On this day, Rosa Parks, a 42-year-old Black seamstress and NAACP member, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her arrest led to the launch of the Montgomery Bus Boycott on December 5, 1955, organized by local Black leaders including a then-little-known pastor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The boycott lasted over a year, until December 20, 1956, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional. This nonviolent protest became a major catalyst for the modern Civil Rights Movement.

In a message to Congress, President Abraham Lincoln proposed using federal bonds to compensate states that voluntarily abolished slavery by the year 1900. He framed this gradual emancipation plan as a way to preserve the Union while encouraging the peaceful end of slavery. Although this proposal did not gain enough support in Congress, it underscored Lincoln’s evolving stance on slavery, coming just weeks before he would sign the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.

On this day, Pearl Stewart became the first African American woman to serve as editor of a major metropolitan daily newspaper—the Oakland Tribune, which at the time had a circulation of over 100,000. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in journalism and representation in American media leadership.

Stewart, a former reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, emphasized diversity in news coverage and newsroom staffing during her tenure. Her leadership helped pave the way for more inclusive perspectives in mainstream media.

James Baldwin, born August 2, 1924, in Harlem, New York, passed away on this day in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. A brilliant novelist, essayist, and social critic, Baldwin was known for his passionate explorations of race, identity, and justice in America.

His debut novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain (1953), received critical acclaim and established Baldwin as a groundbreaking voice in American literature. Over his career, he published classics like The Fire Next Time, Giovanni’s Room, and If Beale Street Could Talk.

Baldwin’s eloquence and unflinching honesty continue to influence writers, thinkers, and activists around the world.

Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor III, one of the most influential comedians of all time, was born in Peoria, Illinois. Raised primarily by his grandmother in the brothel she operated, Pryor’s early life experiences deeply informed his raw, honest, and fearless comedic voice.

He broke barriers in stand-up comedy by addressing race, politics, and personal struggles with unmatched candor and humor. Pryor’s work in film, television, and on stage reshaped comedy and paved the way for future generations of Black performers.

Louis Allen Rawls, known as Lou Rawls, was born in Chicago on this day. A three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, Rawls rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with his smooth baritone voice and signature blend of jazz, blues, soul, and R&B. Over his career, he released more than 60 albums, with hits like “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” becoming classics of the Middle of the Road (MOR) and soul genres.

Beyond music, Rawls was known for his philanthropy, notably hosting the long-running Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon which raised over $250 million for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Minnie Evans, a self-taught African American folk artist, was born on December 1, 1892, in Long Creek, North Carolina. Known for her vivid, dreamlike drawings and paintings, often featuring faces, nature, and spiritual imagery, Evans began creating art based on her dreams and visions later in life, around age 43.

She worked as a gatekeeper at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC, where much of her artistic inspiration flourished. Her work has been displayed in major institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and she is recognized today as one of the most important visionary artists of the 20th century.

Jonathan Jasper Wright, the first African American to serve on a state supreme court in the United States, resigned from the South Carolina Supreme Court on this day in 1877. His resignation followed the collapse of Reconstruction and the return of white supremacist rule in the South. Appointed in 1870 during the Reconstruction era, Wright was a pioneering legal mind and symbol of progress. After leaving the bench, he lived in relative obscurity and later died of tuberculosis in 1885.

On December 1, 1874, T. J. Byrd was granted U.S. Patent No. 157,370 for an improvement in car couplings, a device crucial for connecting railroad cars. This invention contributed to the evolution of railway systems by enhancing the efficiency and safety of train operations. ?

Earlier, on March 19, 1872, Turner Byrd Jr. and Isaiah Byrd received U.S. Patent No. 124,790 for an apparatus designed to detach horses from carriages. This mechanism allowed occupants to quickly release horses from carriages in emergencies, improving passenger safety. ?

Additionally, on April 30, 1872, the Byrds secured U.S. Patent No. 126,181 for an improved neck-yoke for wagons, facilitating easier and safer detachment of draft animals from wagons. ?Patent Images

These innovations by the Byrds highlight significant contributions to transportation safety and efficiency during the late 19th century.?

The 43rd Congress (1873–1875) convened with a historic number of seven African American representatives, all elected during the Reconstruction Era:

• Richard H. Cain, Robert Brown Elliott, Joseph H. Rainey, and Alonzo J. Ransier from South Carolina

• James T. Rapier from Alabama

• Josiah T. Walls from Florida

• John R. Lynch from Mississippi

This was the largest number of Black congressmen to serve simultaneously during Reconstruction, marking a powerful moment in early Black political representation in the United States.

Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, an accomplished lawyer, publisher, and civil rights advocate, was elected city judge in Little Rock, Arkansas, becoming the first African American in the United States to be elected to a municipal judgeship. A prominent figure during Reconstruction, Gibbs broke racial barriers in law and politics, and his election marked a historic milestone in Black political empowerment in the post-Civil War South.

?In 1873, several historically significant educational institutions were established, each playing a pivotal role in advancing education for African Americans:?

Bennett College: Founded on August 1, 1873, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Bennett College began as a coeducational institution in the basement of Warnersville Methodist Episcopal Church (now St. Matthews United Methodist Church). It aimed to educate newly emancipated slaves. In 1926, it transitioned to become a women’s college and has since been dedicated to the education and empowerment of African American women.

Wiley College: Established in 1873 in Marshall, Texas, by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Wiley College is one of the oldest historically black colleges west of the Mississippi River. Named after Bishop Isaac Wiley, the college has a rich history of academic excellence and social activism. ?

Alabama State University: Originally founded as the Lincoln Normal School in 1867 by nine freed slaves in Marion, Alabama, it became the nation’s first state-sponsored liberal arts institution for African American students in 1873. The institution relocated to Montgomery in 1887 and has since evolved into a comprehensive university. ?

These institutions have each contributed significantly to the education and advancement of African American communities since their inception.

In a message to Congress, President Abraham Lincoln recommended using federal bonds to compensate any state that voluntarily abolished slavery before the year 1900. This proposal was part of Lincoln’s broader effort to encourage gradual emancipation, especially in border states that had not yet seceded during the Civil War.

Although the plan was never widely adopted, it reflected Lincoln’s evolving stance on slavery and foreshadowed his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation just one month later, on January 1, 1863.

On this date, the First Continental Congress enacted the Continental Association, a trade boycott against Great Britain in response to the Coercive Acts. One of the provisions stated that the colonies would cease the importation of slaves, effective December 1, 1774.

While the enforcement varied by colony and the slave trade continued illegally in some places, this marked an early, collective colonial stance against the transatlantic slave trade, showing that the issue of slavery was present even at the birth of American independence efforts.

On this day, Massachusetts became the first English colony in North America to give statutory recognition to slavery with the passage of the Body of Liberties. This legal code permitted slavery under certain conditions, particularly for captives taken in war or those “willingly” sold. It laid the foundation for institutionalized slavery in what would become the United States.

Other colonies soon followed suit:

• Connecticut – 1650

• Virginia – 1661

• Maryland – 1663

• New York & New Jersey – 1664

• South Carolina – 1682

• Rhode Island & Pennsylvania – 1700

• North Carolina – 1715

• Georgia – 1750

This timeline marks the legal entrenchment of slavery in colonial America, with lasting consequences that shaped centuries of Black life and resistance in the U.S.

Alvin Ailey, the visionary African American dancer and choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958, died at age 58. For over three decades, Ailey used dance to celebrate African American cultural expression and to advocate for civil rights. His work, including masterpieces like Revelations, blended modern dance, ballet, jazz, and Black spirituals, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of performing arts.

On December 2, 1975, Archie Griffin, the standout running back from Ohio State University, made history by becoming the first—and so far only—player to win the Heisman Trophy twice. ?

Key Highlights:

• Unprecedented Achievement: Griffin secured his second consecutive Heisman Trophy, a feat unmatched in college football history. ?

• Consistent Excellence: During his senior year, he amassed 1,357 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, contributing to the Buckeyes’ 11-0 regular-season record and a Big Ten title. ?Heisman

• Career Records: Over his four-year tenure at Ohio State, Griffin set an NCAA record with 31 consecutive 100-yard rushing games and concluded his collegiate career with a total of 5,589 rushing yards. ?Heisman

Griffin’s remarkable accomplishments have solidified his legacy as one of college football’s all-time greats.?

While the exact date when Maya Angelou was invited to compose a poem for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration isn’t publicly documented, she ultimately wrote and delivered “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration on January 20, 1993. ?

This marked a significant moment, as Angelou became the second poet to recite at a U.S. presidential inauguration, following Robert Frost in 1961. Her poem emphasized themes of unity, change, and responsibility, resonating with the nation’s aspirations. The recitation garnered widespread acclaim and contributed to a resurgence of interest in her literary works.

Andre Ware, quarterback for the University of Houston, made history by becoming the first African American quarterback to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

Ware’s 1989 season was record-breaking—he threw for over 4,600 yards and 46 touchdowns, leading one of the most explosive offenses in NCAA history. His win was a groundbreaking moment for representation in college football and helped pave the way for future Black quarterbacks.

Marie Van Brittan Brown, a Black American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 3,482,037 for her invention of the first home security system. Designed in response to rising crime rates and slow police response times in her Queens, New York neighborhood, the system included:

• Television surveillance to view visitors at the door,

• Two-way communication, allowing homeowner and visitor to see each other,

• And a remote-controlled lock, giving the homeowner the ability to open the door from a distance.

