John B. Mclendon becomes first African American American Basketball Association (ABA) head coach and the first African American professional head coach in any sport, when he signs a two year contract with the Denver Nuggets.

In the early hours of May 14, 1970, officers from the Jackson Police Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol opened fire on a women’s dormitory at Jackson State University, a historically Black college. The barrage of over 150 bullets killed two students—Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, a 21-year-old pre-law student and father, and James Earl Green, a 17-year-old high school senior—and wounded at least 12 others.

The students had been protesting racial injustice and the U.S. invasion of Cambodia, similar to demonstrations occurring nationwide. Just 10 days earlier, four white students had been killed at Kent State University in Ohio, sparking national outrage. However, the Jackson State killings received far less media attention, revealing the deep racial disparities in how tragedy and activism were perceived in America.

On May 14, 1963, 22-year-old Arthur Ashe made history as the first African American selected for the U.S. Davis Cup tennis team. His groundbreaking inclusion into this elite international competition marked a major milestone in both sports and civil rights history. At a time when tennis remained largely segregated and exclusive, Ashe’s selection symbolized both talent and quiet defiance. He would go on to become a three-time Grand Slam champion and global humanitarian, using his platform to speak out against apartheid, racism, and injustice.

On May 14, 1961, a Greyhound bus carrying interracial Freedom Riders was firebombed by a white mob in Anniston, Alabama. The Freedom Riders—Black and white activists—were challenging segregation on interstate buses in the Deep South. As they traveled through Alabama, their presence provoked outrage. In Anniston, the bus was surrounded, its tires slashed, and a firebomb thrown inside. The mob held the doors shut to trap the riders inside, but a federal undercover agent’s pistol helped force the doors open. The riders barely escaped with their lives. Images of the smoldering bus shocked the nation and drew international attention. The attack underscored the brutality of Jim Crow and catalyzed federal intervention in civil rights cases. May 14 stands as a harrowing reminder of the price paid for justice and the courage of those who refused to be silenced.

On May 14, 1959, Sidney Bechet, the groundbreaking soprano saxophonist and clarinetist, passed away in Paris at the age of 62. A New Orleans native and one of the first major soloists in jazz history, Bechet was known for his passionate, improvisational style and was among the earliest African American musicians to gain international acclaim. Though he briefly played with Duke Ellington early in his career, Bechet truly flourished in France, where he became a beloved cultural icon. His music helped lay the foundation for modern jazz and influenced generations of musicians on both sides of the Atlantic.

Born on May 14, 1913, Clara Stanton Jones would go on to break historic barriers in library science and public service. In 1970, she became the first African American director of the Detroit Public Library, one of the largest library systems in the U.S. Just six years later, in 1976, she made history again as the first African American president of the American Library Association (ALA). Jones was a fierce advocate for equitable access to information and worked tirelessly to diversify library staff, collections, and programming. Her leadership helped redefine what inclusive public libraries could be in the 20th century.

On May 14, 1890, Rosa Jinsey Young was born in Rosebud, Alabama. The daughter of a Methodist circuit rider, Young became one of Alabama’s most influential educators and religious leaders. In 1912, she opened a private school to educate Black children in the segregated South. When financial hardships threatened the school’s survival, she appealed for help—eventually connecting with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, which provided critical support. This partnership not only kept her school alive but also led to the establishment of numerous Lutheran churches and schools across the Black Belt region. Rosa Young later became a Lutheran missionary and teacher, playing a foundational role in expanding Black Lutheran education in the U.S. She is widely recognized today as the “Mother of Black Lutheranism in America.”

On May 14, 1885, Joseph “King” Oliver was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. A legendary cornet player, bandleader, and composer, Oliver played a foundational role in the birth and spread of jazz. He became known for his innovative use of mutes and expressive playing style, which shaped the New Orleans jazz sound. As the mentor to a young Louis Armstrong, King Oliver not only elevated the genre but also helped launch one of the greatest careers in music history. His Creole Jazz Band was among the first African American New Orleans bands to gain national recognition through recordings.

