Highly acclaimed international tenor Roland Hayes is born in Curryville, Georgia.

Marcus Garvey was born on this date in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica. Garvey is best known for organizing a back to Africa movement in the 1920s.

Edward Blyden publishes Christianity, Islam, and the Negro Race, in which he appeals to black men to convert to Islam.

Granville T. Woods patented his telephone system and apparatus on this date.

Inventor Alexander Miles patented an elevator on this date.

Granville T. Woods patents a railway induction telegraph, allowing trains to communicate with one another as well as with stations. Following this invention, every train in the country begins using his product.