Her innovation laid the groundwork for modern home security systems and was a pioneering advancement in the intersection of safety and technology.

On this day, Dial Press published Judas, My Brother, a novel by Frank Yerby, one of the first Black American authors to gain international acclaim for historical fiction. The book is a bold reimagining of the life and times of Jesus, told from a skeptical and humanist perspective. Yerby, often noted for challenging racial barriers in publishing, was the first African American to publish a bestseller (The Foxes of Harrow, 1946) and to have a book bought for a Hollywood film.

On this day, Roland Hayes, a groundbreaking African American tenor, became the first Black soloist to perform at Boston’s Symphony Hall to widespread acclaim. Although he had given a performance at the venue in 1917 that received little public attention, his 1923 return was triumphant, earning him critical praise and establishing him as one of the world’s foremost classical vocalists. Hayes went on to perform across Europe and the U.S., breaking racial barriers in the world of classical music.

Charles C. Diggs Jr. was born on December 2, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan. He became the first African American elected to Congress from Michigan, serving from 1955 to 1980. A passionate advocate for civil rights and African liberation, Diggs was also the founding chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. He used his position to highlight racial injustice both in the United States and abroad, especially apartheid in South Africa.

Henry Armstrong, born Henry Jackson Jr., would go on to become the only boxer in history to simultaneously hold world titles in three weight divisions — featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight — in 1938. Known for his relentless pressure and stamina, Armstrong was one of boxing’s greatest pound-for-pound fighters.

Though often mistakenly said to be born in Columbus, Ohio, Armstrong was actually born in Columbus, Mississippi.

The 54th Congress of the United States (1895–1897) convened on this day with George W. Murray of South Carolina serving as the only African American member. A Republican and formerly enslaved man, Murray was a strong advocate for civil rights and Black land ownership. He represented a rare voice for African Americans in a time when Jim Crow laws were taking root and Black political representation was rapidly declining.

The 52nd Congress of the United States convened with only one African American representative: Henry P. Cheatham of North Carolina. A Republican and formerly enslaved, Cheatham served from 1889 to 1893, advocating for civil rights and education for African Americans during a time of increasing racial discrimination and the rise of Jim Crow laws in the South.

On this date, reports confirmed that 113 African Americans had been lynched in the United States during the year 1891 alone. This horrifying figure reflects the widespread racial terror used to enforce white supremacy during the post-Reconstruction era. The Equal Justice Initiative and other historical sources document this as part of a pattern of racial violence that plagued Black communities across the South and beyond.

The institutions you mentioned—North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T), Delaware State University, and West Virginia State University—were all established in 1891 as land-grant institutions under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which aimed to provide educational opportunities in agriculture and mechanical arts to African American students in states with segregated educational systems. However, their specific founding dates differ:?

• North Carolina A&T State University: Established on March 9, 1891, by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race. ?

• Delaware State University: Founded on May 15, 1891, by the Delaware General Assembly as the Delaware College for Colored Students. ?

• West Virginia State University: Established on March 17, 1891, by the West Virginia Legislature as the West Virginia Colored Institute. ?

These institutions have since evolved into prominent universities, continuing their commitment to education and serving diverse student populations.

On December 2, 1891, Charles Harris Wesley was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He became a distinguished historian, educator, minister, and author, contributing significantly to African American scholarship and education. ?

Key Highlights of Wesley’s Life and Career:

• Academic Achievements: Wesley graduated from Fisk University in 1911, earned a master’s degree from Yale University in 1913, and in 1925 became the third African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. ?

• Professional Roles:

  • Served as a professor and later as Dean of the Liberal Arts and Graduate School at Howard University. ?

  • Held the presidency at Wilberforce University from 1942 to 1947. ?

  • Founded and served as the first president of Central State University from 1947 to 1965. ?

• Publications: Authored over 15 books focusing on African American history, including “Negro Labor in the United States, 1850-1925” (1927) and “Richard Allen: Apostle of Freedom” (1935). ?

• Fraternal Involvement: Actively participated in African American fraternities, serving as the 14th General President and long-time National Historian of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. ?

• Religious Service: Ordained as a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he pastored several congregations in Washington, D.C. ?AHA

Wesley’s dedication to education and African American history has left a lasting legacy. He passed away on August 16, 1987, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 95. ?

On this day, Granville T. Woods, often called the “Black Edison,” was granted a patent for his improved telephone transmitter. This device enhanced the clarity of telephone audio over long distances by refining how voice signals were carried — an important advancement in communication technology.

Woods would go on to earn over 50 patents, many related to the railroad and electrical industries, including innovations in telegraphy, train safety, and electromechanical systems. His inventions laid critical groundwork for modern electrical and communication systems.

Radical white abolitionist John Brown was executed by hanging after his failed raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in October 1859. His goal was to ignite a widespread slave uprising. Though the raid failed and Brown was captured, his actions and trial intensified national tensions over slavery.

Brown was seen as a martyr by many in the abolitionist movement and had support from both Black and white allies, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman (who was invited to join the raid but declined). His death helped further polarize the nation, hastening the onset of the American Civil War.

On this day, Frederick Douglass, in collaboration with Martin R. Delany, published the first issue of The North Star in Rochester, New York. The newspaper became one of the most influential anti-slavery publications of the 19th century.

Its motto was:

“Right is of no Sex – Truth is of no Color – God is the Father of us all, and we are all brethren.”

The North Star served as a powerful platform for abolitionism, civil rights, and Black empowerment. Douglass, a formerly enslaved man turned orator and statesman, used the publication to advocate for the end of slavery and for full equality for African Americans and women.

On this day, Thomas “Hitman” Hearns defeated Wilfred Benítez to win the WBC Junior Middleweight (Super Welterweight) title. With this victory, Hearns became the first Black boxer — and the first boxer in history — to win world titles in five different weight divisions:

• Welterweight

• Light Middleweight

• Middleweight

• Super Middleweight

• Light Heavyweight

Hearns’ versatility, punching power, and iconic duels with other legends like Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler cemented his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats.

On December 3, 1964, J. Raymond Jones was elected leader of New York City’s Democratic organization, Tammany Hall, becoming the first African American to hold this influential position. Jones, often referred to as the “Harlem Fox,” led Tammany Hall from 1964 to 1967. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in mentoring prominent political figures, including Judge Constance Baker Motley, Congressman Charles Rangel, and future New York City Mayor David Dinkins.

Roy Wilkins, executive secretary of the NAACP, was awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal for his lifelong dedication to civil rights and his significant contributions to “the advancement of the American people and the national purpose.” As a key leader in the civil rights movement, Wilkins played a central role in landmark campaigns, including the 1963 March on Washington and the push for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

On this day, the Independence Bank of Chicago was officially organized, becoming one of the largest Black-owned banks in the United States. Founded to serve the financial needs of the Black community, it played a critical role in providing loans, mortgages, and other banking services during a time when mainstream financial institutions often denied access to African Americans. The bank symbolized economic empowerment and self-determination during the Civil Rights Movement.

On this day, President Harry S. Truman established a presidential committee to monitor and enforce compliance with anti-discrimination provisions in U.S. government contracts and sub-contracts. This was a significant step in the federal government’s efforts to promote equal opportunity in employment, especially within industries connected to federal funding. The move built on Executive Order 9981 (1948), which desegregated the armed forces, and was part of Truman’s broader civil rights agenda.

Ralph Gardner-Chavis, born in Cleveland, Ohio, was a pioneering African American chemist whose research played a crucial role in the development of hard plastics. His work in the manipulation of catalytic chemicals contributed significantly to advancements in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Gardner-Chavis also worked on the Manhattan Project, though he later became an advocate for responsible science and equal opportunity in STEM fields.

Helen Gray Edmonds was born in Lawrenceville, Virginia. She went on to become a distinguished educator, historian, and civic leader. Edmonds was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from Ohio State University (1946) and later became the first African American woman to second the nomination for a U.S. presidential candidate at a major political convention (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1956).

She also served as the Dean of the Graduate School at North Carolina Central University, breaking racial and gender barriers throughout her career. Edmonds was a lifelong advocate for education and public service, and her legacy continues to inspire scholars and leaders.

• The 48th U.S. Congress (1883–1885) convened with two Black representatives:

  • James E. O’Hara of North Carolina

  • Robert Smalls of South Carolina, a former enslaved man and Civil War hero

• George L. Ruffin was appointed City Judge in Boston, becoming one of the first African Americans to hold a judicial post in a major U.S. city.

• Despite these achievements, racist violence escalated, with 53 African Americans reportedly lynched in 1883, highlighting the dangerous and hostile climate of the post-Reconstruction era.

On this day, the Virginia Constitutional Convention convened in Richmond as part of Reconstruction efforts following the Civil War. For the first time, 25 Black men—many of them formerly enslaved—joined 80 white delegates to draft a new state constitution under the terms of Congressional Reconstruction.

This was a monumental moment in U.S. history, as African Americans were participating in the formal re-creation of a Southern state’s government.

Due to political resistance and legal challenges, the constitution they drafted was not ratified until July 6, 1869. When adopted, it expanded voting rights, created a system of free public education, and established legal protections regardless of race — major advances during the Reconstruction era.

On this day, John S. Rock—a lawyer, physician, and abolitionist—passed away. In 1865, he made history as the first African American admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. A man of many talents, Rock was also a licensed dentist and doctor, making him one of the most accomplished Black professionals of his time. He was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and a passionate supporter of the Union cause during the Civil War.