On May 14, 1885, African American jockey Erskine Henderson claimed victory at the 11th Kentucky Derby, riding a horse named Joe Cotton. The horse was trained by Alex Perry, a fellow African American and respected trainer of the time. This win continued a powerful legacy of Black excellence in early American horse racing. In fact, 15 of the first 28 Derby winners were ridden by Black jockeys—a testament to their dominance in the sport during the post-Civil War era. Despite being later erased from mainstream recognition due to Jim Crow segregation, pioneers like Henderson and Perry helped build the foundation of one of America’s most iconic sporting events.

On May 14, 1867, a Black political mass meeting in Mobile, Alabama, ended in violence when a white mob attacked attendees, leading to a deadly riot. At least one Black and one white individual were killed in the chaos, which highlighted the dangerous backlash against Black political mobilization during the Reconstruction era. That same year, the Knights of the White Camelia was founded in Louisiana—a paramilitary white supremacist organization similar to the Ku Klux Klan. They used terror and intimidation to suppress Black political participation and maintain white dominance in the South. These events underscored the fierce resistance to Black freedom and the federal attempts to rebuild a multiracial democracy after the Civil War.

On May 14, 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition officially began its journey to explore the vast, uncharted lands of the Louisiana Purchase. Among the Corps of Discovery was York, an enslaved African American man owned by William Clark. Though little was recorded in official documents, York played a crucial role in the expedition’s success — assisting with labor, hunting, negotiations with Indigenous tribes, and enduring every hardship faced by the team. Native peoples were reportedly fascinated by York, many never having seen a Black man before. Despite his service, York was denied pay, freedom, or formal recognition during the expedition. His story represents both a hidden contribution and the profound contradiction at the heart of America’s westward expansion.

On May 14, 1888, Brazil formally abolished slavery with the passage of the Lei Áurea (Golden Law), ending centuries of enslavement in the largest nation in South America. Though signed into law by Princess Isabel on May 13, news spread throughout Brazil on May 14, setting off celebrations among Afro-Brazilian communities and abolitionists. Brazil had imported more enslaved Africans than any other country—nearly 40% of all enslaved Africans in the Atlantic Slave Trade. However, abolition came without reparations or plans for land redistribution, forcing millions of newly freed Afro-Brazilians into poverty, landlessness, and marginalization. Despite the formal end of slavery, systemic racism and inequality persisted. The legacy of Afro-Brazilians would continue to shape Brazil’s culture, politics, and identity. May 14 became a symbolic day of freedom, but also a reminder of the unfinished struggle for justice in Brazil.

On May 14, 1970, 20-year-old Stevie Wonder released the hit single “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I\’m Yours).” It marked a turning point in his career as it was the first song he produced entirely by himself. The soulful anthem, co-written with Syreeta Wright, Lee Garrett, and Lula Mae Hardaway (his mother), became an instant classic. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts. It showcased Stevie Wonder’s transition from Motown’s teen prodigy to a powerful, independent creative force. With its bold sound, layered harmonies, and irresistible groove, the track became a staple of the 1970s soul movement. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” also cemented Wonder’s growing reputation as a socially aware and musically innovative artist. Over time, it would be covered by artists across genres and used in political campaigns, becoming one of Stevie Wonder’s most iconic contributions to music and culture.

On May 14, 1984, George Wallace, the former Alabama governor infamous for his staunch pro-segregation stance in the 1960s, publicly apologized to Black Americans during a campaign for his final term in office. Wallace, who had declared “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” appeared at a Black church in Montgomery in a wheelchair, having survived an assassination attempt years earlier that left him paralyzed. With visible emotion, he asked for forgiveness, stating, “I was wrong. Those days are over, and they ought to be over.” Many were skeptical of the timing and sincerity, while others in Alabama’s Black community appreciated the symbolic gesture. Though Wallace’s political legacy remained deeply controversial, his statement on May 14 became part of a broader national conversation about race, accountability, and the political exploitation of segregation. The moment reflected both the enduring wounds of the past and the complexities of political redemption.

On May 14, 1904, during the Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition in Norfolk, Virginia, African Americans were assigned a separate exhibit space—known as the “Negro Building”—to highlight Black progress since Emancipation. Though segregated and controversial, the building offered a rare opportunity for Black artists, educators, and entrepreneurs to present their achievements to the public. Spearheaded by prominent leaders like Booker T. Washington, the exhibition featured portraits, industrial tools, literary works, and photos documenting the progress of Black institutions and communities. While the very existence of a separate building mirrored the inequalities of the time, the exhibits defied prevailing stereotypes by showcasing Black excellence, innovation, and resilience. The event helped launch future Black expositions and served as a precursor to the Negro History movement. May 14 marks an important date in the ongoing effort to assert and document Black contributions within a system that often attempted to erase them.

