On May 31, 1955, The Supreme Court ruled in what became known as “Brown II,” that the task of carrying out school desegregation was delegated to district courts, with orders that desegregation occur “with all deliberate speed.” Many Southern states and school districts interpreted “Brown II” as legal justification for resisting, delaying, and avoiding significant integration for years—and in some cases for a decade or more—using such tactics as closing down school systems, using state money to finance segregated “private” schools, and “token” integration where a few carefully selected black children were admitted to former white-only schools but the vast majority remained in under-funded, unequal black schools.

On May 31, 1979, Rhodesia was reconstituted as Zimbabwe-Rhodesia under the Internal Settlement agreement, marking the first time a Black prime minister, Abel Muzorewa, led the country. Although widely seen as a step toward majority rule, the transition was met with skepticism. The new government retained white minority influence, and many African nations and the United Nations did not recognize its legitimacy. The move was part of a larger process that eventually led to full independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, under the leadership of Robert Mugabe. May 31, 1979, is significant in the timeline of African liberation, symbolizing a transitional moment when African-led governance began to challenge colonial legacies, despite ongoing foreign and domestic power imbalances. The date highlights the complexities of decolonization and the global Black struggle for self-determination, representation, and authentic sovereignty in post-colonial states. True independence would come nearly a year later, in April 1980, after the Lancaster House Agreement and democratic elections that led to the formation of the Republic of Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe.

On May 31, 1961, U.S. District Judge Irving Kaufman ordered the Board of Education of New Rochelle, New York, to integrate its public schools. This landmark ruling followed a lawsuit by African American parents who argued that the school board had maintained de facto segregation through zoning policies. Judge Kaufman’s decision marked one of the first northern desegregation rulings post-Brown v. Board of Education and helped set a legal precedent for challenging racial imbalance in schools outside the South.

?Patricia Roberts Harris, born on May 31, 1924, in Mattoon, Illinois, was a trailblazing American politician, diplomat, and legal scholar. She holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet.?Women of the Hall

Harris’s early life was marked by academic excellence and civic engagement. She graduated summa cum laude from Howard University in 1945 and was actively involved in civil rights activities, including participating in one of the nation’s first lunch counter sit-ins in 1943. She later earned a law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1960, graduating first in her class.?WikipediaDiscover LBJ

Her career was characterized by a series of groundbreaking achievements:?

• In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed her as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, making her the first African American woman to hold an ambassadorial position. ?Women of the Hall

• In 1969, she became the first African American woman to serve as dean of a U.S. law school at Howard University. ?Encyclopedia Britannica

• In 1977, under President Jimmy Carter, Harris was appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, becoming the first African American woman to serve in a presidential cabinet. ?Wikipedia

• She later served as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and continued as Secretary of Health and Human Services after the department’s reorganization in 1980. ?Encyclopedia Britannica

Beyond her government service, Harris was a pioneer in the corporate world, becoming the first African American woman to serve on the board of directors of a Fortune 500 company, IBM. ?Women’s Voices Media

Patricia Roberts Harris passed away on March 23, 1985, leaving behind a legacy of public service and breaking racial and gender barriers in American politics and society.

On May 31, 1921, one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in American history began in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma—widely known as “Black Wall Street.” Over the course of 18 hours, white mobs, some deputized and armed by local officials, looted and burned the thriving Black community to the ground.

The massacre left more than 15,000 Black residents homeless, with 1,500 homes destroyed and over 600 Black-owned businesses—including hotels, newspapers, banks, schools, and hospitals—reduced to ashes across a 35-square-block area. While official counts originally reported 36 deaths, modern scholarship and eyewitness accounts suggest that between 300 and 3,000 people were killed, wounded, or went missing.

Greenwood’s prosperity had made it a target, and its destruction was not spontaneous—it was methodical, coordinated, and even included aerial attacks from private planes dropping incendiary devices.

This event, long suppressed in American historical narratives, is now recognized as a Black Holocaust on American soil—a sobering reminder of the economic and human toll of racial hatred.

On May 31, 1909, approximately 300 Black and white activists gathered at the United Charities Building in New York City for the first official conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Spanning May 31 to June 1, the historic meeting laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential civil rights organizations in American history.