Rock famously coined the phrase “Black is beautiful” nearly a century before it became a cultural rallying cry.

On this date in 1865, Selection of the first Inter-racial jury is formed.

The Twenty-Fifth Corps was officially established within the Union Army of the James, becoming the largest all-Black unit in the history of the U.S. Army. Composed almost entirely of United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.), the corps played a pivotal role in the final campaigns of the Civil War, including the assault on Richmond and the occupation of Texas after the war. Its formation marked a major step in the recognition of Black soldiers’ contributions to the Union victory.

On this day, the Society of Colored People in Baltimore began keeping records in a notebook that continued until September 7, 1845. This group is recognized as the first documented Black Catholic association in the United States whose records have been preserved. The society reflected the early efforts of Black Catholics to organize around faith, mutual aid, and community support during a time of widespread racial discrimination—even within religious institutions.

Fred Hampton and Mark Clark, leaders of the Black Panther Party, were killed during a pre-dawn raid by the Chicago Police Department, coordinated with the FBI and Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Civil rights advocates and later investigations revealed that Hampton was drugged and shot multiple times while asleep, prompting widespread outrage and charges of extrajudicial murder.

• Fred Hampton was only 21 years old and had founded the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party in November 1968.

• He quickly became known for his charismatic leadership and revolutionary vision, forming free breakfast programs, health clinics, and a Rainbow Coalition that united poor Black, Latino, and white communities.

• Mark Clark, 22, was standing watch at the time of the raid and was also shot and killed.

Subsequent investigations uncovered that the FBI’s COINTELPRO program had targeted Hampton and the Black Panthers as part of a broader effort to disrupt civil rights movements.

On this date, journalist Emmett J. Scott published early reports highlighting the growing movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North. Though the Great Migration began gradually in the early 1910s, it gained significant momentum around this time—fueled by racial violence, segregation, and the lure of industrial jobs in Northern cities.

Over the next several decades, more than 6 million African Americans would migrate in waves, seeking better opportunities and shaping the cultural, economic, and political fabric of cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia. Between 1910 and 1930 alone, over 1.5 million Black Southerners relocated.

This mass movement:

• Sparked the Harlem Renaissance and other cultural booms.

• Shifted political power in Northern states.

• Altered American demographics permanently.

Moneta Sleet Jr., a photographer for Ebony magazine, became the first African American man and the first African American photographer to win a Pulitzer Prize. He received the award for his poignant photograph of Coretta Scott King, taken at the funeral of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The image, showing Mrs. King with their daughter Bernice on her lap, became one of the most iconic portrayals of grief and strength during the civil rights era. Sleet’s win was also a major milestone for Black journalists and photographers working in mainstream media.

Clarence M. Mitchell Jr., director of the NAACP Washington Bureau, received the Spingarn Medal for the pivotal role he played in the enactment of landmark civil rights legislation. Known as the “101st U.S. Senator” for his tireless lobbying, Mitchell was instrumental in the passage of key laws including the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1964, and 1968, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Spingarn Medal, established in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, former Chairman of the NAACP Board, is awarded annually to honor outstanding achievement by an African American.

Anthony Overton, a pioneering African American businessman, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding achievements in business. Overton was a publisher, banker, insurance executive, and cosmetics manufacturer — becoming one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs of his era. He founded Half-Century Magazine, the Victory Life Insurance Company, and the Overton Hygienic Manufacturing Company, one of the first to market cosmetics specifically for Black women.

The Spingarn Medal was established in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, then Chairman of the NAACP Board, to honor outstanding achievement by African Americans annually.

On this day, Duke Ellington and his band began their legendary residency at the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York. This engagement catapulted Ellington to national fame, thanks in part to the club’s radio broadcasts, which introduced his music to a wide audience.

Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington, D.C., had arrived in New York in the early 1920s. By 1923, he was performing with his group The Washingtonians, named after his hometown. His sophisticated style and innovative compositions helped define the Harlem Renaissance and transformed the landscape of American jazz.

On this day, the modern Ku Klux Klan was officially chartered by the Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia. This marked the formal rebirth of the white supremacist organization, which had been originally founded during the Reconstruction era. Revived at Stone Mountain, Georgia, in 1915, the second Klan was inspired in part by the racist film The Birth of a Nation and positioned itself as a defender of “Americanism.”

Throughout the 1920s, the Klan spread rapidly beyond the South into states like Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and California, claiming millions of members at its peak. It used intimidation, violence, and political influence to promote white supremacy and anti-Black, anti-Catholic, anti-Jewish, and anti-immigrant ideologies.

On this day, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) organized nationwide protests against the film The Birth of a Nation, which premiered earlier that year. The movie, directed by D.W. Griffith, glorified the Ku Klux Klan and promoted racist stereotypes that vilified African Americans.

The NAACP condemned the film for inciting racial hatred and violence, and used organized resistance—picket lines, petitions, and public statements—to challenge its showing in theaters across the country.

These protests marked one of the earliest and most prominent civil rights campaigns against racist portrayals of Black people in mainstream media, and highlighted the broader racial discrimination African Americans faced in both the South and North, particularly during the World War I era.

Founded in Harlem, The Amsterdam News became one of the most influential African American newspapers in the United States. It served as a critical voice for the Black community, covering issues often ignored by mainstream press—civil rights, politics, culture, and community news.

1909 was a pivotal year in Black history:

• ? W. E. B. Du Bois and others helped establish the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in response to ongoing racial violence and injustice.

• ? Matthew Henson, an African American explorer, was part of the first successful expedition to the North Pole, accompanying Robert Peary. Many historians credit Henson as the first person to actually reach the Pole due to his position leading the group.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven visionary students known as the “Jewels.” Recognizing the need for a support network and a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in higher education, the fraternity became a beacon of leadership, academic excellence, and social advocacy.

Alpha Phi Alpha played a critical role in the civil rights movement and has produced many prominent leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and W.E.B. Du Bois (honorary member).

On this day, the South Carolina Constitutional Convention adopted a new state constitution designed to systematically suppress Black voting rights. Central to the document was the “understanding clause,” a subjective literacy requirement that allowed white registrars to arbitrarily decide if a person “understood” the Constitution. While appearing race-neutral, it was a tool to disqualify Black voters while allowing illiterate whites to vote.

This move was part of a wider pattern across the South in the 1890s, where states imposed:

• Literacy tests

• Poll taxes

• Grandfather clauses

• Property requirements

These laws effectively nullified the 15th Amendment, stripping most Black men of the right to vote and ushering in the Jim Crow era of racial segregation and political exclusion.

The American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) was officially organized in Philadelphia by prominent abolitionists including William Lloyd Garrison, Arthur Tappan, and Frederick Douglass (who later became a key voice in the movement). The society was founded on the principle of immediate emancipation of all enslaved people in the United States.

The anti-slavery movement had its roots in Europe during the 1770s, particularly in Britain, and gained momentum in the U.S. during and after the American Revolutionary War. The AASS played a major role in uniting abolitionist voices and spreading anti-slavery literature and petitions across the country, helping lay the foundation for the Civil War-era emancipation efforts.

Prince Hall, a pioneering African American abolitionist and founder of Prince Hall Freemasonry, died in Boston on this day in 1807. Born in the British West Indies, Hall migrated to Boston as a young man and became a tireless advocate for Black rights, education, and civic engagement.

At the outbreak of the American Revolution, Hall enlisted in the Medford militia and later used his influence to petition the Massachusetts legislature for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for Black citizens. In 1775, Hall and 14 other free Black men were initiated into Freemasonry by a British army lodge, laying the foundation for African Lodge No. 459, the first Black Masonic lodge in the United States.

Prince Hall’s legacy continues to inspire through Prince Hall Freemasonry, which remains a cornerstone of African American community leadership and social progress.

On this day, General George Washington delivered his emotional farewell address to his officers of the Continental Army at Fraunces Tavern in New York City. The tavern was owned by Samuel “Black Sam” Fraunces, a wealthy man of African and French descent from the French West Indies.

Fraunces played a significant but often overlooked role in the American Revolution. He aided the Revolutionary forces by supplying food, intelligence, and financial support, and used his establishment as a meeting place for key revolutionary figures. Later, he served as George Washington’s chief steward, even credited with foiling a plot to poison Washington.

Samuel Fraunces is a vital figure in early American history—a symbol of Black patriotism and service during the founding of the United States.

Marcus Allen, a standout running back from the University of Southern California (USC), won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in NCAA history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. His historic 1981 season cemented his place as one of college football’s all-time greats. Allen went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL with the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.

Johnny Rodgers, a standout wingback for the University of Nebraska, was awarded the Heisman Trophy on December 5, 1972, becoming the first wide receiver to receive this prestigious honor. ?

During his three-year tenure with the Cornhuskers, Rodgers set an NCAA record with 5,586 all-purpose yards. His versatility was evident as he excelled in receiving, rushing, and returning kicks. In the 1971 “Game of the Century” against Oklahoma, Rodgers’ 72-yard punt return for a touchdown was pivotal in Nebraska’s 35-31 victory. ?

Rodgers concluded his collegiate career with a stellar performance in the 1973 Orange Bowl, leading Nebraska to a 40-6 win over Notre Dame by accounting for five touchdowns—three rushing, one receiving, and one passing. His achievements earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

On this day, Alexandre Dumas, the renowned French author of African descent, passed away at the age of 68. Dumas is best known for his literary masterpieces The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. Born in 1802, he was the grandson of a Haitian enslaved woman and the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a heroic general in Revolutionary France and one of the highest-ranking men of African descent in a Western army.