On May 14, 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps began accepting African American recruits for the first time in its 167-year history. These recruits trained at Montford Point, a segregated facility near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Over 20,000 Black Marines trained there between 1942 and 1949. Despite facing discrimination and limited roles, they broke racial barriers and contributed significantly to the World War II effort, particularly in ammunition supply and logistics. Their presence laid the foundation for the full integration of the Marine Corps in 1949. Montford Point Marines faced racism with courage and discipline, becoming a symbol of Black patriotism and perseverance. In 2012, they were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. May 14 stands as a landmark in military desegregation and a tribute to the thousands who fought for a nation that still treated them unequally.

On May 14, 1973, NASA launched Skylab, America’s first space station. Behind the scenes were several African American engineers and scientists who contributed to its development, including Morgan Watson, one of NASA’s first Black engineers, and Dr. George Carruthers, whose inventions helped advance space imaging. While no African American had yet gone to space in 1973, the contributions of these professionals ensured the success of the mission. Carruthers’ earlier work on ultraviolet imaging enabled better observation of Earth and stars from orbit. Though often excluded from the spotlight, Black professionals at NASA helped solve critical engineering problems and supported the growth of the U.S. space program. May 14 not only marks the launch of Skylab but also the hidden yet vital role that African Americans played in American scientific advancement and aerospace history.

On May 14, 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Alexander v. Holmes County Board of Education, a case that challenged delays in desegregating public schools in the South. The case arose after many Southern districts used “freedom-of-choice” plans to delay real integration, even 15 years after Brown v. Board of Education. By fall of 1969, the Court ruled that desegregation must proceed “at once,” ending the era of deliberate delays. Though the official decision was handed down later that year, May 14 marks a turning point in the fight for educational equality. The decision forced dozens of school districts to implement genuine integration plans, reshaping Southern education. This case reinforced that justice delayed was justice denied, and it highlighted the need for federal enforcement in the face of state resistance.

On May 14, 1935, Ralph Ellison graduated from Tuskegee Institute, a historically Black college in Alabama that shaped many African American leaders. Ellison, who studied music rather than literature, would go on to become one of the most influential Black writers of the 20th century. His 1952 novel Invisible Man captured the complexities of Black identity, invisibility, and power in American society. His years at Tuskegee—where he grappled with both pride and frustration over Booker T. Washington’s legacy—deeply informed his intellectual development. Though he left Tuskegee disillusioned with aspects of Black elitism, the discipline and exposure to classical art gave him a foundation that fueled his later work. May 14 marks an early milestone in Ellison’s journey from jazz musician to towering literary voice whose insights on race, politics, and selfhood remain resonant today.

On May 14, 2020, a Georgia grand jury indicted three white men—Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William “Roddie” Bryan—for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man who was shot while jogging near Brunswick, Georgia. The incident occurred on February 23, 2020, but only gained national attention after video footage emerged in May, sparking outrage and demands for justice. The indictment on May 14 represented a turning point after months of inaction and highlighted how citizen journalism and public pressure could force legal accountability. The case became a flashpoint in the Black Lives Matter movement and reignited conversations about racial profiling, vigilantism, and systemic injustice in law enforcement. May 14 symbolizes the critical role of community activism in confronting racial violence and holding systems of power accountable.

On May 14, 1885, the Congo Free State was formally established under the personal control of King Leopold II of Belgium. What was promoted as a humanitarian effort quickly became one of the most brutal colonial regimes in history. Under Leopold’s rule, Congolese people were forced into rubber production through a system of terror, leading to widespread mutilation, death, and displacement. Estimates suggest that 10 million people may have died during this period. The international outcry eventually led to the Belgian government taking control of the territory in 1908. This day marks the beginning of one of Africa’s darkest colonial chapters, which continues to shape Congo’s modern challenges.

