1880: Helen Keller, who was left deaf and blind at 18 months from a severe infection, was born in Alabama. Anne Sullivan, her teacher, helped Helen eventually graduate from college and have a career as an author and lecturer. Helen died on June 1, 1968 in Connecticut.

1872:  Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in Dayton, Ohio. Although he died when he was only 33, Dunbar had achieved international acclaim as a poet, short story writer, novelist, dramatist, and lyricist. Dunbar was the child of former slaves. His father escaped bondage, fled to Canada, and returned to the U.S. to fight in the Civil War as a member of the Massachusetts 55th Regiment. At the time Dunbar's mother escaped enslavement via the Underground Railroad, emancipation was declared. His parents met later and married in Dayton. Although he was the only African American in his middle and high schools, Dunbar's classmates accepted him. He served as editor of his high school paper and president of the literary club. His classmate Orville Wright was one of his best friends. Together, the two boys briefly published a newspaper but their money ran out after just three issues. (Source: Library of Congress)