Despite facing racism during his lifetime, Dumas rose to literary fame, and his works remain some of the most widely read and adapted stories in the world.

On this day, New York City became the first city in the United States to enact legislation prohibiting racial and religious discrimination in private housing. The Fair Housing Practices Law marked a major victory for the civil rights movement, aiming to combat segregation and promote equal access to housing regardless of race, religion, or national origin. This law set a precedent for future federal legislation, including the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received the Spingarn Medal, the highest honor awarded by the NAACP, for his outstanding leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This historic year-long protest, which began on December 5, 1955, led to the desegregation of Montgomery’s public buses and marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

The Spingarn Medal recognized King’s nonviolent activism and his growing influence as a national civil rights leader.

Carl Murphy, publisher of the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding contributions as a journalist, publisher, and civil rights leader. Under his leadership, the Afro-American became one of the most influential Black newspapers in the U.S., advocating for civil rights, education, and political empowerment. Murphy used journalism as a powerful tool to challenge segregation and uplift African American voices for over four decades.

In response to Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, the Montgomery Bus Boycott was launched on this day. That evening, over 5,000 people gathered at the Holt Street Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was elected president of the newly formed Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA)—marking his rise as a national civil rights leader.

The boycott, which lasted over a year, became a defining act of nonviolent resistance and led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9808, establishing the President’s Committee on Civil Rights. This was the first national presidential committee tasked specifically with examining the state of civil rights in the U.S. and recommending improvements. The committee’s 1947 report, “To Secure These Rights,” laid the groundwork for future civil rights legislation and called for the end of segregation, protection against lynching, and federal enforcement of civil rights laws.

On this date in 1946, Spingarn Medal presented to Thurgood Marshall, director of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, “for his distinguished service as a lawyer before the Supreme Court.”

In response to post–World War II racial violence, including lynchings and mob attacks on Black veterans and civilians, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9808. This established the President’s Committee on Civil Rights, the first national-level initiative dedicated specifically to examining and recommending federal action on civil rights.

The committee’s work led to the landmark 1947 report, “To Secure These Rights,” which laid the groundwork for future civil rights reforms and called for the elimination of segregation, protection of voting rights, and enforcement of equal protection under the law.

On this day, educator and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in New York City. The organization was created to unify Black women’s organizations and advance the interests of African American women and their families.

Bethune, already a national figure due to her work in education and civil rights, envisioned the NCNW as a powerful coalition to promote advocacy, leadership, and community development. It continues to play a significant role in empowering Black women across generations.

On this day, renowned Harlem Renaissance poet and playwright Langston Hughes saw his play Mulatto open at the Vanderbilt Theatre on Broadway. The play tackled themes of race, identity, and the complex relationship between a white Southern plantation owner and his mixed-race son. Despite (or perhaps because of) its controversial subject matter, Mulatto became the first successful play by an African American playwright on Broadway, running for 11 months with 373 performances — an unprecedented success at the time.

The Swing Era officially took off around this time, with the commercial success of big bands transforming the American music scene. The mid-1930s marked the beginning of the genre’s golden age. Legendary African American bandleaders like Chick Webb, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Jimmie Lunceford, Andy Kirk, and Duke Ellington brought jazz and swing to the national stage, breaking racial barriers and setting musical standards still revered today.

These musicians not only entertained but also helped shape American culture, laying the groundwork for future generations of Black artists in jazz, R&B, and beyond.

Mary McLeod Bethune, renowned educator and civil rights leader, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for her outstanding achievements in education and public service. As the founder and president of Bethune-Cookman College, and a national advocate for African American rights and women’s empowerment, Bethune played a pivotal role in shaping Black education and political representation. She later served as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was the highest-ranking African American woman in government at the time.

Reverend James Cleveland was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 5, 1932. Known as the “King of Gospel Music,” he first sang gospel under the mentorship of Thomas A. Dorsey, the father of gospel music, at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Cleveland would go on to revolutionize gospel music with his rich baritone voice, choral arrangements, and blending of traditional gospel with modern soul and pop influences. He later founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America, which became a key institution for gospel artists nationwide.

Richard Wayne Penniman, known to the world as Little Richard, was born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia. A pioneer of rock and roll, Little Richard’s electrifying performances, flamboyant style, and signature shout helped lay the foundation for the genre in the 1950s. His hits like “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly” influenced generations of musicians including The Beatles, James Brown, Prince, and more.

He is remembered as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, often referred to as “The Architect of Rock and Roll.”

Charity Adams Earley was born in Kittrell, North Carolina. In 1942, she became the first African American woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), later the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, she was the highest-ranking Black woman in the Army during World War II. She commanded the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during the war.

Her leadership broke barriers for women and African Americans in the military and remains an inspiration in U.S. military history.

Elbert Frank Cox was born in Evansville, Indiana on this day. In 1925, he made history by becoming the first African American in the world to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics, earning the degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Despite facing racial barriers throughout his career, Cox became a celebrated professor and mentor, inspiring generations of Black mathematicians. His legacy is honored through scholarships and awards in his name.

The 47th Congress (1881–1883) convened with two African American Representatives:

• Robert Smalls of South Carolina, a formerly enslaved man and Civil War hero known for commandeering a Confederate ship to freedom.

• John R. Lynch of Mississippi, who had already made history in 1872 as the youngest Speaker of the Mississippi House and was a strong advocate for civil rights and education.

Their presence in Congress during the post-Reconstruction era was significant, as Black political representation was rapidly being suppressed across the South. Their service stood as a testament to early Black political leadership in America.

Alexandre Dumas, the renowned French novelist and playwright, died on this day in 1870. Born in 1802, Dumas was of Afro-Caribbean descent—his grandmother was an enslaved woman from Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), and his father, Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, was a general in Revolutionary France.

Dumas authored numerous literary classics, including:

• The Three Musketeers (1844)

• The Count of Monte Cristo (1844–1846)

• The Man in the Iron Mask (1847)

Despite facing racial prejudice, Dumas became one of the most widely read French authors in the world. His works have been translated into many languages and adapted into countless films, series, and plays.

His legacy stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the often-overlooked contributions of people of African descent to European literary history.

Bill Pickett was born in Travis County, Texas, on this day. Though only 5’7″ and 145 pounds, he became one of the most legendary figures of the American West. Pickett is credited with inventing “bulldogging”, a unique form of steer wrestling where he would bite the animal’s lip to bring it down—a technique inspired by how bulldogs handled livestock.

He toured with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show and was one of the first Black cowboys to gain national fame. Pickett died on April 2, 1932, after being kicked in the head by a horse. He was posthumously inducted into multiple rodeo halls of fame, including the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1989.

Sarah Gorham, born on December 5, 1832, became the first woman appointed by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church as a missionary to a foreign country. In 1888, she was sent to Sierra Leone, West Africa, where she worked to establish the Sarah Gorham Mission School in Monrovia, Liberia.

Her appointment marked a groundbreaking moment, not only for the AME Church but for Black women in religious and missionary work globally. She paved the way for generations of women in ministry and missions.

Phillis Wheatley, the first African American to publish a book of poetry, died in poverty at the age of 31 in Boston. Enslaved as a child and brought from West Africa to America, Wheatley was taught to read and write by her enslavers and quickly impressed with her literary talent. In 1773, at just 20 years old, she published “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral”, becoming a transatlantic literary sensation. Despite her fame, Wheatley struggled financially after gaining her freedom and died alongside her infant child in obscurity — a tragic end for a brilliant mind.

Salem Poor, a formerly enslaved Black man and soldier in the American Revolutionary War, was recognized by 14 officers for his extraordinary bravery at the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775). On this day, December 5, 1775, those officers submitted a formal petition to the Massachusetts General Court praising Poor, stating:

“A Negro Man called Salem Poor… behaved like an experienced officer, as well as an excellent soldier… In the person of this Negro centers a brave and gallant soldier.”

Poor’s courage was so notable that he became one of the few African Americans publicly commended during the Revolution. In later years, a memorial was dedicated to him in Cambridge, Massachusetts, honoring his service and sacrifice.

On or around December 6, 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped enslavement in Dorchester County, Maryland. Risking her life, she later returned to the South at least 13 times over a decade, guiding approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom, including family and friends, via the Underground Railroad.

Though often credited with rescuing over 300 people, historians generally agree that this number likely refers to the total number of people she assisted indirectly or inspired through her work and leadership. Tubman became known as “Moses” for her courage and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice.

William Stanley Braithwaite was born in Boston, Massachusetts. A poet, literary critic, and editor, Braithwaite played a pivotal role in shaping early 20th-century American poetry. He was widely respected for his annual anthologies of verse, which provided a platform for both Black and white poets during a time of deep racial segregation in publishing.

W.E.B. Du Bois referred to him as “the most prominent critic of poetry in America.”
On May 5, 1919, Braithwaite was honored with the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in recognition of his outstanding literary achievements and contributions to American letters.

On this day, Lee P. Brown made history by being elected the first African American mayor of Houston, Texas. A former police chief and federal “drug czar,” Brown narrowly defeated businessman Rob Mosbacher in a runoff election. His victory marked a major milestone in the political landscape of one of America’s largest and most diverse cities.

