Today In Black History: Alexander Pushkin
Afro-Russian "Father of Russian Literature"
Issue #803 Today In Black History, Monday, February 10, 2025
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Born on June 6, 1799, in Moscow, Pushkin was a descendant of Abram Petrovich Gannibal, an African prince brought to Russia as a godson of Emperor Peter the Great. Gannibal rose to prominence as a military engineer and was a symbol of success against the odds of enslavement and racial prejudice.
Pushkin proudly embraced his heritage, often referring to his African roots in personal correspondence and literary works. His identity as a person of mixed ancestry informed his understanding of societal marginalization, which he explored in his works. Pushkin’s existence and success were testaments to the power of embracing a multifaceted heritage.
In Russia, Pushkin is celebrated as the father of Russian literature. He bridged the gap between the aristocracy and the common people through his works, including Eugene Onegin, The Captain's Daughter, and Boris Godunov.
Pushkin also used poetry, prose, and drama to challenge social norms, critique the political establishment, and explore love, power, and freedom themes. His poem "The Bronze Horseman" is a classic example of his ability to intertwine personal narrative with broader historical commentary.
Pushkin inspired countless Russian writers, including Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Anton Chekhov. His works have been translated into many languages worldwide.
Alexander Pushkin died on February 10, 1837. He was fatally wounded in a duel with Georges d'Anthès, a French officer who was rumored to have been attempting to seduce Pushkin's wife, Natalya Goncharova. The duel took place near Saint Petersburg, Russia. Pushkin was shot in the abdomen, and although he received medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Today In Black History
In 1966, Andrew Brimmer became the first African American governor of the Federal Reserve Board after being appointed by President Lyndon Johnson.
In 1971, Bill White of the NY Yankees became the first African American baseball announcer.
In 1989, Ronald Brown became the first African American elected chairman of the Democratic Party.
In 1990, South African President F.W. De Klerk announced that Nelson Mandela would be freed on February 11.
In 2007, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) announced the start of his first presidential campaign.
In 2008, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) won his 2nd Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for “TheAudacity of Hope.”
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