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February 12: “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also called “The Negro National Anthem,” lyrics by James Weldon Johnson, with music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, made its debut on this date in 1900.

February 11: De Witt Clinton, mayor, governor, senator, and presidential candidate, as well as the promoter of the Erie Canal, which made New York City the world’s financial center, died on this date in 1828.

February 10: The Bradley Martin Ball, intended to be “the greatest party in the history of the city,” was held on this date in 1897. The police were called out to prevent demonstrators, angry at the money spent, from storming the Waldorf Hotel.

February 9: Louisine Havemeyer was arrested on this date in 1919 at the White House while demonstrating for women’s suffrage.

February 8: Painter John George Brown, who specialized in paintings of New York City’s street urchins, died on this date in 1913.

February 7: On this date in 1983, Eubie Blake celebrated his 100th birthday; he died five days later and was cremated at Green-Wood.

February 6: “Wizard of the Strings” Roy Smeck, who was widely acclaimed for his work on the banjo, ukelele, and guitar, was born on this date in 1900.

February 5: Andrew H. Mickle, born on this date in 1805, grew wealthy as a tobacco dealer and was elected mayor of New York City in 1845; he served one two-year term.

February 4: Louis Michel Eilshemius, eccentric 20th century painter of landscapes and nudes, was born on this date in 1864.

February 3: Charlotte Canda, on this date in 1845, celebrated her 17th birthday; she died later that day in a carriage accident.