On this day, General Samuel C. Armstrong recommended Booker T. Washington to become the founding principal of the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers in Alabama. Washington, then just 25 years old, was chosen for his leadership and educational philosophy rooted in self-help, vocational training, and racial uplift. His appointment marked the beginning of one of the most influential educational institutions in African American history, known today as Tuskegee University.

On May 31, 1870, the U.S. Congress passed the Enforcement Act of 1870 to uphold the 15th Amendment, which granted Black men the right to vote. This legislation aimed to prevent voter suppression by outlawing discrimination at the polls and authorizing federal oversight of elections. It was a critical piece of Reconstruction-era civil rights legislation, addressing the violent backlash by white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Although enforcement was inconsistent and often undermined, the law marked one of the earliest federal attempts to protect Black political participation. May 31, 1870, is a crucial date in the history of Black suffrage, underscoring the fragile nature of voting rights and the ongoing struggle against systemic suppression. The Enforcement Act laid the groundwork for later civil rights laws and reminds us that protecting democracy requires vigilance, especially when racial equity is at stake.

On May 31, 1961, the Republic of South Africa officially left the British Commonwealth after facing mounting pressure over its apartheid policies. The decision followed a whites-only referendum in 1960 and marked the country’s full embrace of institutionalized racial segregation. This withdrawal intensified global scrutiny and fueled anti-apartheid movements around the world. Key African nations like Ghana and Nigeria had already called for economic sanctions, and South Africa’s isolation on the international stage continued to grow. This milestone spurred increased efforts by the African National Congress (ANC) and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), leading to decades of global solidarity, divestment campaigns, and United Nations resolutions. The apartheid government remained entrenched until 1994, but May 31, 1961, stands as a turning point when international diplomacy began to more forcefully challenge state-sponsored racism. This date is crucial in understanding how global Black resistance and international politics intersected to fight oppression.

On May 31, 1963, the final dissolution of the West Indies Federation was confirmed, ending a short-lived political union of Caribbean territories under British colonial rule. Formed in 1958, the Federation aimed to unite ten English-speaking Caribbean islands into a single independent state. However, internal disagreements, especially between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, led to its collapse. Jamaica withdrew after a 1961 referendum, and Trinidad followed, opting for separate independence. The dissolution underscored the complexities of Caribbean unity and the lingering effects of colonial divisions. While the Federation failed, its legacy lives on in organizations like CARICOM, which continue to pursue regional integration. May 31 represents a pivotal date in Black international history when postcolonial dreams of unity clashed with national interests, shaping the path of Caribbean independence movements and influencing how diaspora nations build cooperative futures today.

Olaudah Equiano, a former enslaved African who became a prominent abolitionist and author, died in 1797, but on May 31, 1809, his memoir The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano was reissued in London, sparking renewed interest in the abolition movement. Equiano’s account, first published in 1789, was one of the earliest firsthand narratives of the Middle Passage and life in enslavement. His work was pivotal in swaying British public opinion against the transatlantic slave trade. The 1809 reissue helped reignite anti-slavery activism, especially as the British Empire moved toward the abolition of slavery in its colonies. Equiano’s global legacy endures in literature, history, and human rights, making this date a vital marker of how storytelling and intellectual resistance shaped the international Black freedom struggle. His life and words remain essential in understanding diasporic memory and historical agency.

The Treaty of Vereeniging, signed on May 31, 1902, ended the Second Boer War between the British Empire and Afrikaner republics in South Africa. While the treaty ended armed conflict, it laid the groundwork for institutionalized white supremacy. The British promised political rights only to white settlers, excluding the majority Black population from governance and land ownership. This agreement set the stage for apartheid, formalized decades later. Black South Africans who had served in British forces were left without recognition or benefits. May 31 is thus a sobering date in international Black history, revealing how colonial peace often came at the expense of African rights and freedoms. The treaty\’s legacy is one of betrayal and systemic disenfranchisement, reinforcing the need to examine how global empires constructed racial hierarchies that persist today. It underscores the importance of historical reckoning in the postcolonial era.

On May 31, 1948, the National Party officially took control of the South African government, marking the beginning of apartheid—a brutal system of racial segregation and oppression. The party\’s platform promised to enforce strict racial hierarchies through laws separating education, housing, work, and public services. For the next 46 years, apartheid policies devastated Black communities, enforcing economic disenfranchisement, forced removals, and state violence. The victory on May 31 set in motion global resistance movements, from ANC underground efforts to international sanctions and solidarity campaigns. This date stands as a stark reminder of how political shifts can codify racism into national policy and how enduring the struggle for justice can be. It marks the beginning of one of the most infamous racial regimes in modern history, whose dismantling would take decades of internal resistance and global advocacy. May 31 is thus pivotal in understanding modern liberation movements across the African diaspora.

