William Dorsey Swann, born enslaved in Hancock, becomes America’s first drag queen, sponsoring “drag balls” in DC. He is arrested in 1896 and serves 10 months in jail.
America’s first drag queen is born enslaved in Hancock Read More »
The Afro-American is the oldest family-owned newspaper in the U.S. Founded in 1892 by John Henry Murphy, born a slave and a Civil War veteran, the newspaper becomes the most successful weekly on the East Coast. It is still run by the Murphy family
John Murphy founds Afro-American newspaper Read More »
Johns Hopkins Hospital opens in 1889, creating the first modern medical school. Local women donate funds, provided it agrees to admit women. The Hospital accepts African American patients in segregated wards. Many medical firsts follow.
Johns Hopkins Hospital opens Read More »
In 1886 the Pratt Library is the first public library to open for all “without distinction of race or color”. The Pratt inspires the nationwide Carnegie Library system.
Enoch Pratt Free Library opens Read More »
Howard Cooper, African American, at 15 in 1885, is among the youngest persons in US to be lynched. He is lynched in front of the old Towson jail. Maryland is first to create a Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2019.
Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission established Read More »
In Baltimore in 1870 the largest national gathering celebrates Congress passing 15th Amendment. The Maryland Assembly does not pass 15th until 1973.
Governor Thomas Swann oversees the Maryland convention that passes new a constitution in 1867, renewing the franchise for returning Confederate soldiers and sets back the new political gains of newly freed slaves. Maryland refuses to ratify 14th & 15th amendments.
An 1867 constitution reverses the one in 1864, re-infranchising returning Confederates Read More »
Isaac Myers purchases a dockyard to employ Black workers and forms them into a caulker’s union in 1866. He is invited to the National Labor Convention in 1869. Ultimately, discrimination forces his union out of the national union.
Isaac Myers forms a trade union for Black workers Read More »
Sgt. Major Christian Fleetwood, Civil War hero, almost becomes the first Black commissioned officer in the US Army in 1865. Every white commissioned officer in the 4th US Colored Troops recommends him but the Secretary or War declines.
U.S. Representative Benjamin Harris, a pro-slavery advocate, is the only Congressman to pray for a Confederate victory on the House floor on July 4, 1863.
Congressman Benjamin Harris prays on floor of the House for a Confederate victory Read More »
We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.
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