Frank E. Petersen Jr. was named the first Black general in the history of the United States Marine Corps. A distinguished aviator and Vietnam War veteran, Petersen broke racial barriers throughout his career and later achieved the rank of lieutenant general. His promotion marked a significant milestone in the integration and advancement of African Americans in the U.S. military.

Melvin Franklin, the deep-voiced bass singer of the legendary Motown group The Temptations, passed away in Los Angeles at age 53 due to complications from a brain seizure. As a founding member, Franklin was known for his rich vocals and charismatic stage presence, contributing to the group’s timeless hits and enduring legacy in American music history.

Constance Baker Motley was elected as Manhattan Borough President, becoming the first Black woman to hold the highest elective office in a major American city. A prominent civil rights lawyer and judge, her election marked a significant milestone in both racial and gender representation in U.S. politics.

Elston Gene Howard, the first African American to play for the New York Yankees, was born in St. Louis, Missouri. A talented catcher and later coach, Howard made history again in 1965 when he signed a $70,000 contract, making him the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball at the time. His achievements broke racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black athletes.

Louis Stokes was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He became the first African American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio, serving from 1969 to 1999. A champion of civil rights and social justice, Stokes played a key role in founding the Congressional Black Caucus and led several important investigations in Congress. His legacy continues to impact American politics and Black representation in government.

Robert Smalls, a formerly enslaved man who became a Civil War hero and later a U.S. Congressman during Reconstruction, died in Beaufort, South Carolina. Smalls was renowned for commandeering a Confederate ship to freedom and went on to serve five terms in Congress, advocating for African American rights and education. His legacy remains a powerful symbol of Black leadership and resilience during and after the Civil War.

William H. Heard, an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) minister, educator, and civil rights advocate, was appointed U.S. Minister to Liberia by President Grover Cleveland. Heard’s appointment marked a significant diplomatic milestone, reflecting the influence of African American leaders in international affairs during the late 19th century.

On this day, Louisiana Governor Henry C. Warmoth signed one of the nation’s first public accommodations laws, which prohibited racial discrimination in public places such as hotels, theaters, and transportation. Passed during Reconstruction, this law was a bold effort to promote racial equality in the post-Civil War South and served as a model for future civil rights legislation.

Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, a pioneering educator, sociologist, and civil rights advocate, was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University and co-founded the NAACP in 1909. A powerful voice for racial justice, he was a prolific writer and influential leader in both American and Pan-African movements.