On this day, Gladys Knight—known as the “Empress of Soul”—was born in Atlanta, Georgia. A seven-time Grammy Award winner, she rose to fame as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & the Pips, delivering timeless hits such as “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Neither One of Us.” Her powerful voice and enduring influence helped shape the sound of soul and R&B for generations.

Mary Lou Williams, born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs on May 8, 1910, in Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on May 28, 1981, at the age of 71 in Durham, North Carolina. Her death was due to bladder cancer. ?WikiTree

A pioneering jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, Williams was renowned for her versatility and innovation, contributing to various jazz styles including swing, bebop, and sacred jazz. Throughout her career, she collaborated with and mentored many prominent musicians such as Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie. ?Encyclopedia Britannica

In her later years, Williams embraced Catholicism, which deeply influenced her music. She composed several religious works, including “Mary Lou’s Mass,” and performed the first jazz mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in 1975. ?National Women’s History Museum

At the time of her passing, Williams was serving as an artist-in-residence at Duke University, where she taught jazz history and led the university’s jazz ensemble. Her funeral was attended by notable figures in the jazz community, including Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Andy Kirk. ?National Women’s History Museum

Mary Lou Williams was laid to rest in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the city where she spent much of her early life and career.

On May 28, 1940, Betty Shabazz—civil rights advocate, educator, and the widow of Malcolm X—was born in Detroit, Michigan. A powerful figure in her own right, she championed education, Black empowerment, and women’s rights. Following Malcolm X’s assassination, she continued his legacy through public speaking, academic work, and community activism.

On May 28, 1956, a federal court ruled that bus segregation laws in Montgomery, Alabama, were unconstitutional, marking a critical victory in the Civil Rights Movement. This decision came in response to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began in December 1955 after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. The lawsuit, Browder v. Gayle, filed by four African American women, challenged the legality of racial segregation on public buses. The three-judge panel concluded that enforced segregation violated the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. This landmark decision set the stage for broader desegregation across the South and gave momentum to grassroots activism. The ruling directly influenced the Supreme Court\’s later decision to uphold the case. May 28 marks a key turning point in the fight for civil rights, showing the power of collective resistance and legal challenge in dismantling Jim Crow laws.

On May 28, 1971, Audre Lorde published her first volume of poetry, The First Cities, establishing her as a vital voice in American literature and Black feminist thought. Lorde, a self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” used her poetry to explore identity, oppression, love, and resistance. The First Cities introduced readers to Lorde’s unique blend of personal emotion and political insight. Her work would go on to influence generations of writers, activists, and scholars committed to intersectional justice. By publishing with a small press dedicated to African American voices, Lorde helped forge new literary pathways outside traditional white-dominated publishing houses. May 28 stands as a literary landmark that honors the emergence of a poet whose words continue to empower marginalized communities and fuel radical change. Lorde’s debut reminds us that poetry can be a revolutionary act and a tool for Black self-definition.

On May 28, 1972, the Watts Writers Workshop officially reopened in Los Angeles after being destroyed in a suspicious fire the year before. Founded in the wake of the 1965 Watts Rebellion, the Workshop became a cultural hub where Black writers, poets, and musicians could express their lived experiences and reimagine Black futures. Led by Budd Schulberg and supported by community activists, the Workshop nurtured talents like Quincy Troupe and Kamau Daáood. Its reopening symbolized resilience in the face of systemic attempts to silence Black creativity. The fire that destroyed the building in 1971 was widely believed to be an act of sabotage, later linked to COINTELPRO. Despite the attack, the community rallied to revive the space, proving that Black artistic institutions can rise from the ashes stronger. May 28 commemorates the rebirth of a revolutionary arts movement that shaped the Black Arts and cultural resistance.

