Filmaker Oscar Micheaux born

Filmaker Oscar Micheaux born in Metropolis, Illinois. He is widely recognized as being the first African-American filmmaker.

He formed his own movie production company and in 1919 became the first African-American to make a film. He wrote, directed and produced the silent motion picture The Homesteader, starring the pioneering African American actress Evelyn Preer, based on his novel of the same name.

In 1924 he introduced the moviegoing world to Paul Robeson in his film, Body and Soul.