Mary McLeod Bethune founds the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. The school is renamed in 1931, and Mary McLeod Bethune continues to serve as president until 1942.

Anglican nun and writer Sister Constance Murphy is born in Baltimore, Maryland.

Seamstress Irma Josephine Barber is born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Pianist, singer, and composer Thomas "Fats" Waller was born on this date in New York City. Waller wrote and/or performed hits like Honeysuckle Rose and Lenox Avenue Blues.

Surgeon, scientist and teacher Dr. Charles R. Drew is born in Washington, D.C. Dr. Drew was a pioneer in the field of blood plasma research and transfusions.

United States diplomat Ralph Bunche is born on this date. He will go on to become the first African American to win the Nobel Prize.

Big band leader and jazz pianist William James "Count" Basie was born on this date in Red Bank, New Jersey. Basie is best known for his hit One O'Clock Jump.

W.E.B. DuBois published his credo on this date in the New York Journal. His credo was basically an affirmation of his faith.

Tenor jazz saxophonist Coleman Hawkins was born on this date in St. Joseph, Missouri.