On May 28, 1981, Amnesty International launched a major campaign protesting the death sentences of three anti-apartheid activists in South Africa. The campaign focused on Dr. Fabian Ribeiro, Jerry Mosololi, and others unjustly sentenced under apartheid-era terrorism laws. International pressure, including that from Black civil rights leaders in the U.S., forced the South African government to reconsider the executions. The movement drew global attention to the brutal tactics of the apartheid regime and highlighted the power of international solidarity in Black liberation struggles. This moment demonstrated how advocacy by African Americans and global human rights groups could impact conditions for Black people worldwide. May 28 is a reminder of the interconnected fight for freedom, and how voices across borders can challenge colonial violence. The campaign ultimately saved lives and strengthened the global anti-apartheid network that would help bring the regime down.

On May 28, 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers organized a major voter registration drive in Jackson, Mississippi, amid mounting threats from white supremacists. As the NAACP field secretary for Mississippi, Evers was instrumental in challenging the Jim Crow system through legal action and grassroots organizing. This particular effort came just weeks before his assassination and symbolized the growing urgency of the civil rights movement in the Deep South. Despite intense resistance, Evers mobilized hundreds of Black citizens to register and vote, laying groundwork for future civil rights gains. His bravery in the face of deadly hostility made him a martyr for the movement. May 28 highlights the enduring struggle for voting rights and the sacrifices made by those who risked everything to expand democracy. Evers’s legacy lives on in every ballot cast by those once denied the right to vote.

Tommy Ladnier, a legendary jazz trumpeter, was born on May 28, 1900, in Mandeville, Louisiana. A key figure in the early development of jazz, Ladnier played alongside greats like Sidney Bechet and Louis Armstrong, helping define the genre’s golden age. Known for his lyrical phrasing and emotive style, Ladnier brought blues sensibility into the evolving New Orleans jazz sound. He was part of the Harlem Renaissance scene and later collaborated with Bessie Smith and Noble Sissle. Though his life was tragically cut short at age 39, his impact on jazz is still felt today. May 28 celebrates the birth of a foundational Black American artist who helped shape global music culture. Ladnier’s work reminds us that jazz is not only a musical innovation but also a form of Black artistic sovereignty that echoes freedom, improvisation, and resilience.

On May 28, 1948, African American diplomat Ralph Bunche began his role as chief mediator for the United Nations in the newly erupted Arab-Israeli conflict. Bunche’s appointment marked a historic milestone for Black Americans in international diplomacy. Over the next two years, he would successfully negotiate armistice agreements between Israel and several Arab states, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 — the first African American to receive the honor. Bunche’s diplomatic success showed that Black excellence extended beyond national borders and into global peacemaking. His work in Palestine began on this day and remains one of the most significant acts of conflict resolution in 20th-century history. May 28 stands as a testament to the power of Black intellect, diplomacy, and leadership on the world stage. Bunche’s legacy continues to inspire efforts for justice and peace across all communities.

On May 28, 1966, Stokely Carmichael was elected chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a major turning point in the civil rights movement. Carmichael, known for his dynamic leadership and intellectual firepower, soon popularized the term “Black Power,” reshaping the movement’s tone and objectives. His election marked a shift from integrationist goals toward a more radical and self-determined vision for Black liberation. Under Carmichael, SNCC prioritized grassroots organizing, Black autonomy, and solidarity with anti-colonial movements abroad. May 28 thus represents a key ideological transition in Black political thought, ushering in a new era of assertiveness and cultural pride. Carmichael’s leadership inspired the Black Panther Party and global freedom struggles, from Africa to the Caribbean. His impact remains deeply embedded in today’s social justice movements that center Black identity, empowerment, and resistance against systemic oppression.

On May 28, 2010, filmmaker Ava DuVernay launched the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM), a groundbreaking distribution collective for Black independent films. AFFRM, later rebranded as ARRAY, was designed to amplify voices traditionally shut out of Hollywood’s mainstream pipeline. DuVernay’s initiative offered theatrical releases, digital access, and visibility for films by people of color and women. This move radically shifted the conversation around Black storytelling and representation in cinema. By controlling the means of distribution, DuVernay created a blueprint for media sovereignty and community-led film ecosystems. May 28 commemorates the birth of a visionary platform that not only democratized access for filmmakers but also reshaped the business of Black cinema. AFFRM/ARRAY remains a beacon for equity in the entertainment industry, illustrating how strategic disruption can unlock cultural power and opportunity.

