April 6, 1909 – Matthew A. Henson reaches the North Pole, 45 minutes before Commandeer Peary.
April 7, 1885 – Granville T. Woods patents apparatus for transmission of messages by electricity.
April 8, 1974 – Atlanta Braves slugger Hank Aaron hits 715 home run, surpassing Babe Ruth as the game’s all-time home-run leader.
April 9, 1898 – Paul Robeson, actor, singer, activist, born.
April 10, 1947 – Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson becomes first African American to play major league baseball.
April 11, 1966 – Emmett Ashford becomes first black umpire in the major leagues.
April 12, 1983 – Harold Washington becomes first African American mayor of Chicago.
