Early African American History By facebooker_709588274 Aug 20, 1619 The first African slaves arrive in Jamestown. Rosa Parks was born Sep 1, 1773 The first book by a black woman is published. Jan 31, 1865 Slavery is abolished. May 18, 1896 Segregation is made legal. Apr 15, 1954 Jackie Robinson plays for the Dodgers. May 17, 1954 The Supreme Court rules on Brown vs. the Board of Education Dec 1, 1955 Rosa Parks is arrested. Aug 28, 1963 Martin Luther King gives his "I Have a Dream Speech." Jul 2, 1964 The Civil Rights Act is passed.