Marvin Gaye dies in his parents Los Angeles home. Marvin attacked his father for verbally abusing his mother. His father responded by shooting his son to death. Since his death, the power and reach of Marvin’s music has increased.

The First World Festival of Black Arts (FESTAC) was held in Dakar, Senegal, from April 1 to April 24, 1966. Initiated by President Léopold Sédar Senghor, the festival celebrated the cultural achievements of people of African descent from around the world. Artists, writers, musicians, and scholars gathered from over 45 countries—including one of the largest delegations from Black America. This groundbreaking event affirmed global Black identity and pride during the era of decolonization and civil rights.

Oscar Micheaux, the first major African-American feature filmmaker, died on this day in 1951. A prolific writer, director, and producer, Micheaux created over 40 films that challenged racial stereotypes and portrayed complex Black characters. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for future generations of Black filmmakers and remains a cornerstone in the history of independent cinema.

Dr. Charles R. Drew, a groundbreaking African American surgeon and medical researcher, died at age 45 in an automobile accident near Burlington, North Carolina. Known as the “father of the blood bank,” Drew revolutionized the field of medicine by developing large-scale blood storage and transfusion techniques. His innovations saved countless lives during World War II and laid the foundation for modern blood donation programs.

Empress Zewditu of Ethiopia, the first and only reigning female monarch of modern Ethiopia, died on this day in 1930. She ruled from 1916 to 1930, maintaining traditionalist policies while navigating complex internal power dynamics. Her reign marked a rare period of female leadership in African imperial history. After her death, Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie I.

On this day, Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College formally affiliated, creating a new cooperative entity known as Atlanta University. The alliance aimed to strengthen academic offerings, share resources, and improve educational opportunities for African American students in the segregated South. John Hope, then president of Morehouse College and a prominent Black educator and civil rights leader, was appointed president of the newly formed Atlanta University system—making him the first African American to lead a college in the South with such a significant institutional footprint.

Scott Joplin, a pioneering composer and pianist, died in New York City. Known as the “King of Ragtime,” Joplin was instrumental in shaping American music with iconic works like the Maple Leaf Rag. Beyond ragtime, he ambitiously composed operas, including Treemonisha, which blended classical form with Black cultural themes. His contributions laid the groundwork for future genres like jazz and remain foundational in American musical history.

Clara McBride Hale was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known lovingly as “Mother Hale,” she later founded Hale House in Harlem, New York—a safe haven for infants born to drug-addicted mothers. Her compassionate work provided critical care and stability to hundreds of children during the height of the drug crisis, making her a national symbol of maternal strength and community healing.

Hampton University was founded on April 1, 1868, in Hampton, Virginia, as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, a school dedicated to the education of newly freed Black Americans after the Civil War. It became a leading institution for Black higher education. Renamed Hampton University in August 1984, it remains a prominent private, coeducational HBCU. Its undergraduate division still honors its legacy as the “Hampton Institute.”

In the wake of the Civil War, Black citizens in Tuscumbia, Alabama, voted in a municipal election for the first time. Although this marked a significant step toward political participation during Reconstruction, military officials nullified the election results, citing the need for clarification on new electoral procedures. The incident reflected the broader uncertainty and resistance surrounding Black enfranchisement in the post-war South.