Black history is rich with stories of resilience, innovation, and contributions that have shaped the world in countless ways. However, many of these stories are often overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream education. While well-known figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman are celebrated, there are countless other stories from Black history that remain largely unknown. From ancient African civilizations to modern-day changemakers, these untold facts shed light on the depth and breadth of Black history.
15 Amazing Facts About Black History That Not Taught In Schools
1. The First African Kingdoms Were Among the Most Advanced Civilizations in History
While many people are familiar with Ancient Egypt, few know about the many other advanced African civilizations that flourished long before colonialism. The Kingdom of Kush (in present-day Sudan) and the Mali Empire in West Africa were major centers of culture, education, and trade. The Kingdom of Kush, for instance, not only ruled over Egypt at different times but also had a thriving culture and economy. The Mali Empire, at its height, was one of the richest in the world, thanks in part to its vast gold reserves. The legendary city of Timbuktu was a renowned center for learning and housed one of the largest libraries in the world during the 14th century.
2. The First Person to Die in the American Revolution Was a Black Man
Crispus Attucks, an African and Native American man, was the first person to die in the Boston Massacre, an event that precipitated the American Revolution. On March 5, 1770, Attucks, a former enslaved person, was killed by British soldiers in the chaos that erupted during the incident. Attucks is often celebrated as a martyr and a symbol of Black patriotism, though his story is rarely included in textbooks about the Revolutionary War. His death marks an important, yet overlooked, moment in the founding of the United States.
3. The First Woman to Earn a U.S. Patent Was a Black Woman
In 1885, Sarah B. Boone became the first African American woman to receive a U.S. patent. Boone’s invention was an improvement to the ironing board, designed to make ironing sleeves easier. Though her contribution might seem modest, it paved the way for later innovations in home appliances. Boone’s patent remains a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Black women, even in a society that frequently overlooked their contributions.
4. Black Soldiers Helped Win the Battle of Yorktown
While much of the American Revolutionary War history focuses on famous figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, Black soldiers played a crucial role in securing the victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, the decisive battle that ended the war. Thousands of Black men, both enslaved and free, fought for the Continental Army, often as soldiers, spies, and even drummers to boost morale. Their participation in the war, though rarely highlighted, was instrumental in the success of the American cause.
5. The Harlem Renaissance Was a Rebirth of African-American Culture
The Harlem Renaissance, which spanned the 1920s, was a cultural and intellectual explosion in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. It was a period when Black writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers reshaped how African American culture was seen by the wider world. Figures like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong became iconic during this time. However, despite its enormous influence, the Harlem Renaissance is often reduced to a brief chapter in most history books, neglecting its lasting impact on American culture and beyond.
6. Black Cowboys Were Integral to the American West
Many people associate the American West with cowboys, but few realize that a significant percentage of those cowboys were Black. In fact, it’s estimated that one in four cowboys was African American. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved men and free Black men worked as cowboys, cattle drivers, and ranchers. Nat Love, known as “Deadwood Dick,” became one of the most famous Black cowboys, writing an autobiography about his adventures. Yet, the stories of Black cowboys are often overlooked in mainstream narratives about the Wild West.
7. Ancient African Civilizations Had Advanced Knowledge of Medicine
Long before European colonization, African civilizations developed sophisticated systems of medicine and healthcare. The ancient Egyptians were known for their advancements in surgery, herbal medicine, and anatomy, with some practices being passed down through generations. The Mali Empire, as well as the Ashanti Kingdom in West Africa, also had highly developed medical knowledge, utilizing plants and healing techniques that would only be recognized by Western medicine centuries later.
8. The “Green Book” Helped African Americans Travel Safely During Jim Crow
During the era of Jim Crow laws, when racial segregation and discrimination were rampant in the United States, African Americans used a guide called “The Negro Motorist Green Book” to find safe places to eat, sleep, and refuel while traveling. This guide, first published in 1936, was an essential resource for Black travelers, helping them avoid the dangers of discrimination and violence. The Green Book documented businesses that were friendly to African Americans, including hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. The importance of this guide is often overlooked, but it was a crucial lifeline for Black people navigating a segregated America.
9. The Black Panther Party Was Not Just About Violence
The Black Panther Party, often remembered for its militant stance, was also deeply involved in community service. Founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, the Panthers established free breakfast programs for children, health clinics, and educational initiatives. Their community programs provided critical services to Black communities that were often neglected by the government. However, the media’s portrayal of the Black Panthers often focused on their more confrontational tactics, obscuring their vast humanitarian efforts.
10. Black Farmers Once Owned 16 Million Acres of Land in the U.S.
Before discriminatory practices and government policies systematically robbed Black farmers of their land, African Americans owned more than 16 million acres of farmland in the United States. This land was a source of economic power and self-sufficiency for Black families, but over the decades, discriminatory lending practices, fraud, and violence led to the loss of most of this land. Today, Black farmers own less than 2% of U.S. farmland, a stark reminder of how systemic racism has impacted Black wealth and land ownership.
11. African Americans Built the White House and U.S. Capitol
Many people are unaware that enslaved Africans and free Black workers were involved in the construction of the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Though their contributions have been largely erased from official history, records indicate that enslaved men worked alongside European laborers to help build these iconic structures. It’s a powerful reminder of the labor contributions of Black people in shaping the nation’s capital.
12. The First Black-Owned Bank Was Established in 1888
The first Black-owned bank in the United States, the True Reformers Bank, was established in Richmond, Virginia, in 1888. It provided a financial lifeline to African Americans, many of whom were excluded from mainstream banking services due to racial discrimination. Black-owned banks have played an essential role in supporting Black communities, providing financial services and promoting economic self-sufficiency.
13. The First Black Woman to Serve in Congress Was Shirley Chisholm
In 1968, Shirley Chisholm made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Chisholm, a Democrat from New York, was known for her fierce advocacy for racial and gender equality. In 1972, she also became the first Black woman to run for president of the United States. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the barriers Black women have broken in politics.
14. African American Inventors Have Changed the World
Many of the inventions we use today were created by Black innovators whose contributions have often been overlooked. For example, Garrett Morgan invented the three-position traffic light, saving countless lives worldwide. Dr. Charles Drew developed a method for storing blood plasma that revolutionized medical care. Madam C.J. Walker became the first self-made female millionaire in America by developing hair care products for Black women. These pioneers have shaped modern society in ways that are rarely acknowledged in school curriculums.
15. The African Burial Ground in New York Is One of the Oldest Known Sites of Enslaved Africans
In 1991, construction workers in lower Manhattan uncovered a burial ground containing the remains of over 400 African slaves. The site, known as the African Burial Ground, dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries and is one of the largest known archaeological sites of enslaved Africans in the U.S. Today, it stands as a national monument, honoring the lives and stories of those who lived and died in bondage, offering a powerful connection to the history of Black Americans.
Conclusion
Black history is far broader and more complex than is often depicted in mainstream education. The facts explored in this article are just a small sample of the incredible contributions, achievements, and struggles that are often omitted from school curricula.
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