Things we did not learn in school about 20th Century Black American History

1901
First African American invited to dine at the White House: Booker T. Washington


1902
First African-American professional basketball player: Harry Lew (New England Professional Basketball League) (See also: 1950)


1903
First Broadway musical written by African Americans, and the first to star African Americans: In Dahomey
First African-American woman to found and become president of a bank: Maggie L. Walker, St. Luke Penny Savings Bank (since 1930 the Consolidated Bank & Trust Company), Richmond, Virginia


1904
First Greek-letter fraternal organization established by African Americans: Sigma Pi Phi First African American to participate in the Olympic Games, and first to win a medal: George Poage (two bronze medals)


1906
First intercollegiate Greek-letter organization established by African Americans: Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ), at Cornell University


1907
First African-American Greek Orthodox priest and missionary in America: Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Morgan (Robert Josias Morgan)


1908
First African-American heavyweight boxing champion: Jack Johnson
First African-American Olympic gold medal winner: John Taylor (Track and field medley relay team). (See also: DeHart Hubbard, 1924)
First intercollegiate Greek-letter sorority established by African Americans: Alpha Kappa Alpha (ΑKΑ)


1909
First African-American scholar to address the American Historical Association: W.E.B. Du Bois