On this date in 1908, Jack Johnson became the first heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Tweet

Macon Bolling Allen is said to be the first African-American to pass the bar and practice law in the United States. He began practicing law in 1845. Tweet

Percy Julian created a treatment for glaucoma. He also synthesized cortisone so it could be used to treat arthritis, In addition to this, Mr. Julian invented a fire-extinguishing foam that is used to put out gasoline and oil fires. Tweet

Inventor, Henry Brown, received a patent for his invention of the strongbox on November 2, 1886. Tweet

In 1885, the first Black professional baseball team, the Cuban Giants was formed. Tweet

George Franklin Grant received a degree from Harvard School Of Dental Medical in 1870. He also became the first African-American faculty member of Harvard University. In addition to this, he is the inventor of the golf tee. Tweet

Simmie Knox was the first African-American artist to paint an official U.S. presidential portrait. THe portrait was of President Bill Clinton. Tweet

James “Cool Papa” Bell was a player in the Negro Leagues. He was arguably considered, “the fastest player ever to play baseball.” He also became a coach and taught players, including Jackie Robinson. Tweet

George Gibbs Jr. was the first African-American to explore the South Pole. Mr. Gibbs also started his own employment agency and organized the Rochester, Minnesota chapter of the NAACP. Tweet