She was the first woman in U.S. history appointed as a federal judge.
Link to the catalog1949: Burnita Shelton Matthews of Hazlehurst appointed to U.S. District Court
Burnita Sheldon Matthews
1949: Opera by William Grant Still debuts in New York City
1965 League of Allied Arts program honoring Still
Performed by the New York City Opera Company, Troubled Island was the first opera by an African American to be performed by a major company. Born on May 11, 1895, in Woodville, Still became an accomplished classical composer. He was the first African American to conduct a symphony orchestra, to have a symphony of his own performed by a leading orchestra, and to have an opera performed on national television.
Link to the catalog1949: William Faulkner wins Nobel Prize for Literature
William Faulkner
Faulkner received his prize in 1950. His acceptance speech continues to be reprinted and read today.