On May 31, 1966, Errol Barrow secured re-election as Prime Minister of Barbados, reinforcing the island’s progressive trajectory just months before gaining full independence from Britain. A fierce advocate for Caribbean unity and social reform, Barrow championed free education, land redistribution, and economic diversification. His victory signaled continuity in the island’s anti-colonial leadership and commitment to building a sovereign Black nation. Under his administration, Barbados strengthened ties with other Caribbean nations and African states, contributing to a growing sense of postcolonial identity and international Black diplomacy. Barrow’s second term was instrumental in shaping Barbados into a model of political stability and developmental policy in the Caribbean. May 31 commemorates a significant electoral milestone in Black political history, spotlighting how leadership and vision helped transform a former colony into a proud, self-determined nation with a commitment to equity and regional solidarity.

On May 31, 1962, Norman Manley, one of Jamaica’s founding statesmen, passed away just months before the island gained full independence. As the founder of the People’s National Party (PNP), Manley was instrumental in securing universal adult suffrage in 1944 and pushing constitutional reforms that set the stage for decolonization. Although he never served as Prime Minister of an independent Jamaica, his policies on labor rights, education, and social equity had a lasting impact. Manley’s death on May 31 occurred during a pivotal year for the Caribbean and is remembered as a moment of transition and mourning. His life symbolizes the intellectual and strategic leadership that shaped modern Black political thought. Commemorating this date honors a man who fused nationalism with democratic ideals and helped carve a path for Black self-governance in the Caribbean, leaving a legacy of reform and justice in the face of colonial inertia.

On May 31, 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, Zulu forces continued their resistance against British colonial invasion in South Africa. Although major battles like Isandlwana had already occurred, Zulu warriors remained committed to defending their sovereignty and land well into mid-1879. The war was a brutal confrontation between indigenous African power and imperial aggression, marked by both Zulu military prowess and overwhelming British firepower. May 31 falls within the late stages of resistance that exemplified indigenous African resilience and strategic defense. Though the Zulu Kingdom would eventually fall, its fight left a powerful legacy of defiance, cultural strength, and national identity. The war—and this date—serve as a key moment in global Black history, reminding us of the long lineage of anti-colonial resistance and the cost of imperial expansion. Today, Zulu history continues to inspire pride and scholarly interest in African military and political leadership.

While Benny Goodman, born May 31, 1909, is known as the “King of Swing,” his contributions to racial integration in American music were groundbreaking. During the height of segregation, Goodman hired Black musicians like Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton, and Charlie Christian to perform in his band, breaking long-standing color barriers in jazz. His 1938 Carnegie Hall concert was historic not only musically but also socially—it featured an integrated band on one of America’s most prestigious stages. Though Goodman was white, his insistence on performing with Black artists paved the way for broader integration in American music. His collaboration helped elevate the profiles of immensely talented Black musicians, giving them the exposure and respect long denied by a segregated industry. May 31 is a chance to recognize not only Goodman’s legacy, but also the excellence of the Black artists whose contributions made swing a cultural force.

On May 31, 1961, the Freedom Riders—civil rights activists challenging segregation in the South—were arrested in Jackson, Mississippi. These interracial groups rode buses into the Deep South to protest the illegal segregation of public interstate transportation facilities. Despite federal rulings that deemed such segregation unconstitutional, southern states defied the law. The riders faced mob violence, imprisonment, and harsh treatment. Over 300 activists were jailed in Jackson during that summer alone, drawing national attention to civil rights abuses. Many were sent to the infamous Parchman Farm prison. The Freedom Rides were instrumental in pressuring the federal government to enforce desegregation laws and protect civil rights workers. May 31, 1961, marks a key moment in the civil rights movement when young Black activists risked everything for justice and equality. Their courage continues to inspire activism and reminds us that systemic change often requires persistent, bold confrontation.