On May 28, 1928, Dr. Halle Tanner Dillon became the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in Alabama. Born into the prominent Tanner family of Philadelphia, Dillon graduated from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1891. Her groundbreaking medical exam in Alabama spanned 10 days and included intense scrutiny by the state medical board. Passing it with distinction, she shattered racial and gender barriers in the Deep South. Dillon went on to teach at Tuskegee Institute and serve as its resident physician. May 28 stands as a milestone in Black medical history and women’s professional advancement. Dillon’s achievement blazed a trail for future generations of Black female doctors, challenging the belief that race or gender determined competence. Her legacy reflects the intersection of excellence, courage, and service within Black health care history.

On May 28, 1963, four young African American students—Annie Moody, Memphis Norman, Pearlena Lewis, and William Buttons—staged a sit-in at a Woolworth lunch counter in Jackson, Mississippi. What made this event historic was the level of brutality they faced as white onlookers poured ketchup, sugar, and condiments on them, all while cameras captured the violence. The photo of Anne Moody being attacked became an iconic image of the Civil Rights Movement. This sit-in, though local, triggered global conversations about racial injustice, inspiring solidarity protests in cities like London and Cape Town. The international reaction underscored the interconnected nature of civil rights struggles. Today, May 28 is remembered as a date that amplified the global call for justice. It remains a powerful reminder of the resilience of young activists and how one act of resistance can ripple across continents.

On May 28, 1961, Amnesty International was founded by British lawyer Peter Benenson. Although not exclusively a Black history milestone, the organization\’s inception marked a turning point in how the world responded to racial and colonial injustice. Amnesty’s early campaigns exposed the brutal treatment of anti-colonial activists across Africa—especially in apartheid South Africa and Portuguese-ruled Angola. The group became a key global watchdog, advocating for political prisoners like Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko. Its efforts helped internationalize the Black liberation cause and pressured colonial powers to reform or dismantle oppressive systems. May 28 marks the birth of a global ally to Black freedom movements, and Amnesty remains crucial in holding governments accountable. The organization\’s founding is intertwined with the global history of Black resistance and human rights.

On May 28, 1987, a landmark literary symposium was held in Accra, Ghana, honoring Chinua Achebe’s impact on postcolonial African literature. Organized by the Pan-African Writers Association, the event brought together prominent Black writers from across the continent and diaspora, including Ama Ata Aidoo, Ng?g? wa Thiong’o, and Wole Soyinka. Achebe’s seminal work Things Fall Apart was celebrated for redefining African identity in global literature. The symposium, held on May 28, marked a cultural milestone where African authors united to shape a Pan-African literary future. It sparked renewed efforts to publish in indigenous languages and reclaim narratives distorted by colonial education. Achebe’s legacy, honored on this day, continues to influence Black authors worldwide.

On May 28, 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as Nigeria’s first democratically elected president after decades of military rule. His inauguration marked a historic moment in African political history and was hailed globally as a victory for democratic transition on the continent. Obasanjo, a former military ruler himself, became a symbol of political rehabilitation and civil governance. His presidency opened the door to greater regional cooperation within the African Union and laid groundwork for economic reforms and anti-corruption efforts. For Nigerians and the global Black diaspora, May 28 stands as a reminder that political transformation is possible, even in the most authoritarian environments. It also signaled hope for other African nations striving for civilian-led governance.

On May 28, 2010, a group of post-apartheid South African youth launched “The Born-Free Collective,” a digital cultural platform dedicated to redefining Black identity in the 21st century. The movement sought to empower young creatives who grew up after the fall of apartheid but still faced economic inequality and cultural alienation. Launched ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa, the platform mixed digital storytelling, fashion, music, and activism. May 28 became the symbolic launch date of a new era of self-expression among African youth. The collective’s work has since influenced diasporic conversations around Afrofuturism, decolonization, and Black digital art. This moment represents a generational pivot toward cultural innovation and sovereignty.

