On February 6, 1926, Negro History Week was observed for the first time. Created by historian Carter G. Woodson, the week was established to highlight the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. It laid the foundation for what would later become Black History Month, officially recognized in 1976.

On February 6, 1974, the Caribbean nation of Grenada achieved independence from Great Britain. Sir Eric Gairy became the country’s first Prime Minister, ushering in a new era of self-governance. Grenada’s independence marked a key moment in the broader movement for decolonization across the Caribbean.

On February 6, 1967, comedian, actor, author, and filmmaker Chris Rock was born in Andrews, South Carolina. Known for his sharp wit and fearless social commentary, Rock rose to fame through stand-up comedy, his HBO series The Chris Rock Show, and numerous film roles. Beyond entertainment, he used his platform to speak out on social issues, including calling for a boycott of the Confederate flag once flown over his home state.

On February 6, 1946, a filibuster in the U.S. Senate effectively killed a bill that sought to make the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) permanent. Originally established during World War II to combat racial discrimination in defense industries and government, the FEPC had been a key step toward federal civil rights enforcement. The filibuster marked a major setback in the fight for equal employment rights in the postwar era.

On February 6, 1945, Irwin C. Molison was appointed to the United States Customs Court by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He became the first African American to serve on that court, marking a significant advancement in the representation of African Americans in the federal judiciary.

Eubie Blake, the legendary African American composer and pianist, was born on February 7, 1883, in Baltimore, Maryland. A pioneer of ragtime and early jazz, Blake composed numerous popular songs and musicals, including Shuffle Along, one of the first Broadway shows written and performed by African Americans.

On February 7, 1872, Alcorn A&M College officially opened in Mississippi. It was the first Black land-grant college in the United States and is now known as Alcorn State University. The school played a pivotal role in providing higher education to African Americans in the post-Civil War South.