Eddie Robinson, legendary head coach of Grambling State University, coached his final football game on this day. Over a remarkable 57-year career (1941–1997), Robinson became the winningest coach in college football history at the time, with 408 victories.

He was not only a coaching icon but also a mentor to generations of young Black athletes, sending over 200 players to the NFL and influencing countless lives through education, discipline, and leadership. Robinson helped put HBCU football on the national map and remains a towering figure in the history of American sports.

Grace Bumbry, a renowned American opera singer, was celebrated for her exceptional talent and significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on January 4, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, she gained international acclaim for her powerful mezzo-soprano and soprano performances. Bumbry’s illustrious career was marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements, including being the first African American singer to perform at the Bayreuth Festival in 1961, where she portrayed Venus in Wagner’s “Tannhäuser.”

Throughout her career, Bumbry was known for her dedication to humanitarian causes and participated in various benefit concerts aimed at addressing social issues. While specific details about her involvement in the “Artists to End Hunger” concert on December 6, 1981, are limited, her commitment to using her artistry to support charitable endeavors was a consistent theme in her life. In 1990, she founded the Grace Bumbry Black Musical Heritage Ensemble, a group devoted to preserving and performing traditional Negro spirituals, further showcasing her dedication to cultural and philanthropic initiatives.

Grace Bumbry’s legacy extends beyond her remarkable vocal performances; she remains an enduring symbol of artistic excellence and social responsibility.

On this day, Lewis Franklin Powell Jr. was confirmed as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. His nomination faced opposition from civil rights organizations, who raised concerns about his past opposition to school desegregation and lack of a strong record on civil rights. Despite the objections, Powell was confirmed by a vote of 89–1 and served on the Court until 1987. His tenure was marked by a moderate-conservative judicial philosophy, often casting pivotal swing votes on issues such as affirmative action and the death penalty.

Frantz Fanon, the Martinican-born psychiatrist, philosopher, revolutionary, and author, passed away from leukemia at age 36. He is best known for his seminal works Black Skin, White Masks (1952) and The Wretched of the Earth (1961), which explored the psychological effects of colonization and the path to liberation.

A fierce critic of colonialism and racism, Fanon became deeply involved in the Algerian War of Independence and served in the FLN (National Liberation Front). His writings remain foundational texts in post-colonial studies, Black consciousness movements, and global liberation struggles.

?On December 6, 1960, in Tucson, Arizona, approximately 500 store owners signed pledges committing to nondiscrimination practices. This collective action was a significant step toward promoting civil rights and equality within the local business community. ?

Additionally, during the same year, the Arizona Restaurant Association adopted an open seating policy in Tucson, further advancing efforts to eliminate racial segregation in public establishments. ?University of Maryland School of Law

These initiatives reflect the broader civil rights movement’s influence, as communities across the United States worked toward fostering inclusivity and equal treatment for all individuals.

Huddie William Ledbetter, famously known as Lead Belly, passed away on this day in 1949 at the age of 61. A master of the 12-string guitar, Lead Belly was a pioneering figure in American folk and blues music. His powerful voice and deep catalog of songs—including “Goodnight, Irene,” “Midnight Special,” and “Where Did You Sleep Last Night”—influenced generations of artists across genres.

Lead Belly’s music captured the struggles and spirit of African American life in the early 20th century, and his legacy continues to echo through blues, rock, and folk music today.

Dr. Theodore K. Lawless was born on December 6, 1892, in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He became a renowned dermatologist, medical researcher, and philanthropist. Specializing in skin diseases such as syphilis and leprosy, Lawless made groundbreaking contributions to the treatment of these conditions, especially among underserved populations.

He was also a trailblazer in the medical field as one of the first African Americans to gain international recognition for his research. Beyond medicine, Dr. Lawless was a major philanthropist, supporting education and healthcare initiatives in the U.S. and abroad, including in Israel and Ethiopia.

Sergeant Thomas Shaw, a member of the 9th Cavalry Regiment—one of the original Buffalo Soldier units—was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Indian Wars. His citation recognized his “gallantry in action” at Carrizo Canyon, New Mexico, on August 12, 1881. Shaw’s recognition highlights the valor and sacrifice of Black soldiers who served with distinction despite enduring racial discrimination and segregation in the U.S. military.

The 44th Congress of the United States (1875–1877) convened with a historic high of eight African American members, the largest number during the Reconstruction era.

• One U.S. Senator:

  • Blanche K. Bruce of Mississippi – the first African American to serve a full term in the Senate.

• Seven U.S. Representatives:

  • Jeremiah Haralson – Alabama

  • Josiah T. Walls – Florida

  • John R. Lynch – Mississippi

  • John A. Hyman – North Carolina

  • Charles E. Nash – Louisiana

  • Joseph H. Rainey – South Carolina

  • Robert Smalls – South Carolina

This moment marked a peak in Black political representation during Reconstruction, before the rise of Jim Crow laws would severely roll back these gains for nearly a century.

Pinckney Benton Stewart (P.B.S.) Pinchback was elected president pro tempore of the Louisiana State Senate on this day in 1871, and shortly after became acting lieutenant governor — the first African American to hold either position in a U.S. state government. A key figure during Reconstruction, Pinchback’s political leadership laid the groundwork for further Black participation in government.

The following year, he would go on to briefly serve as acting governor of Louisiana, making him the first African American to serve as governor of a U.S. state.

The first National Black Labor Convention convened in Washington, D.C., bringing together African American workers and leaders from across the country. Organized by prominent Black labor activist Isaac Myers, the convention aimed to address racial discrimination in trade unions, promote labor rights, and encourage Black economic self-sufficiency during the Reconstruction era.

The convention led to the formation of the National Labor Union of Colored People, advocating for fair wages, improved working conditions, and the inclusion of African Americans in skilled trades and organized labor movements.

On December 6, 1869, James H. Harris of North Carolina was elected President of the National Convention of Colored Men, a significant assembly dedicated to advocating for African American rights during the Reconstruction era.

James H. Harris (1832–1891) was a prominent African American politician and educator in North Carolina. Born in Granville County, he pursued education at Oberlin College in Ohio and later worked as a teacher for the New England Freedmen’s Aid Society. ?

Harris played a pivotal role in North Carolina’s political landscape during Reconstruction. He was a charter member of the state’s Republican Party and served in various capacities, including as a delegate to the 1868 constitutional convention, a state legislator in both the House (1868–1870, 1883) and Senate (1872–1874), and as a Raleigh city alderman. ?

His leadership extended to national platforms, exemplified by his presidency of the 1869 National Convention of Colored Men, where he led discussions and initiatives aimed at securing equal rights for African Americans. ?

Harris’s dedication to education, civil rights, and political activism left a lasting impact on both North Carolina and the broader struggle for African American equality in the United States.

On this day, Tougaloo College was established in Tougaloo, Mississippi, by the American Missionary Association. It became a center for African American higher education and civil rights activism.

The other institutions mentioned were also founded in the 19th century but on different dates:

• Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) – Founded in 1869 in Atlanta, Georgia, by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

• Claflin University – Founded in 1869, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, by Methodist missionaries for the education of freed slaves.

• Dillard University – Formed much later in 1930 through the merger of two older institutions: Straight College (founded in 1869) and New Orleans University (founded in 1869), both in New Orleans.

Billy Sims, star running back for the University of Oklahoma, was awarded the Heisman Trophy on this day, becoming one of the few African American athletes to win college football’s most prestigious individual honor. Known for his speed, power, and agility, Sims rushed for over 1,700 yards that season and played a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s dominance on the field. He later went on to play in the NFL for the Detroit Lions.

In 1982, John E. Jacob succeeded Vernon E. Jordan Jr. as president of the National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization focused on economic empowerment and racial equality. During his tenure, Jacob prioritized job training, housing, education, and urban revitalization, especially in underserved Black communities. He also advocated for voter registration and youth engagement during the Reagan era, speaking out against policies that disproportionately affected African Americans.

On December 7, 1972, the Rev. W. Sterling Cary was unanimously elected as the first Black president of the National Council of Churches (NCC), the largest ecumenical body in the United States. Prior to his election, Cary served as the administrator of the New York Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ (UCC). His presidency focused on integrating churches, uniting different denominations, and advocating for affordable housing and education. Cary was also a vocal critic of U.S. President Richard Nixon’s budget cuts to affordable housing and anti-poverty measures. His election marked a significant milestone in the NCC’s history, reflecting a commitment to racial equality and justice within the ecumenical movement.

Reginald F. Lewis, a trailblazer in law and business, was born on this day in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1968, later becoming a partner in Murphy, Thorpe & Lewis, the first Black law firm on Wall Street. In 1989, Lewis made history as Chairman and CEO of TLC Beatrice International Holdings Inc., the largest Black-owned and -managed business in the U.S. at the time, with revenues over $1.8 billion. He was one of the first African Americans to build a billion-dollar company.

On the same day as the Pearl Harbor attack, Lester B. Granger was named executive director of the National Urban League, becoming a leading figure in the fight for civil rights and economic justice for African Americans. Granger was a strong advocate for labor rights and integration in the U.S. military and workforce. Under his leadership, the League expanded its efforts in employment, housing, education, and social services.

He later became one of the first African Americans to serve as a delegate to the United Nations.

