Today in Black History: November 21st
1962 – George Branham Is Born
George Branham III is renowned as the first African American to win a major Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) title, standing out as one of the few men of color in professional bowling. Born on November 21, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan, he was introduced to the sport by his father in 1968. The family moved to San Fernando Valley, California, in 1977, where Branham attended Polytechnic High School. While he was a multisport athlete, he chose to focus on bowling, eventually turning pro at 23 after winning Southern California’s Junior Bowler of the Year in 1983.
Branham quickly made his mark, securing eight consecutive tournament wins between 1985 and 1987, including the Brunswick Memorial World Open, where he became the first African American to win a major PBA event. His career continued with a major victory at the 1993 Baltimore Open, leading to his triumph in the Tournament of Champions. Over his eighteen-year career, he won five major titles and scored 23,300 game points, solidifying his legacy in the sport. After retiring in 2003, he opened a bowling alley in Indianapolis and remained dedicated to bowling.
1964 – Yvette Diane Clarke Is Born
Yvette Diane Clarke began her political career in 2001 when she was elected to the New York City Council, succeeding her mother, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke. This marked the first mother-daughter succession in the Council’s history. Born in Brooklyn on November 21, 1964, she attended public schools and graduated from Oberlin College in 1986.
Before Congress, Clarke served as the first Director of Business Development for the Bronx Empowerment Zone, managing a $51 million budget for revitalization efforts. In 2006, she was elected to represent New York’s 11th Congressional District, a seat previously held by Shirley Chisholm. Currently, Clarke serves on three House committees, including Education and Labor, Homeland Security, and Small Business.
