Junior’s Black History Month Fact Of The Day

Day 20 - The First African-American to win an Academy Award

Sir Sidney Poitier was born on this day (February 20) back in 1927. He would go on to become an actor, movie director, author and diplomat.

Thanks to his performance in Lillies of The Field in 1964, Poitier was awarded the Academy Award for best actor. He was the first African-American to ever take home the award. He would go on to direct a number of films and act in several regarding race relations.

I

n 1997 he started his 10 year service as non-resident Bahamian ambassador to Japan.

On August 12, 2009, Poitier was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from the first African-American President, Barack Obama.

Today Poitier celebrates his 90th birthday!

And THAT is Junior's Black History Month Fact of The Day!