Catharina van der Zee, a prominent figure descended from enslaved people brought to South Africa by Dutch settlers, was born on May 14, 1796. Living during a time when slavery was still legal under the Dutch Cape Colony, Catharina’s life reflects the complexities of race, freedom, and survival in early South African society. Her descendants later became key figures in the colored (mixed-race) communities of the Cape, whose culture, language, and identity remain essential to the country’s fabric. Her story underscores the resilience of enslaved Africans and their role in shaping the cultural heritage of Southern Africa.

On May 14, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. met with Kenyan Vice President Oginga Odinga during a visit to East Africa. The meeting symbolized a growing connection between African American civil rights leaders and African independence movements. Dr. King expressed solidarity with newly independent African nations and spoke on the global struggle for justice, drawing parallels between Jim Crow segregation and colonial rule. This visit helped deepen pan-African alliances and emphasized the transatlantic unity in the fight against racism and oppression.

On May 14, 1945, just days after VE Day, African soldiers serving in the French army participated in the liberation of Austrian and German towns. Troops from Senegal, Chad, and Algeria, often overlooked in WWII narratives, played pivotal roles throughout the European theater. Despite their bravery, many were denied proper recognition and faced racial discrimination. Their contribution is a powerful reminder of the global nature of the struggle against fascism and the injustice faced by Black soldiers during and after the war.

On May 14, 1804, Haitian leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines issued one of the early decrees reaffirming Haiti’s independence from France. This came just months after Haiti declared itself the first Black republic in January 1804. The decree was a defiant message to European powers that slavery would never return to the island. It emphasized land redistribution to former slaves and called for vigilance against neocolonial threats. This moment cemented Haiti’s role as a beacon of Black liberation.

The third Pan-African Congress concluded on May 14, 1921, in London. Organized by W.E.B. Du Bois and British-African intellectuals, the event brought together delegates from the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean. The Congress called for African self-governance, racial equality, and an end to colonial exploitation. Though not widely covered in Western media at the time, it laid foundational ideas for future African independence movements and inspired a new generation of Black internationalist thinkers.

On May 14, 1963, the British colonial government in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) arrested leading figures from the United National Independence Party (UNIP), including Simon Kapwepwe. The crackdown was aimed at halting independence momentum, but it only intensified public support. The UNIP, under Kenneth Kaunda, would soon lead Zambia to independence in 1964. This day reflects the sacrifices made by African nationalists in their struggle for freedom and sovereignty.

On May 14, 1857, Mary Ann Shadd Cary published an editorial in the Provincial Freeman, one of Canada’s first anti-slavery newspapers. An African American who fled to Canada after the Fugitive Slave Act, Shadd was the first Black woman publisher in North America. Her May 14 article argued for Black self-reliance, education, and migration as resistance. Her cross-border activism helped shape both Canadian abolitionist thought and post-slavery discourse in the Americas.

On May 14, 1987, President Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso delivered a powerful address on food sovereignty at an agricultural summit. He called for ending reliance on Western food aid and urged African nations to return to indigenous farming methods. Sankara emphasized land reform and collective farming, challenging neocolonial dependency models. Just months before his assassination, his speech reaffirmed his legacy as a radical reformer who connected Black liberation with economic independence.

On May 14, 2000, Colombia’s Constitutional Court upheld the territorial rights of Afro-Colombian communities under Law 70. Originally passed in 1993, the law had faced slow implementation. This decision reaffirmed the legal autonomy of Black rural communities along Colombia’s Pacific coast. These groups, descended from escaped slaves, had long been marginalized. The ruling was a turning point in their fight for cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic dignity.

On May 14, 1854, William Cuffay, a Black British political activist and former leader of the Chartist movement, died in exile in Tasmania. Born in 1788 in Kent, England, to a formerly enslaved African father and English mother, Cuffay became a tailor in London and rose to prominence as a fierce advocate for workers’ rights and universal suffrage. Despite facing racial prejudice, he became a key leader in the Chartist movement—Britain’s first mass working-class political organization. Known for his oratory and radical views, Cuffay was arrested in 1848 for allegedly plotting an uprising and was sentenced to transportation (forced exile) to Tasmania. Even in exile, he continued to fight for justice, becoming a union organizer and voice for the oppressed. His legacy as one of the earliest Black working-class political leaders in Britain remains largely overlooked in mainstream histories of democracy and labor.