On January 31, 1988, Doug Williams, quarterback for the Washington Redskins, made history as the first African American quarterback to play in and win a Super Bowl. He was named MVP of Super Bowl XXII after throwing for 340 yards and four touchdowns in a decisive 42–10 victory over the Denver Broncos.

On January 31, 1963, James Baldwin’s powerful essay collection The Fire Next Time was published. Comprised of two essays, the book offered a piercing critique of racial injustice in America and became one of the most influential works of the Civil Rights Movement. Baldwin’s eloquence and insight helped shift public discourse on race and identity in the United States.

On January 31, 1962, Lieutenant Commander Samuel L. Gravely assumed command of the USS Falgout, a destroyer escort, becoming the first African American to command a U.S. Navy warship. His historic leadership broke racial barriers in the Navy and paved the way for greater inclusion in military leadership roles.

On January 31, 1934, Etta Moten, a pioneering African American actress and singer, performed at a White House dinner for President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt. Her performance marked the first time an African American actress was invited to perform at the White House, breaking racial barriers in the arts and American cultural life.

Ernie Banks, legendary Major League Baseball player and longtime Chicago Cubs star, was born on January 31, 1931, in Dallas, Texas. Known as “Mr. Cub,” Banks was a two-time National League MVP and the first African American to play for the Cubs. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.

On January 31, 1920, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, which was founded at Howard University on January 9, 1914, was officially incorporated. The incorporation marked a formal recognition of the organization’s commitment to brotherhood, scholarship, and service, and helped expand its influence nationwide.

On January 31, 1919, baseball legend Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia. In 1947, he broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues in the modern era. His courage and talent helped pave the way for the integration of professional sports. By the time of his retirement in 1957, Robinson had become a symbol of progress and a national civil rights icon.

On January 31, 1914, boxer Jersey Joe Walcott was born as Arnold Raymond Cream in Merchantville, New Jersey. A skilled and resilient fighter, Walcott won the World Heavyweight Championship in 1951 by knocking out Ezzard Charles in the 7th round in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the course of his career, Walcott fought in 69 professional bouts, winning 30 of them by knockout.

On January 31, 1865, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution by a vote of 121 to 24. This amendment, once ratified later that year, abolished slavery throughout the United States, marking a pivotal moment in American history and the fight for freedom and civil rights.