Week of March 5-11

March 5

CRISPUS ATTUCKS

1770—Crispus Attucks is shot and killed by British soldiers becoming the first American to die in the struggle for American Independence from England. Attucks was an escaped slave who became a sailor and rope maker. It is unclear exactly how he became involved in the protest of that day. But a crowd had gathered and began to taunt British troops. Attucks, who was of Black and Indian parentage, was inspired to give a speech in which he spoke of the importance of freedom. Suddenly a volley of shots was fired into the crowd. Four people died that day in an event which became known as the Boston Massacre.

Week of February 26-March 4

February 26

CARTER G. WOODSON and GARRETT A. MORGAN

1920—Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) founds the first nationally organized celebration of Black American history (then called Negro History Week), which was first celebrated on this day in 1926. Woodson scheduled the week to coincide with the birthdays of Civil War President Abraham Lincoln and black abolitionist Frederick Douglas. However, in 1976, Negro History Week was expanded into the current day Black History Month. For his efforts in promoting knowledge of black historical achievements Woodson became known as the “Father of Black History.” In explaining the need for the celebration, Woodson once said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Dwayne McDuffie, who wrote comic books for Marvel and DC and co-founded his own publishing company before crossing over to television and animation, has died. He was 49.

The Detroit native died Feb. 21, a day after his birthday, DC Comics said. His cause and place of death weren't immediately known.

DWAYNE MCDUFFIE

Through local performances, speaking engagements, literature and film events in nine cities, the PNC Financial Services Group has been celebrating the storied history of African-Americans throughout the month of February.

PNC-sponsored programs and activities in recognition of Black History Month were held in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Greater Maryland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

DAUGHTER AND SON—Lynell Nunn and Bill Nunn III accept their father’s award from Chuck Cooper III. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

“From programs at neighborhood libraries and museums to partnerships with local sports teams, we’re recognizing Black History Month in ways that best represent the communities in which we live and work” said Marsha Jones, chief diversity officer, PNC. “Our hope is that these events will help bring together individuals, families, business leaders and PNC employees as they celebrate diversity and experience Black History Month locally.”