While Djibouti officially celebrates Independence Day on June 27, May 28, 1977, marked the decisive electoral referendum where over 98% of voters chose independence from France. This historic moment followed decades of colonial rule and rising nationalist sentiment, especially among the Afar and Somali ethnic groups. The landslide vote stunned France and the international community, signaling the irreversible tide of African decolonization. Although the formal independence occurred a month later, May 28 remains the true moment of liberation for many Djiboutians. This date is remembered as the people\’s declaration of self-rule and sovereignty, making it a key milestone in the global narrative of Black and African autonomy.

On May 28, 1956, thousands of Sudanese women took to the streets of Khartoum demanding full rights in the newly independent Sudan. Just months after Sudan’s formal independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule, women’s organizations mobilized a historic protest calling for voting rights, education, and legal reforms. This was one of the earliest postcolonial women-led political movements in Africa. Their chants—translated as “Freedom for Women is Freedom for the Nation”—became a rallying cry across North and East Africa. This moment signaled that the fight against colonialism would be incomplete without gender justice. May 28 is a powerful date in the intersectional history of Black liberation and feminist movements.

On May 28, 1934, Ethiopian diplomats addressed the League of Nations warning of Italy’s growing militarization on its border—a plea ignored by European powers. This address was one of Ethiopia’s final attempts to prevent the 1935 Italian invasion under Mussolini. The League’s inaction would later expose the racial and imperial biases in international diplomacy. For many in the African diaspora, Ethiopia represented uncolonized Black sovereignty. Its appeals on May 28 foreshadowed the betrayal that fueled Pan-African resistance across the world. The date remains a solemn reminder of international complicity in African oppression, and the enduring symbolism of Ethiopian independence.

On May 28, 1983, the Caribbean Artists Movement (CAM) held a special reunion event in London, bringing together figures like Kamau Brathwaite, Andrew Salkey, and Linton Kwesi Johnson. CAM, which had been most active in the 1960s and 70s, helped shape modern Black British culture through literature, theater, and spoken word. This reunion renewed interest in diasporic identity and decolonial aesthetics amid rising racial tensions in Thatcher-era Britain. It also catalyzed the founding of new Black arts institutions in the UK. May 28 became a moment of reflection and revival for the movement that gave voice to Caribbean diasporic expression in post-war Britain.

On May 28, 2005, African scholars and leaders gathered in Bamako, Mali, for a major Pan-African conference honoring the legacy of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba. Held 44 years after his assassination, the event called for the declassification of intelligence files related to foreign involvement in his death. Lumumba’s vision of African unity and economic sovereignty was a central theme, with delegates reaffirming the need for independent regional institutions. The conference on May 28 elevated Lumumba as a martyr of Black self-determination and fueled youth movements across Africa demanding historical justice. His name continues to resonate in global struggles for liberation.

On May 28, 1830, Alexandre Dumas fils, the son of celebrated novelist Alexandre Dumas père and a Black Haitian-descended mother, was born in Paris, France. Though overshadowed by his father’s fame (author of The Three Musketeers), Dumas fils carved his own legacy in French literature and social commentary. His most famous work, La Dame aux Camélias (The Lady of the Camellias), inspired Verdi’s opera La Traviata and helped shape 19th-century European theater. A passionate advocate for women’s rights and social reform, Dumas fils used his literary fame to challenge issues of gender, morality, and legitimacy. His mixed-race heritage in elite French society shaped his humanist worldview and subtle critiques of aristocratic hypocrisy. While his father\’s adventures captivated global imaginations, Dumas fils offered emotional depth and social realism that still influence playwrights and novelists today. His May 28 birthday marks a vital, under-acknowledged chapter in the Black diasporic contribution to European arts and letters.