The NAACP presented the prestigious Spingarn Medal to novelist Richard Wright for his groundbreaking contributions to American literature. He was honored as “one of the most powerful of contemporary writers” for his works Uncle Tom’s Children and Native Son, which boldly depicted the brutal realities of racism, segregation, and systemic oppression faced by African Americans. Wright’s writing helped shift public discourse and inspired generations of Black writers and activists.

Doris “Dorie” Miller, a mess attendant from Waco, Texas, displayed extraordinary bravery during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor while serving on the USS West Virginia. Without any formal training, he manned a machine gun and fired at enemy aircraft, reportedly downing several planes. He also carried wounded sailors to safety, including the ship’s captain.

Miller became the first African American awarded the Navy Cross, marking a significant moment in U.S. military and Black history.

Comer Cottrell, born on this day in Mobile, Alabama, would go on to become a pioneering entrepreneur and influential figure in American business. In 1970, he founded Pro-Line Corporation, which became one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the U.S., best known for revolutionizing Black hair care with products like the Curly Kit.

In 1989, Cottrell made history again by becoming the first African American part-owner of a Major League Baseball team, the Texas Rangers. His achievements opened doors for Black entrepreneurs in industries long lacking in representation.

Sir Milton Margai was born on this day in Gbangbatoke, Sierra Leone. A trained medical doctor and respected statesman, Margai became the first Prime Minister of independent Sierra Leone in 1961. He played a key role in the peaceful transition from British colonial rule to independence. His leadership emphasized national unity, democracy, and education, helping lay the foundation for the new nation.

The year 1885 was marked by the lynching of 74 Black individuals in the United States. However, there is no specific record of 74 Black individuals being lynched on December 7, 1885. It’s important to note that lynchings were tragically common during this period, with numerous incidents occurring throughout the year. For instance, the Rock Springs Massacre on September 2, 1885, resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Chinese miners in Wyoming. ?UMKC Law SchoolOxford Research Encyclopedia

The prevalence of lynching during this era underscores the severe racial violence and injustice faced by Black communities in the post-Reconstruction United States. These acts of terror were often used to enforce white supremacy and intimidate Black populations. Understanding and acknowledging this history is crucial in confronting the legacy of racial violence and working towards justice and equality.?

The 49th Congress (1885–1887) convened on December 7, 1885, with two African American representatives serving:

• James E. O’Hara of North Carolina, a lawyer and civil rights advocate

• Robert Smalls of South Carolina, a formerly enslaved man and Civil War hero

Both men were part of a small but impactful group of Black legislators during the post-Reconstruction era, continuing to fight for civil rights amid increasing racial backlash and disenfranchisement in the South.

In Vicksburg, Mississippi, white Democrats orchestrated a violent coup against the legally elected Reconstruction government. Tensions had been escalating since November when Black citizens helped elect a Republican sheriff. In response, white supremacist groups launched a campaign of terror, culminating on December 7, when an estimated 75 Black Republicans were killed. The massacre was part of a broader effort to suppress Black political power and end Reconstruction reforms in the South.

On this day, William B. Gibbs Jr., a Black teacher and principal in Montgomery County, Maryland, filed Gibbs v. Board of Education, challenging unequal pay for Black and white teachers. Backed by the NAACP and argued by Thurgood Marshall, this was the first in a series of landmark legal actions aimed at eliminating wage discrimination in education.

The case led to the end of salary disparities between Black and white teachers in Montgomery County and set a precedent that was used across the South, marking an early legal victory in the broader civil rights movement.

On this day, Kurt L. Schmoke was inaugurated as the first African American mayor of Baltimore, Maryland. A Rhodes Scholar and Yale Law graduate, Schmoke previously served as the city’s State’s Attorney. His election marked a historic moment for Baltimore, and he went on to serve three terms (1987–1999), focusing on issues like education reform, urban renewal, and public health.

U.S. Representative George W. Collins of Illinois died in a plane crash near Chicago Midway Airport at age 47. Collins had served in Congress since 1970 and was among the early African American members representing urban districts.

On the same day, Jewel Lafontant, a prominent African American attorney, was named Deputy Solicitor General of the United States, becoming one of the highest-ranking Black women in the federal legal system at the time.

On this day, journalist and publisher Louis E. Martin founded the Michigan Chronicle, an African American newspaper based in Detroit. The paper quickly became a powerful voice for Black communities in Michigan and across the nation, advocating for civil rights, political empowerment, and social justice.
Martin, later known as the “Godfather of Black Politics,” used the Chronicle and his influence to shape national conversations and policies affecting African Americans.

On this day, John Hope was posthumously awarded the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding achievement by an African American. Hope was celebrated for his pioneering leadership as the first Black president of Morehouse College and later as president of Atlanta University. He played a crucial role in founding what would become the Atlanta University Center, a consortium of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta, Georgia. His visionary work in higher education left a lasting legacy on Black academic advancement.

On this day, the NAACP filed its first lawsuit in a landmark campaign to equalize the salaries of Black and white teachers in the segregated South. The case, Alston v. School Board of Norfolk, Virginia, was led by attorney Thurgood Marshall, marking a strategic legal effort to challenge racial discrimination in education.

This lawsuit set a precedent and became part of a broader NAACP legal strategy that would eventually lead to Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and the dismantling of Jim Crow laws in public schools.

Clerow “Flip” Wilson was born on this day in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was the tenth of 24 children, with 18 siblings surviving into adulthood. Flip Wilson rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s as a comedian known for his warm humor, clever characters, and cultural impact.

In 1970, he made history as the first African American to host a successful variety show on U.S. television — The Flip Wilson Show — which earned him a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards. He became widely loved for characters like “Geraldine Jones,” known for the catchphrase, “The Devil made me do it!”

Sammy Davis Jr., legendary African American singer, dancer, actor, and comedian, was born in Harlem, New York. A child prodigy who began performing at age 3, Davis would go on to become one of the most versatile and beloved entertainers of the 20th century. As a member of the famed Rat Pack, he broke racial barriers in entertainment, performing in venues that once denied access to Black artists. Despite facing racism and adversity, Davis used his platform to advocate for civil rights and unity.

Henry Hugh Proctor was born in Fayette County, Tennessee. He became a prominent African American minister, educator, and writer, known for his work in Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as pastor of First Congregational Church. Proctor was a strong advocate for racial harmony and community development during the post-Reconstruction era.

He helped establish the Atlanta Colored Music Festival Association and worked alongside both Black and white leaders to improve conditions for African Americans in the South. His writings and sermons focused on education, morality, and social uplift, making him a key figure in the early 20th-century African American church and civic life.

President Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, offering a full pardon and restoration of property (except for enslaved people) to Confederates who pledged loyalty to the Union and accepted the abolition of slavery. This was the first step toward reintegrating the Southern states into the Union after the Civil War and laid the groundwork for Reconstruction. The policy also opened the door for discussions around Black citizenship and civil rights in the post-war United States.

On this day, Lucy Ann Stanton made history by becoming the first African American woman to complete a college-level course of study. She graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio, receiving a Literary Degree (Ladies’ Course). While not the full Bachelor of Arts (which included classical languages), this was a major milestone in U.S. education history and in the advancement of Black women in academia.

Stanton went on to be an abolitionist, writer, and educator, using her education to advocate for social justice and women’s rights.

On December 9, 1995, Kweisi Mfume, then a Democratic Congressman from Maryland, was unanimously elected as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). At the time, the NAACP was facing financial challenges and a leadership void. Mfume officially resigned from Congress and assumed his new role at the NAACP on February 20, 1996. During his tenure, he implemented significant reforms to address the organization’s financial issues and worked to restore its prominence in the civil rights movement.?

Craig Washington, a Democratic state legislator, won a special election to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District, succeeding the late Mickey Leland, a beloved advocate for civil rights and anti-poverty programs who died in a plane crash earlier that year. Washington became one of the few African Americans in Congress at the time and continued the legacy of progressive leadership in the district.

Tony Dorsett, star running back for the University of Pittsburgh, was awarded the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding player in college football. He became the first Pitt player to win the prestigious award. Dorsett rushed for over 2,000 yards in his senior season and led the Panthers to a national championship. He later had a Hall of Fame NFL career, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys.

Ralph J. Bunche, diplomat, scholar, and the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (1950), passed away at age 67 in New York City. He played a crucial role in UN peacekeeping and was Undersecretary-General of the United Nations from 1955 until his retirement in October 1971. Bunche was instrumental in mediating the 1949 Arab-Israeli Armistice Agreements and championed human rights and decolonization efforts globally.

Bill Pickett, a legendary African American cowboy, was posthumously inducted into the National Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame on December 9, 1971. Born in 1870, Pickett was a skilled rodeo performer and is credited with inventing the rodeo technique known as “bulldogging” (now called steer wrestling). As a Black cowboy in the early 20th century, he broke racial barriers in a field that rarely recognized African American talent.

Pickett performed in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and became one of the most famous cowboys of his time, paving the way for future generations of Black rodeo stars.

On this day, Tanganyika, a territory in East Africa, gained independence from British colonial rule. It became a sovereign nation with Julius Nyerere as its first Prime Minister (and later, President). Tanganyika’s independence marked a significant step in the African decolonization movement.

What about Tanzania?

In April 1964, Tanganyika united with Zanzibar (which had its own independence in January 1964) to form the modern-day nation of Tanzania — a blend of the names Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

On this day, Jack L. Cooper, the first African American radio broadcaster, launched “Search for Missing Persons,” a public service program aimed at reuniting families and individuals. The show aired in Chicago and marked one of the earliest examples of public service programming in American radio—particularly groundbreaking for being produced and hosted by a Black broadcaster.

