On this day in 1959, Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was promoted to brigadier general, becoming the first African American general in the U.S. Air Force. A trailblazing pilot, officer, and administrator, Davis broke racial barriers in a military still grappling with segregation. He would later rise to the rank of major general, becoming the first African American to achieve that level in the Air Force.

Davis Jr. was the son of Benjamin O. Davis Sr., who made history as the first Black general in the U.S. Army, marking the Davis family as a powerful legacy of military excellence and perseverance against the odds.

In a 2002 interview, legendary singer Chaka Khan revealed how deeply she was influenced by Aretha Franklin early in her career. Back in 1969, while touring with the Shades of Black and the Afro Arts Theater at just 15 years old, Khan had to perform in Philadelphia. Unsure of how to win over the crowd, she decided to channel Aretha Franklin’s soulful vocal style. She gave a little holler, mimicking Aretha’s signature gospel-rooted power—and the audience loved it. That performance marked a turning point. From that day forward, Khan adopted the emotive, commanding style that would define her as one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. She’s credited that moment—and Aretha’s influence—as pivotal to her vocal identity.

On May 22, 1967, Langston Hughes—renowned poet, playwright, and central figure of the Harlem Renaissance—passed away in New York City at the age of 65. Hughes used his work to capture the joys, struggles, and dreams of Black life in America, pioneering a literary voice that remains influential today. His ashes are interred beneath the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, marked by a mosaic titled “Rivers,” in honor of one of his most famous poems.

On this day, Bill Cosby made history as the first African American to win the Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Dramatic Series. He earned the honor for his groundbreaking role as Alexander Scott in the television series I Spy. This win marked a pivotal moment in television history, challenging racial barriers and opening the door for greater representation of Black actors in leading roles on primetime television.

Amid escalating violence against Freedom Riders in the South, U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy ordered 200 additional U.S. Marshals to Montgomery, Alabama. The move came after white mobs brutally attacked interracial groups challenging segregation in interstate travel. This federal intervention marked a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating growing national pressure to protect civil rights activists.

Claude McKay, a pioneering poet and novelist of the Harlem Renaissance, dies at age 58. Known for works like Home to Harlem—the first best-selling novel by an African American—McKay’s writings boldly explored race, identity, and resistance. His work helped define a literary era and continues to influence generations of writers.

On May 22, 1940, Bernard Shaw was born in Chicago, Illinois. A pioneering African American journalist, Shaw became CNN’s chief anchor and was a key figure during the network’s rise in prominence. He was widely respected for his calm, authoritative coverage of major global events, including the Gulf War in 1991, where he reported live from Baghdad during bombings. His legacy opened doors for future generations of Black journalists in broadcast news.

On May 22, 1863, the U.S. War Department established the Bureau of Colored Troops, a pivotal move during the Civil War. This bureau facilitated the recruitment of African American soldiers into the Union Army, leading to the formation of units like the United States Colored Troops (USCT). These brave men played a crucial role in turning the tide against the Confederacy, demonstrating valor and resilience despite facing discrimination and unequal treatment. Their contributions not only bolstered the Union\’s military strength but also challenged prevailing prejudices, laying the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. The establishment of the Bureau marked a significant step toward recognizing African Americans\’ rights and capabilities, influencing the nation\’s journey toward equality.

On this day in 1917, Ell Persons, an African American man, was brutally lynched by a mob in Memphis, Tennessee. Accused without substantial evidence of a heinous crime, he was burned alive before a crowd of thousands in a carnival-like atmosphere. This atrocity highlighted the rampant racial violence and injustice prevalent in the early 20th-century American South. The lynching galvanized local African American communities, leading to the establishment of the Memphis chapter of the NAACP. A century later, in 2017, memorials were erected to honor Persons\’ memory and acknowledge this dark chapter in history, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

\”Shuffle Along,\” the first major African American musical, premiered on Broadway on May 22, 1921. Created by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, this groundbreaking production broke racial barriers in the performing arts, featuring an all-Black cast and creative team. The show\’s success challenged prevailing stereotypes and opened doors for Black performers and playwrights in mainstream theater. Its hit song, \”I\’m Just Wild About Harry,\” became a cultural phenomenon. \”Shuffle Along\” not only entertained audiences but also played a significant role in the Harlem Renaissance, influencing generations of artists and reshaping American musical theater.

On May 22, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered a commencement address at the University of Michigan, introducing his vision for the \”Great Society.\” This ambitious set of domestic programs aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice in America. Key initiatives included the Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, Medicare, and education reforms. Johnson\’s vision significantly advanced civil rights and social welfare, profoundly impacting African American communities by promoting greater equality and access to opportunities.

