African- Americans 'Firsts'
Wilma Rudolph, Maya Angelou and Arthur Ashe
Maya Angelou
- April 4, 1928- May 28, 2014 (86yrs)
- Place of birth: St. Louis, Missouri
- Maya's profession, she was an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer and Civil Rights Activist (First black woman director in Hollywood). 1944 age 16 Maya gave birth to her son, Guy (short-lived high school relationship led to a pregnancy.) Maya's greatest accomplishments were her poerty that led her to receive honors and awards. What she left behind for the world was her famous memoir "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings".
- Heroes and role models: James Baldwin
- Best Friends: Maya was good friends with TV personality Oprah Winfery and close friends with Martin Luther King Jr. (Assassinated on her birthday April 4).
Maya Angelou - Mini Bio
Arthur Ashe
- Born July 10, 1943- February 6, 1993 (49 yrs)
- Place of birth: Richmond, Virginia
- Profession: Arthur was a Tennis player and Civil Rights Activist
- Marriage/children: Jeanne Moutoussany, daughter: Camera
- Arthur's greatest accomplishments was becoming the first African American recruited by the Davis Cup team. His contribution to the world is his inspirational quote, "True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at what ever cost." He also said, " One important key to success is self-confidence. An Important key to self-confidence it preparation.
- Heroes and role models: Pancho Gonzales
- Ashe died of AIDS-related pneumonia. He contracted HIV from a transfusion of bad blood that he was given during his second heart operation.
Event Information
Arthur Ashe Death
When?
Saturday, Feb 6, 1993, 03:15 PM
Where?
New York City, NY, United States
BIO Shorts: Arthur Ashe Announces He Has Aids
Wilma Rudolph
- June 23, 1940- November 12, 1994 (54 yrs)
- Place of birth: St. Bethlehem, Tennessee
- Profession: Track and Field athlete
- Marriage/children: 4 children
- Wilma's greatest accomplishments was that during her childhood she was stricken with polio. She had to wear a brace on her left leg because she had problems. It was determination and helped her with physical therapy,she said " The doctor told me I would never walk again my mom said I will, so I believed my mom." She was able to overcome her disease, and physical disabilities. Her contribution to the world was she was the first African American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympics in 1960, at the summer games in Rome.
- Wilma is remembered as the fastest woman in track and source of great inspiration for generations of African Americans.
Mini Bio: Wilma Rudolph
Wilma Rudolph Beats Polio To Become Olympic Champion - Rome 1960 Olympics
My favorite Idals
I choose these three wonderful African Americans for motivation. Maya Angelou motivates me to keep writing poetry, to let my voice be heard though my writing of emotions. Her poems and memoirs have encouraged me to work hard and to take every opportunity that I get serious.
Arthur Ashe and Wilma Rudolph have both motivated me that I too can go somewhere in life if I just allow myself to do it and to work hard for it. Everyone goes through obstacles, Wilma was told she would never walk again, she becomes the first African American to win three gold medals at a single Olympics. Arthur Ashe had health issues for 14 yrs of his life, then he's diagnosed with AIDS and he bravely announced that he had AIDS.
They have all encouraged me to be brave, to work hard and go for my dreams then I can accomplish anything. Just never say I can and to never give up
Event Information
Wilma Rudolph's Death
When?
Saturday, Nov 12, 1994, 12:00 AM
Where?