Cooper, often called the “father of Black radio,” used his platform not just for entertainment, but also to serve and uplift the African American community.

Andrew “Rube” Foster, founder of the Negro National League (NNL) and a legendary figure in Black baseball, died on this day in 1930. Foster was instrumental in organizing Black professional baseball during the segregation era and is often called the “Father of Black Baseball.”

Following his decline in health and death, the Negro National League began to unravel. By 1931, the league disbanded, due to:

• Infighting among team owners

• Weak financial backing during the Great Depression

• Fewer star players to draw crowds

• The absence of Foster’s leadership and vision

Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford in St. Louis, Missouri, was an iconic comedian and actor known for his quick wit, edgy stand-up routines, and trailblazing role in American television. He gained legendary status starring as Fred Sanford in the hit 1970s sitcom “Sanford and Son”, becoming one of the first Black actors to lead a major network TV show.

Nicknamed the “King of the Party Records,” Foxx released dozens of albums that pushed boundaries in comedy, influencing generations of stand-up comedians. His sharp humor and unapologetic style helped pave the way for Black entertainers in mainstream media.

Roy DeCarava, pioneering African American photographer, was born in New York City. He became the first African American photographer to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1952. DeCarava used his lens to document the lives, dignity, and beauty of everyday Black Americans, particularly in Harlem. His work blended fine art with social commentary, capturing jazz legends, street life, and the quiet strength of Black communities.

His groundbreaking book, The Sweet Flypaper of Life (1955), with text by Langston Hughes, is a celebrated portrayal of Harlem life. DeCarava remains a monumental figure in both photography and African American cultural history.

On this day, Pinckney Benton Stewart (P.B.S.) Pinchback became the Governor of Louisiana, making him the first African American to serve as governor of a U.S. state. He assumed office following the impeachment of Governor Henry Clay Warmoth. Pinchback served as acting governor from December 9, 1872, to January 13, 1873.

Though his term was brief, his appointment was historic during the Reconstruction Era, symbolizing the political progress African Americans were beginning to make in post-Civil War America.

The Georgia Constitutional Convention of 1867 began in Atlanta, with 33 Black delegates and 137 white delegates participating. This marked a significant moment during the Reconstruction Era, as it was one of the first times African Americans in Georgia took part in shaping the state’s laws and governance. The convention aimed to draft a new state constitution that aligned with federal requirements for readmission to the Union after the Civil War, including granting rights to formerly enslaved people.

St. Martin de Porres, a Peruvian of African and Indigenous descent, was born in Lima, Peru, and became the first Black saint of the Americas. Known for his deep humility, charity, and healing abilities, he joined the Dominican Order as a lay brother. Despite the racial barriers of his time, Martin was renowned for his care for the poor, his miraculous healings, and his compassion for animals.

He is one of the most venerated saints in Latin America and the Philippines, canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII. St. Martin is the patron saint of racial harmony, social justice, and public health workers.

On this day, Pamela McAllister Johnson broke barriers by becoming the first Black woman to serve as publisher of a mainstream daily newspaper, the Ithaca Journal in New York. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in the history of American journalism, highlighting the ongoing struggle for diversity and representation in media leadership.

On this date in 1950, Ralph J. Bunche, director of the UN Trusteeship division and former professor of political science at Howard University, awarded the Nobel Peace prize (September 22) for successful mediation of the Palestine conflict. He was the first Black to receive a Nobel citation.

On this day, William H. Rehnquist was confirmed as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. His confirmation faced strong opposition from civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, due to his past opposition to civil rights legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Critics also cited his earlier memos as a law clerk, which appeared to defend the “separate but equal” doctrine of segregation.

Rehnquist would go on to serve as Chief Justice from 1986 until his death in 2005. His confirmation marked a pivotal moment in the ideological shift of the Court and had long-term implications for civil rights jurisprudence.

Soul singer Otis Redding, known for hits like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”, tragically died at age 26 when his plane crashed into Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. He was en route to a concert with members of the Bar-Kays, four of whom also died in the crash.

Redding’s death came just days after recording his iconic single “Dock of the Bay,” which would become his first posthumous No. 1 hit and cement his legacy as a soul music legend.

On this day, legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson officially retired from boxing, ending a storied career that redefined the sport. Robinson amassed six world title victories, more than any other fighter at the time, and is widely considered one of the greatest boxers in history. Known for his incredible skill, speed, and charisma, Robinson’s career record stood at 173 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws, with 108 knockouts.

On this day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, for his nonviolent struggle against racial segregation and injustice in the United States. At age 35, he became the youngest person at the time to receive the prestigious award.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. King said:

“I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind.”

This honor further elevated King as a global symbol of peaceful resistance and social change.

On December 10, 1864, the 5th and 6th United States Colored Cavalry (USCC) Regiments commenced their participation in Stoneman’s Raid into Southwestern Virginia, a significant Union operation during the American Civil War. This campaign aimed to disrupt Confederate supply lines and infrastructure in the region.?

Formation and Composition

• 5th USCC: Organized at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, on October 24, 1864, the 5th USCC comprised African American soldiers, many of whom were formerly enslaved individuals seeking freedom and a chance to fight for the Union cause. ?

• 6th USCC: Similarly, the 6th USCC was formed at Camp Nelson on October 24, 1864, drawing recruits from Kentucky and surrounding areas. ?

Stoneman’s Raid and Engagements

Beginning on December 10, 1864, under the command of General George Stoneman, both regiments embarked on a raid targeting key Confederate positions:?

• December 12: Engaged in combat at Hopkinsville, Kentucky.?

• December 13: Participated in the battle at Kingsport, Tennessee, successfully flanking and forcing back Confederate forces.?

• December 17-18: Fought in the Battle of Marion near Marion, Virginia, demonstrating remarkable bravery despite facing formidable opposition.?

• December 20-21: Contributed significantly to the Second Battle of Saltville, leading to the capture and destruction of the vital Confederate salt works. ?

Legacy and Significance

The involvement of the 5th and 6th USCC in these operations not only disrupted Confederate resources but also showcased the valor and effectiveness of African American soldiers in combat. Their actions during Stoneman’s Raid contributed to the broader Union efforts to weaken the Confederacy’s war capabilities and paved the way for greater acceptance of Black soldiers in the U.S. military.

Edwin C. Berry, one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs of his era, was born on this day in Oberlin, Ohio. In 1892, he built the Hotel Berry, a 22-room establishment in Athens, Ohio. The hotel gained national attention for its high standards and service. By the time of his retirement in 1921, Berry was widely recognized as the most successful Black small-city hotel operator in the United States.

Norbert Rillieux, a free-born Black inventor and chemical engineer from New Orleans, patented his multiple-effect evaporator under vacuum on this day. This invention revolutionized the sugar refining process, making it safer, more efficient, and more economical.

Rillieux’s system replaced dangerous open kettles with a closed, steam-heated method, dramatically reducing the risk of burns and improving the quality of sugar production. His breakthrough not only transformed the sugar industry but laid the groundwork for advances in chemical engineering and industrial evaporation used in many industries today.

Dr. Ralph Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role as chief United Nations mediator in the 1949 armistice negotiations that ended the Arab-Israeli war in Palestine. He became the first African American—and the first person of African descent globally—to receive the prestigious honor. His diplomatic skill and dedication to peace earned international acclaim and paved the way for future generations of Black leaders in global affairs.

George Rogers, star running back from the University of South Carolina, was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the second Black athlete to win the prestigious award (after Ernie Davis in 1961). Rogers led the nation in rushing yards that season with 1,781 yards, and his performance helped pave the way for greater recognition of Black athletes in college football.

On this day, iconic soul singer Sam Cooke died at age 33 in Los Angeles, California. According to reports, he was shot and killed by Bertha Franklin, the manager of the Hacienda Motel, after a confrontation. The official story stated that Cooke was seeking a woman he had been with earlier that evening and demanded entry into the motel office. Following a struggle, Franklin claimed she shot him in self-defense.

Cooke’s death has long been surrounded by suspicion and calls for further investigation, with many questioning the official account. Despite the controversy, his influence on soul, gospel, and popular music—and his role in the civil rights movement—remains profound.

Langston Hughes’ gospel musical Black Nativity premiered Off-Broadway at the 89th Street Theatre in New York City. One of the first plays written by an African American to be staged Off-Broadway, Black Nativity was a vibrant retelling of the Nativity story through a blend of traditional gospel music, poetry, and dance. It became a beloved holiday tradition and a groundbreaking work in Black theater history.

The U.S. Supreme Court reversed the convictions of sixteen African American students who had been arrested for participating in a peaceful lunch counter sit-in in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The students had been charged with disturbing the peace after protesting racial segregation.

In Garner v. Louisiana, the Court, led by Chief Justice Earl Warren, ruled unanimously that the convictions violated the students’ constitutional rights. The decision was a significant legal victory for the Civil Rights Movement, reinforcing the protection of peaceful protest under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Lewis H. Latimer, an accomplished African American inventor and engineer, died on this day in Flushing, New York. He began his career as a draftsman for Alexander Graham Bell, helping draw the blueprints for the first telephone patent. Latimer went on to become a respected innovator in his own right, improving the design and efficiency of the incandescent light bulb by developing a longer-lasting carbon filament.

