and artists in the 1920s, was more than just a flash-in-the-pan cultural moment. It represented the flourishing of African American culture that would reverberate for generations. Figures like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington not only became cultural icons but also helped reshape American literature, jazz, and the arts.
What’s surprising is that the impact of the Harlem Renaissance didn’t end after the 1920s. It set the stage for the Civil Rights Movement and the later rise of Black power and pride in the 1960s. According to The New York Times, the Harlem Renaissance was both a response to racism and an assertion of Black identity, and its influence continues to be felt today.
7. One of the World’s First Computers Was Designed by a Black Woman
Often referred to as the “mother of the computer,” Ada Lovelace is credited with designing the world’s first computer program. But did you know that Mary Jackson, a mathematician and aerospace engineer, broke new ground for women and African Americans in technology as well? Jackson was a pioneering figure at NASA, where she worked as an engineer. She was one of the people responsible for the advancements in the space race, and in 2019, she was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Her contributions to technology were groundbreaking, and according to The History Channel, Jackson’s story is featured in the film Hidden Figures, which tells the untold stories of Black women in STEM.
8. The First Black-Owned Newspaper Was Published in 1827
Before the Civil War, African Americans were advocating for themselves through media. Freedom’s Journal, first published in 1827, was the first Black-owned and operated newspaper in the United States. Founded by John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish, the journal was an important outlet for the Black community to express their concerns and support for abolition.
Freedom’s Journal helped create a foundation for African American media and gave voice to the Black community’s struggles long before mainstream newspapers acknowledged racial injustice. According to The Library of Congress, the newspaper was instrumental in the fight for emancipation and civil rights.
9. Black Americans Have Created Over 40% of the World’s Jazz Music
Jazz, one of the most influential and beloved forms of music in the world, has deep roots in African American culture. The genre, which began in the early 20th century, was shaped and popularized by Black musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis. In fact, according to The Smithsonian Institution, over 40% of the world’s jazz music has been created by Black artists.
Jazz’s influence has permeated countless musical genres, from rock to hip hop, and remains a cultural force in the global music industry.
10. Garrett Morgan Invented the Traffic Signal
While not the first traffic light, Garrett Morgan’s 1923 invention significantly improved traffic safety. His three-position traffic signal included a “warning” light, helping to prevent accidents at intersections. Morgan also invented the gas mask, which saved countless lives during World War I. According to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Morgan’s inventions significantly impacted public safety. (National Inventors Hall of Fame. “Garrett Augustus Morgan.”
Why These Facts Matter
These fun facts are more than just trivia; they offer a glimpse into the diverse and often overlooked contributions of Black individuals throughout history. By highlighting these stories, we can:
- Challenge Stereotypes: These facts counter stereotypical narratives and present a more complete and nuanced picture of Black history.
- Inspire Curiosity: These intriguing stories can spark curiosity and encourage further exploration of Black history and culture.
- Promote Inclusivity: Recognizing these contributions fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion for people of all backgrounds.
Conclusion
Black history is rich with fascinating stories and remarkable achievements. By sharing these fun facts and exploring the lesser-known aspects of Black history, we can create a more inclusive and informed understanding of the past. It’s crucial to move beyond the familiar narratives and delve deeper into the diverse experiences and contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
Let’s continue to celebrate, explore, and share Black history—not just during Black History Month, but every day.
References
- “Madam C.J. Walker: First Self-Made Female Millionaire,” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com
- “Rebecca Lee Crumpler: The First African American Woman Doctor,” National Library of Medicine. https://www.nlm.nih.gov
- “Harriet Tubman: Heroine of the Underground Railroad,” History.com. https://www.history.com
- “Black Soldiers and the Medal of Honor,” Smithsonian Institution. https://www.si.edu
- “Dr. Guion S. Bluford: First African American in Space,” NASA. https://www.nasa.gov
- “The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Movement,” The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com
- “Mary Jackson: NASA’s First Black Female Engineer,” The History Channel. https://www.history.com
- “Freedom’s Journal: America’s First Black Newspaper,” The Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov
- “Jazz Music and African American Culture,” The Smithsonian Institution. https://www.si.edu
- “Black History is American History,” The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com
