17 September-Today's All facts
1787 - U.S. Constitution approved with three clauses protecting slavery

On this date in 1787, U.S. Constitution approved at Philadelphia convention with three clauses protecting slavery.

1991 - Ground is broken for the Harold Washington wing of the DuSable Museum in Chicago

On this date in 1991, ground is broken for the Harold Washington wing of the DuSable Museum in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by artist and poet Margaret T. Burroughs in 1961, the DuSable is one of the oldest African American museums in the U.S.

1983 - Vanessa Williams crowned Miss America

On this date in 1983, Vanessa Williams crowned Miss America. Vanessa Williams was the 1st African American Miss America to be crowned.

1973 - Illinois becomes the first state to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday

On this date in 1973,Illinois becomes the first state to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a holiday.

1970 - The Flip Wilson Show premieres on NBC.

On this date in 1970, The Flip Wilson Show premieres on NBC. It is the first prime time variety show starring an African American male since the Nat King Cole Show.

1968 - Julia premieres on NBC with Diahann Carroll in the title role.

ON this date in 1968, Julia premieres on NBC with Diahann Carroll in the title role. It is the first modern television show to star an African American woman since Beulah in the 1950’s.

1962 - Fourth Black Church Burned

On this date in 1962, Fourth Black church burned near Dawson, Georgia. Three white men later admitted burning the church. They were sentenced to seven-year prison terms.

1861 - First day of school for freedmen

On this date in 1861, it was the First day of school for freedmen founded at Fortress Monroe, Va., with a Black teacher, Mary Peake.

1861 - Hampton Institute was founded.

ON this date in 1861, Hampton Institute was founded.