Cab Calloway and his Orchestra recorded the standard, St. James Infirmary, for Okey Records.

Dr. Charles Drew was born in Washington DC. Drew attended medical schools in Montreal, Canada. After much research and study, Drew discovered a way to preserve blood in the form of plasma so it could be stored for long periods of time.

Prince Hall founded Africa Lodge No. 1. It was the first Black Lodge of Free Masons in the United States.