17 June-Today's All facts
1980 - Tennis Great Venus Williams born on this date.

Tennis Great Venus Williams born.

1957 - Tuskegee Boycott began

Tuskegee Boycott began.  African American’s boycotted city stores in protest against act of state legislature that deprived them of municipal votes by placing their homes outside of the city limits.

1775 - Peter Salem

On this date in 1775, Peter Salem a free slave and a private in Captain Simon Edgel’s company at the battle of Bunker Hill, was the first military hero of the War of Independence against British rule. On June 17, 1775, at a crucial moment in the battle, when British major John Pitcairn, had rallied the disorganized British troops.

1972 - Frank Wills and Watergate Conspiracy

On this date in 1972, Frank Wills, Washington security guard, foiled break-in at offices of Democratic National Committee in first event of the Watergate conspiracy.

1948 - Actress Phylicia Rashad born

On this date in 1948, Actress Phylicia Rashad was born in Houston, Texas.

1937 - Journalist Robert Maynard born

ON this date in 1937, Journalist Robert Clyve Maynard, owner, editor and publisher of “The Oakland Tribune,” was born in the borough of Brooklyn, NY.

1928 - Singer James Brown born

On this date in 1928, Blues singer, “the Godfather of Soul,” James Brown was born in Pulaski, Tennessee.

1897 - William Frank Powell named minister to Haiti

On this date in 1897, William Frank Powell, New Jersey educator, named minister to Haiti.

1871 - James Weldon Johnson, born

ON this date in 1871, Author, lyricist, poet and educator James Weldon Johnson, also the first Black executive of the NAACP, is born in Jacksonville, Florida.

1862 - Congress authorized President Lincoln to accept blacks in Union Army.

On this date in 1862, Congress authorized President Lincoln to accept blacks in Union Army.

1775 - Blacks soldiers fought in battles

On this date in 1775, Blacks soldiers fought at Battle of Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill. Among the heroes of the battle were Peter Salem and Salem Poor.