Feb. 19: Tuskegee Airmen break barriers in World War II
A group of men and women, known as the Tuskegee airmen, became the first all-Black fighter pilots in the US Army during World War II on February 19, 1942.
Feb. 18: Breakthrough in razors for shaving
Inventor Henry Grenon patented the razor-stropping device, which allows for a comfortable edge during shaving.
Black Vines is a festival of wines
Black Vines Founder, Fern Stroud and Raymond Smith, Indigence Cellars Winemaker stopped by to talk about the 12th annual wine event that takes place in Oakland!
Black History Month 2023: Here are notable historical figures who appeared on US postal stamps
Through the years, postal stamps have commemorated the achievements of African Americans and landmark moments that were pivotal to race relations in America.
Feb. 17: Huey P. Newton born
Huey P. Newton, who co-founded the Black Panther Party in Oakland, was born on February 17, 1942.
Songstress Carrie Cleveland still making music at 82
Bay Area musician Carrie Cleveland is preparing for the release of her latest project, four decades after her first album.
Black American women face glaring maternal mortality disparity
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, Black American women are far more likely to die during pregnancy than other groups. KTVU's Heather Holmes and Alex Savidge discuss the issue with Dr. Nailah Thompson from Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center.
Feb. 16: "Black Panther" movie released
The blockbuster film "Black Panther," which was directed by Oakland native Ryan Coogler, was released in theaters on February 16, 2018.
Black LGBTQ trailblazer Billy DeFrank
Billy DeFrank was a pioneer and gay Black man in San Jose during a time when many people didn’t feel free to live openly. He moved to Oakland in 1966, and because of his activism, a center bearing his name has served the LGBTQ community for 40 years.
Feb. 15: Maya Angelou wins Medal of Freedom
Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou was awarded the highest civilian honor - the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Heart health and the Black community
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and for African Americans the numbers are even higher. According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Black adults are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic white Americans. KTVU's Heather Holmes speaks with Dr. Nailah Thompson with Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center about the disparity.
Feb. 14: Frederick Douglass's birthday
Although his exact birthday is unknown because he was born in slavery, Frederick Douglass celebrated February 14, 1818, as his birthday because his mother called him "Little Valentine."
Feb. 13: Sly & the Family Stone play MSG
Sly & the Family Stone, the first major American band to have a racially integrated lineup, performed at Madison Square Garden in New York on February 13, 1970.
Feb. 12: Black quarterbacks meet in Super Bowl
Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles are scheduled to start today's Super Bowl, making it the first time that two Black quarterbacks will have started in the big game.
Feb. 11: Nelson Mandela released from prison
Nelson Mandela, who fought against South Africa's racist apartheid system, was released from prison after serving 27 years on Feb. 11, 1990.
San Francisco ponders reparations for Black residents
San Francisco's African American Reparations Advisory Committee is preparing to present its initial report to that city's supervisors.
Keep your heart healthy
As part of American Heart Month and Black History Month, we tapped Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Stephanie Brown from Sutter Health Alta Bates to bring awareness and the importance of knowing risk factors, preventative measures, signs of heart issues and factors connected to the Black community.
Feb. 10: Roberta Flack's birthday
Singer Roberta Flack, who recorded "Killing Them Softly," turns 86 years old today.
Student's 'racist' joke at East Bay school mocks Black History Month with cotton balls
A student brought cotton balls to Diablo View Middle School allegedly to mock the celebrations of Black History Month, school officials said.
Feb. 9: Bay Area artist draws Google Doodle
Last Feb. 9, the daily Google Doodle was drawn by Bay Area artist Monique Wray. It was an illustration of Toni Stone, who was herself the first woman to play in a men's professional baseball league.