On May 31, 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education that busing was an appropriate tool for achieving school desegregation. The decision empowered federal courts to enforce desegregation in public schools, especially in the South where resistance to the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling remained strong. This case had a direct impact on Black students and communities who continued to face unequal educational conditions. While busing was controversial, it brought greater racial integration to schools and sparked national conversations about race, equity, and educational justice. The ruling also demonstrated the importance of sustained legal action in dismantling systemic racism. May 31, 1971, stands as a reminder of the long road from judicial victories to real-world change and the central role Black families and civil rights attorneys played in challenging institutionalized inequality in American education.

On May 31, 2005, former FBI official W. Mark Felt confirmed he was “Deep Throat,” the anonymous source who helped expose the Watergate scandal and bring down President Richard Nixon. While not exclusively a Black history moment, this revelation reopened scrutiny into Nixon’s policies and attitudes, particularly his administration’s targeting of Black activists. Tapes and memos later revealed Nixon’s deep-seated racism and deliberate attempts to suppress civil rights movements through surveillance and disruption—especially against groups like the Black Panthers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nixon’s administration used federal agencies to undermine Black political power under the guise of law and order. The confirmation of Deep Throat’s identity spotlighted the behind-the-scenes corruption that disproportionately harmed Black communities. May 31, 2005, thus reminds us how political scandals can obscure deeper, systemic racism embedded in American governance and policy enforcement.

May 31, 1964, marked the posthumous honoring of Medgar Evers by the NAACP for his courageous civil rights work in Mississippi. A World War II veteran and field secretary for the NAACP, Evers had been assassinated the previous year in Jackson, Mississippi, by a white supremacist. His death shocked the nation and galvanized the civil rights movement. The NAACP’s tribute recognized not only his sacrifice but also the critical role local organizers played in advancing Black freedom. Evers had worked tirelessly to end segregation at the University of Mississippi and to investigate racial murders. His death became a rallying cry for justice, inspiring legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Honoring him on May 31 helped keep the pressure on white political leaders to confront Jim Crow laws. Medgar Evers’ legacy lives on as a symbol of commitment, courage, and the cost of fighting for civil rights in America.

On May 31, 1987, Michael Jackson began filming the music video for “Bad,” directed by Martin Scorsese and shot in Harlem and Brooklyn. The video was a cultural milestone, showcasing Black urban identity through the lens of pop culture and cinematic storytelling. With a screenplay written by Richard Price and choreography by Jackson himself, the video highlighted racial tension, masculinity, and transformation. “Bad” helped elevate the music video as a legitimate art form and brought Black artistry into mainstream global consciousness. Jackson’s casting of Black dancers and the choice of Harlem as a backdrop symbolized pride and resilience in Black communities. May 31 is a notable date in Black cultural history, where music, film, and identity intersected. Jackson’s work pushed boundaries not just in entertainment but in shaping how Black people saw themselves represented in media. The “Bad” video remains a powerful statement of Black style and defiant cool.

Though not a Black figure, the assassination of Dr. George Tiller on May 31, 2009, reignited debates around reproductive justice—a movement deeply relevant to Black women. Dr. Tiller provided late-term abortions and was one of few doctors offering such services. His murder by an anti-abortion extremist drew national attention to the threats faced by abortion providers. For Black communities, where maternal mortality rates and reproductive access remain critical issues, the incident intensified calls for a broader reproductive justice framework. Pioneered by Black women like Loretta Ross, this framework links abortion rights to issues of racial, economic, and healthcare justice. May 31 serves as a reminder that reproductive freedom is inseparable from Black liberation. The reproductive justice movement centers Black women’s voices in the fight for bodily autonomy, healthcare equity, and safe access to medical services without fear, stigma, or political repression.

On May 31, 1961, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, a 19-year-old white college student from Washington, D.C., was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, for participating in the Freedom Rides—a campaign challenging segregation in interstate bus travel. Mulholland\’s involvement was particularly notable given her background; she defied her Southern, segregationist upbringing to join the Civil Rights Movement. After her arrest, she was sent to Mississippi\’s notorious Parchman Penitentiary, where she endured harsh conditions, including isolation and degrading treatment. Despite the risks, Mulholland remained committed to the cause, later becoming the first white student to enroll at the historically Black Tougaloo College. Her actions exemplify the crucial role of allies in the fight for racial justice and highlight the diverse coalition that propelled the Civil Rights Movement forward. Remembering Mulholland\’s courage on May 31 underscores the importance of solidarity across racial lines in the ongoing struggle for equality.