On May 22, 1969, the Greensboro Uprising commenced in North Carolina, sparked by the dismissal of a Black student council president at Dudley High School. The protest escalated as students from North Carolina A&T State University joined in solidarity, leading to confrontations with law enforcement and the National Guard. The unrest highlighted systemic racial injustices in education and governance. The events prompted investigations and reforms, underscoring the importance of student activism in the civil rights movement.

Marguerite Ross Barnett was born on May 22, 1942. In 1990, she became the first African American woman to lead a major American university as president of the University of Houston. A distinguished political scientist, Barnett was known for her commitment to diversity and educational access. Her leadership and scholarship paved the way for greater inclusion in higher education administration.

On May 22, 1963, African leaders convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to establish the Organization of African Unity (OAU), marking a pivotal moment in Pan-African solidarity. The OAU’s formation represented a unified front against colonialism and neocolonial influence, bringing together 32 independent African nations under a shared vision for liberation and cooperation. With Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie playing a central role, the OAU sought to defend sovereignty, accelerate decolonization, and foster economic development across the continent. While it evolved into the African Union in 2002, the OAU laid the foundation for collective diplomacy in post-colonial Africa. May 22 stands as a symbol of African self-determination and political cohesion. This historic milestone also underscores the critical role of diplomacy in achieving liberation, making it a cornerstone of Black international history and a key date for Afrocentric educators and activists worldwide. Remember May 22 as the day Africa declared unity against global domination.

On May 22, 1856, Tiyo Soga, a Xhosa intellectual and freedom advocate, was ordained in the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, becoming the first Black South African minister. More than a religious figure, Soga broke racial barriers in both journalism and theology. As a skilled writer, he translated religious texts into Xhosa and wrote essays that challenged colonial racism. Educated in Scotland, Soga’s transatlantic experiences allowed him to bridge African and European intellectual traditions while advocating for Black dignity and cultural preservation under colonial rule. His ordination was not just religious—it was political. It represented a reclaiming of African voice and narrative in a time when Indigenous thought was suppressed. Soga’s legacy in journalism and anti-colonial theology makes May 22 a landmark date in global Black intellectual history. His life remains a testament to the enduring power of education, cross-cultural dialogue, and resistance through the written word.

On May 22, 1990, North and South Yemen officially unified, forming the Republic of Yemen. While often overlooked in Black history, this geopolitical shift had profound effects on the African diaspora—especially for Afro-Yemenis and Somali migrants. The unification intensified political instability, prompting thousands from the Horn of Africa to migrate through or to Yemen. Afro-Yemenis, many of whom descend from enslaved East Africans, found themselves navigating new national identity policies that often marginalized their Black heritage. Post-unification Yemen also became a strategic route for African refugees fleeing conflict, placing African migrants at the heart of one of the world\’s most complex humanitarian regions. May 22 invites deeper reflection on how African diasporic identities intersect with Middle Eastern politics. It’s a crucial day to recognize Black presence and struggle outside the typical Western lens. Yemen\’s unification is more than a regional event—it’s a diasporic turning point.

On May 22, 2010, Portia Simpson Miller was re-elected as President of the People’s National Party, setting the stage for her second term as Jamaica’s Prime Minister—the first woman of African descent to do so in the island’s history. Her leadership marked a turning point in Caribbean politics, combining grassroots advocacy with bold calls for republicanism and economic equity. Simpson Miller championed gender equality, education access, and regional cooperation within CARICOM. May 22 reflects not only a political victory but a cultural affirmation for Afro-Caribbean women who had long been underrepresented in leadership roles. Her journey from humble beginnings to the highest political office in Jamaica stands as an enduring symbol of possibility for Black women worldwide. This date is essential for understanding modern Black political leadership and the shifting dynamics of gender, power, and Afro-descendant agency in the Caribbean context.

On May 22, 1969, Equatorial Guinea officially became the 128th member of the United Nations. Having gained independence from Spain just a year prior, the country’s UN admission symbolized a broader wave of African nations asserting sovereignty and joining the global diplomatic community. Despite being one of Africa’s smallest nations, Equatorial Guinea\’s entry into the UN represented a defiance of colonial marginalization and an embrace of global citizenship. May 22 marked a strategic step toward international legitimacy and resource sovereignty, as the country sought control over its vast oil and natural gas reserves. This moment also brought global attention to the African Spanish-speaking diaspora, often overshadowed in Pan-African narratives. The date is a powerful reminder that every African nation, regardless of size, has the right to self-determination and a voice on the world stage. Equatorial Guinea’s UN membership remains a key milestone in Black international diplomacy.

