This Week In Black History

Jet, May 14, 2001

May 7, 1878--

J. R. Winters, inventor, patented the first fire escape ladder (patent #203,517) on this day. The wooden ladder, improved upon by Winters, became a metal structure with parallel steps attached to the side of buildings used to aid people in escaping from fires without having to jump out of windows, preventing many injuries and death. Winters' improvements helped bring in an additional means of escape to people who lived and worked in high buildings during the late 1800s.

May 10, 1854--

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, dubbed "The Black Swan," was the first Black musician to appear in a command performance before royalty on this day. Greenfield, a self-taught opera singer, sang before Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace, which earned her a reputation in both the United States and Britain. Born into slavery in 1819 on the Natchez, MS, estate of Mrs. Holliday Greenfield, she was encouraged in her talent and went on to sing throughout early America and London. She died March 31, 1876, in Philadelphia.

May 13, 1968--

James Charles Evers, became the first Black mayor of Fayette, MS, by winning the Democratic nomination for mayor on this day. He spearheaded a determined Black effort in municipal elections. Evers defeated R. J. Allen, 77, a White man who held the post for 20 years, by a 433-264 vote. He went on to serve four terms as mayor. Evers was born in Decatur, MS, in 1922. He served overseas in the Army during World War II, and graduated from Alcorn A&M in 1950. He penned his autobiography, Have No Fear, in 1997. He currently manages a Mississippi radio station.