Adrienne Mitchell, a U.S. Army Specialist, became the first African American woman to die in combat during the Persian Gulf War. She was killed when an Iraqi missile struck a U.S. military barracks in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The attack claimed the lives of 28 soldiers and highlighted the service and sacrifice of African American women in the U.S. military.

White supremacist John William King was sentenced to death in Jasper, Texas, for the brutal 1998 murder of James Byrd Jr., a Black man. Byrd was chained to the back of a pickup truck and dragged for miles in one of the most horrific racially motivated crimes in U.S. history. The case drew national attention and led to the passage of hate crime legislation, including the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009.

R. Kelly’s inspirational ballad “I Believe I Can Fly” won three Grammy Awards: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or for Television. Originally featured in the 1996 film Space Jam, the song became an anthem of hope and aspiration, showcasing the power of R&B in mainstream cinema and music.

Mike Tyson defended his heavyweight titles and solidified his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Frank Bruno in a fifth-round technical knockout. Tyson’s victory retained the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, marking a dominant era in boxing and making him one of the most feared and celebrated boxers in history.

Edward Daniel Nixon, former president of the Georgia NAACP and a key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, died at age 87. A longtime activist, Nixon played a pivotal role in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was instrumental in supporting Rosa Parks after her arrest in 1955. His work laid the foundation for broader civil rights victories in the South.

Robert E. Hayden, an acclaimed African American poet and the first Black person to be appointed as Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress (a role now known as U.S. Poet Laureate), died on this day. Known for works such as “Those Winter Sundays” and “Middle Passage,” Hayden’s poetry often explored African American history and identity with profound depth and lyricism. His legacy continues to influence generations of poets and readers.

Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., the first African American to attain the rank of four-star general in the U.S. military, died at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. A decorated fighter pilot and a respected leader, James broke racial barriers throughout his career, serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His legacy remains a milestone in U.S. military and civil rights history.

Elijah Muhammad, longtime leader of the Nation of Islam, died in Chicago at the age of 77. Under his leadership, the organization grew significantly, advocating Black self-sufficiency, discipline, and identity. After his death, his son Wallace D. Muhammad (later Warith Deen Mohammed) succeeded him, initiating major reforms to align the movement more closely with mainstream Sunni Islam.

President Richard Nixon met with the newly formed Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for the first time, following months of pressure from the group. The CBC presented a 60-page policy statement titled “The Black Declaration of Independence,” outlining critical issues facing Black Americans, including civil rights, economic justice, and political representation. This meeting marked a significant step in the Caucus’s mission to advocate for African American interests at the highest levels of government.

On this day, 22-year-old Muhammad Ali—then known as Cassius Clay—defeated Sonny Liston in Miami Beach to become the world heavyweight boxing champion. The victory shocked the boxing world and marked the rise of one of the most influential sports figures in history. Shortly after the fight, Clay announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, symbolizing a new chapter in both his life and the broader civil rights movement.