On May 22, 2015, massive protests escalated in Bujumbura, Burundi, following President Pierre Nkurunziza\’s controversial bid for a third term. The unrest, led largely by youth and civil society groups, echoed across Africa and the diaspora as a modern example of Black resistance against authoritarianism. Though rooted in local politics, the uprising galvanized a pan-African digital solidarity movement, with activists from South Africa to the U.S. using hashtags and online campaigns to amplify Burundian voices. The movement exposed how power struggles, corruption, and human rights violations intersect with deeper colonial legacies. May 22 is thus remembered as a day of defiance and digital-age resistance, demonstrating the evolving nature of Black liberation movements. From the streets to cyberspace, Burundi’s protest legacy reinforces that the fight for justice in one Black nation reverberates through many. It’s a day for remembering grassroots courage against the machinery of state repression.

On May 22, 1946, the body of Marcus Mosiah Garvey was returned to Jamaica from London, five years after his death. This symbolic act reconnected the Jamaican-born Pan-Africanist with the land that birthed one of the most influential Black liberation ideologies of the 20th century. Garvey’s philosophy of economic self-determination, Black pride, and repatriation left an indelible impact from Harlem to Accra. Though controversial in his time, his ideas later inspired movements like Rastafarianism, the Nation of Islam, and African independence struggles. The repatriation of his body was more than a funeral rite—it was a cultural and political reclamation. May 22 became a day of homage, reflection, and transnational solidarity for Garveyites and Pan-Africanists worldwide. In honoring his physical return, the Jamaican state—and Black consciousness movements globally—reaffirmed his enduring relevance. Today, his legacy is seen as a cornerstone of global Black awakening and self-definition.

On May 22, 1910, the Union Constitution of South Africa was enacted, uniting four colonies into one white-dominated state. This constitution codified white supremacy, disenfranchising the Black majority and laying the groundwork for apartheid. Indigenous Africans were denied citizenship, land rights, and political representation, formalizing systemic racial segregation decades before apartheid laws were passed in 1948. May 22 is a grim but essential historical marker, reminding us of how constitutional design was weaponized against Black people in the colonial world. It also reveals how modern legal systems were often constructed to exclude, rather than protect, African populations. This date should be remembered not just for its injustice but as a rallying point for understanding how law can either entrench or dismantle racial inequality. The legacy of May 22, 1910, continues to influence debates about restitution, land reform, and legal redress in post-apartheid South Africa and beyond.

On May 22, 1991, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) captured Asmara, effectively ending Ethiopia’s control over the region and launching the independence referendum campaign. This marked a turning point in Eritrea’s 30-year war for sovereignty—the longest African independence struggle. The May 22 victory laid the groundwork for Eritrea\’s 1993 referendum and eventual recognition as an independent state. For Black international history, it stands as a powerful case of armed liberation, self-reliance, and post-colonial nation-building. Eritrea’s defiance of both Ethiopian imperialism and Cold War geopolitics illustrates the complex dynamics of African resistance. May 22 should be remembered as a day when decades of grassroots struggle culminated in political victory. While Eritrea faces ongoing human rights challenges today, its May 22 legacy endures as a profound statement of African self-determination and geopolitical significance in the Horn of Africa.

On May 22, 1967, escalating tensions in southeastern Nigeria reached a boiling point as Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu intensified preparations for Biafra’s secession, which would be declared just days later. This moment marked a critical juncture in post-colonial African state formation. The Biafran conflict (1967–1970) became one of the bloodiest civil wars in African history, with over a million deaths, many from famine and blockades. While Biafra\’s May 30 declaration gets more attention, May 22 is key—it was the tipping point when diplomacy failed, and Nigeria\’s unity fractured. The looming crisis exposed the ethnic and regional fault lines inherited from colonial rule and highlighted the challenges of managing diverse post-independence African nations. Today, Biafra\’s legacy fuels ongoing debates about autonomy, federalism, and the rights of marginalized ethnic groups in Nigeria. May 22 remains a sobering reminder of how fragile sovereignty can be, even in liberated nations.

On May 22, 1961, the world began to learn the full scope of Belgian and Western complicity in African neo-colonialism when excerpts from Patrice Lumumba’s final letter, written in captivity before his assassination, were smuggled out and published internationally. Lumumba, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Congo, had been deposed and later executed in January 1961 by a coalition of Belgian operatives, Congolese rivals, and covert Western support. But it was this heartfelt letter—released globally around May 22—that galvanized Pan-Africanist movements, denouncing imperialism and declaring his unwavering belief that Congo’s struggle would not be in vain. While Lumumba is widely honored, this specific letter, and the power it wielded posthumously, remains under-taught. It became a moral blueprint for Black liberation movements across the Global South. His prophetic words endure: “History will one day have its say… Africa will write its own history.”