At the Movies – In the self-proclaimed “love story of today,” Sidney Poitier lit up the silver screen in 1968’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” The Academy Award-winning film also starred Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn in one of the first films to tackle the issue of interracial marriage. Poitier also celebrated his 74th birthday on Feb. 20.

In Music – At the end of 1984, Michael Jackson had “thrilled” himself into earning eight Grammy’s. Wacko Jacko’s album “Thriller” broke all sales records to date and remains one of the top-grossing albums of all time.

On Feb. 16, 1923, jazz legend Bessie Smith made her first recording, “Down Hearted Blues,” which sold 800,000 copies for Columbia Records.

On the Tube – The proof is in the pudding. Just 10 years ago the reigning Prime Time television sitcom was “The Cosby Show,” which featured an all black cast including Bill Cosby and Lisa Bonet.

In Sports – To win his first world heavyweight boxing title, Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston Feb. 25, 1964.

In the News – On Feb. 21, 1965, the life of black activist Malcolm X was cut short when he was assassinated during a New York rally in the Audubon Ballroom. He was 39.

To prove they’re a state that changes with the times, Virginia’s House of Delegates unanimously votes on Feb. 17, 1997, to retire the state song “Carry Me Back to Old Virginia,” a tune that glorifies slavery.

On Feb. 21, 1895, the North Carolina Legislature, dominated by black Republicans and white Populists, adjourned for the day to mark the death of leading black spokesman Frederick Douglass. Douglass, a life-long abolitionist, lecturer and editor, passed away the previous day.

Happy Birthday ? Crowned the “High Priestess of Soul” by her fans, legendary jazz singer Nina Simone celebrates her 68th birthday today.

William “Smokey” Robinson is born in Detroit, Michigan, on Feb. 19, 1940. In his solo career and as part of the Motown group “The Miracles,” which he organized while still in high school, Robinson will be an enduring R&B and pop performer and later the vice president of Motown Records.

A Pulitzer Prize winner for her novel “Beloved,” author Toni Morrison turned 70 on Feb. 18.

No Kidding – During this month back in 1990, “Entertainment Tonight” organized a 900 number for callers to phone in messages to wish Sammy Davis Jr. well at 95 cents per call, with proceeds going to the charity of Davis’ choice.