Later, he joined General Electric, a company formed by another famous inventor, Thomas Edison. Latimer’s work helped bring electric lighting into homes and cities across America, making him a vital but often overlooked figure in the history of modern technology.

Blues singer Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was born in Ariton, Alabama. A powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, she is best known for her 1952 hit “Hound Dog”, which topped the R&B charts years before Elvis Presley recorded his version. Thornton was a trailblazer for women in blues and rock, influencing generations of musicians with her raw vocal style and commanding stage presence. She also wrote and recorded “Ball and Chain,” later popularized by Janis Joplin.

On this day, Joe “King” Oliver, a pioneering jazz cornetist and bandleader, left New Orleans and moved to Chicago, marking a key moment in the Great Migration of Jazz. Oliver was soon joined by other notable musicians, including his protégé Louis Armstrong. This movement helped establish Chicago as a major hub for jazz, setting the stage for its national and global rise. The relocation of Black musicians from the South to Northern cities during this time significantly influenced American music and culture.

On this day, 13 African American soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment were executed by hanging at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, without the chance to appeal. This was the largest mass execution of American soldiers by the U.S. Army.

The soldiers were convicted for their involvement in the Houston Riot (Camp Logan Mutiny), which occurred on August 23, 1917. The riot was sparked by brutal acts of racial violence and police abuse against Black soldiers and civilians in Jim Crow-era Houston.

A total of 118 soldiers were tried, with:

• 19 executed,

• 41 given life sentences,

• and others given various prison terms.

The trials were heavily criticized for their speed, lack of due process, and racial injustice.

Harry T. Burleigh, a pioneering African American composer, arranger, and baritone soloist, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP. Burleigh is celebrated for helping to elevate African American spirituals to the concert stage and for his classical compositions influenced by Black musical traditions.

He was the first African American soloist at St. George’s Episcopal Church in New York City and worked with renowned composer Antonín Dvo?ák, influencing Dvo?ák’s appreciation of African American music.

The Spingarn Medal, established in 1914, honors outstanding achievement by an African American each year.

John E. Bush, born into slavery, rose to become a respected teacher, real estate developer, and civic leader in Arkansas. In 1898, he was appointed Receiver of the U.S. Land Office in Little Rock, making him one of the highest-ranking Black federal officials in the South at the time. He also co-founded the Mosaic Templars of America, a Black fraternal organization that provided insurance and mutual aid. Bush passed away on this day in 1916, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and community building.

On this day, Pinckney Benton Stewart (P.B.S.) Pinchback became the first African American to serve as governor of a U.S. state—Louisiana. He assumed office after the impeachment of Governor Henry C. Warmoth and served as acting governor from December 9, 1872, to January 13, 1873.

Pinchback, a former Union officer and politician during Reconstruction, broke racial barriers in American politics and laid the groundwork for future Black leadership at the state and national levels.

On this day, Willie L. Brown Jr., a longtime California political powerhouse and former Speaker of the California State Assembly, defeated incumbent Frank Jordan to become the first African American mayor of San Francisco. His victory marked a major milestone in the city’s political and cultural history. Brown served two terms as mayor (1996–2004), overseeing a period of significant economic growth and urban development.

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) was founded on December 12, 1975, in Washington, D.C., by 44 journalists dedicated to strengthening the ties among Black media professionals and advocating for diversity in newsrooms and media coverage.

Today, with over 3,000 members, 74 professional chapters, and 51 student chapters, NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the world. Its mission is to support Black journalists through training, career development, and advocacy, while also pushing for accurate, equitable representation of the Black community in media.

On this day, Kenya officially gained independence from British colonial rule, ending decades of struggle. Jomo Kenyatta, a key leader in the independence movement and former political prisoner, became the country’s first Prime Minister. The event marked a significant milestone in Africa’s decolonization movement and inspired liberation efforts across the continent.

Exactly one year later, on December 12, 1964, Kenya became a republic, and Kenyatta assumed the role of President.

Civil rights activist Medgar Evers was posthumously awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his courageous work in the fight against racial injustice. Evers served as the NAACP’s first field secretary in Mississippi and was a central figure in efforts to end segregation and secure voting rights for African Americans. He was assassinated on June 12, 1963, and his death galvanized the civil rights movement.

The Spingarn Medal, awarded annually since 1915, is the NAACP’s highest honor for outstanding achievement by an African American.

More than 700 demonstrators, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., were arrested in Albany, Georgia, during five mass marches to city hall protesting segregation. These arrests catalyzed the Albany Movement, one of the first major efforts to desegregate an entire community in the Deep South.

The movement was a coalition of local activists, students, and national organizations like the NAACP and SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). Although the Albany Movement faced challenges, it laid a crucial foundation for future civil rights campaigns, emphasizing mass mobilization and the strategic use of nonviolent resistance.

Dionne Warwick, one of the most-charted female vocalists of all time, was born in East Orange, New Jersey. Known for her smooth vocals and collaborations with legendary songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Warwick became a pop and R&B icon with hits like “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.”

She is a five-time Grammy Award winner and an influential figure in music and humanitarian work, including her advocacy for AIDS awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

On December 12, 1938, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a pivotal decision in Missouri ex rel. Gaines v. Canada, marking a significant step toward dismantling racial segregation in education.?Library of Congress Tile+6{{meta.siteName}}+6EBSCO+6

The case centered on Lloyd Gaines, an African American who was denied admission to the University of Missouri’s law school solely because of his race. At the time, Missouri did not provide a law school for Black students within the state but offered to pay for their tuition at out-of-state institutions.?Justia

The Supreme Court ruled that this practice violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Court held that states providing legal education must offer it to all qualified applicants within their borders, regardless of race. If a state chooses to operate a law school, it cannot exclude students based on race, nor can it remedy such exclusion by funding education elsewhere. ?

This landmark decision challenged the “separate but equal” doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, setting a precedent that would later influence the historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954. ?

The Gaines case highlighted the inherent inequalities in segregated educational systems and underscored the constitutional obligation of states to provide equal educational opportunities to all citizens within their jurisdiction.

Vincent Smith, an acclaimed African American painter and printmaker, was born in Brooklyn, New York. His work is celebrated for its vivid storytelling and deep engagement with African American life, history, and culture—often focusing on urban Black experiences, jazz, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Smith’s art blended expressionism and social realism, and he became a prominent voice in the Black Arts Movement. His work has been featured in major institutions, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Studio Museum in Harlem.

Joe Williams, acclaimed American jazz vocalist, was born in Cordele, Georgia. Renowned for his smooth baritone voice, Williams rose to fame in the 1950s as the lead male vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra. His signature blend of blues and jazz earned him critical acclaim and a Grammy Award in 1984. Williams had a long and versatile career, performing with jazz legends and symphony orchestras alike, and remained an influential figure in jazz until his passing in 1999

Boxing legend Henry Armstrong was born on this day in 1912. In 1938, Armstrong made history by becoming the first boxer to simultaneously hold world titles in three different weight divisions: Featherweight, Lightweight, and Welterweight—a feat no one else has matched. Known for his relentless style and stamina, Armstrong is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Josh Gibson, one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history, was born on this day in Buena Vista, Georgia. Known as the “Black Babe Ruth,” Gibson played in the Negro Leagues and was renowned for his prodigious home runs—some reportedly clearing stadium walls and traveling over 500 feet. Though barred from Major League Baseball due to segregation, he was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

Dr. George F. Grant, an African American dentist, professor, and inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 638,920 for a wooden golf tee. A Harvard-educated dentist and the first African American professor at Harvard, Grant was also an avid golfer. Tired of the messy and inconsistent methods used to tee up balls (like mounds of sand), he created an innovative, more practical solution.

Though his invention didn’t become commercially widespread during his lifetime, Grant’s golf tee laid the groundwork for the modern tees used in the sport today.

Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, born on this day in Paris, Tennessee, became the first African American president of Howard University, serving from 1926 to 1960. A powerful orator, minister, and educator, Johnson was a champion for racial justice and higher education for Black Americans.
Under his leadership, Howard University grew significantly in both academic stature and enrollment, becoming a premier institution for Black intellectuals and professionals. Johnson was a graduate of the University of Chicago and Harvard University, and he used his platform to speak out against segregation and inequality across the U.S.

On this day, George H. Williams was appointed as the U.S. Attorney General by President Ulysses S. Grant. While Williams himself was not Black, his appointment is often mentioned in discussions of Reconstruction-era politics when the federal government was increasingly involved in enforcing civil rights for African Americans—particularly through the Enforcement Acts, aimed at combating the Ku Klux Klan.

However, if you were referring to a Black history-related milestone on this date, it’s possible there’s been a mix-up.

On this day, Joseph H. Rainey became the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for South Carolina. He was sworn in to fill an unexpired term during the Reconstruction era, marking a major milestone in American political history. A formerly enslaved man, Rainey advocated for civil rights, education, and equal protection under the law.

Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham, born on April 18, 1904, in Durham, North Carolina, was a multifaceted African American entertainer renowned for his work as a comedian, singer, dancer, and actor. His career, which began in 1917, spanned vaudeville, the “Chitlin’ Circuit,” and mainstream television. Markham gained widespread recognition for his “Here Comes the Judge” routine, which became a cultural catchphrase, especially after its feature on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” in the late 1960s. He also released a single titled “Here Comes the Judge” in 1968, which is considered by some as an early influence on hip-hop. Markham passed away on December 13, 1981, in The Bronx, New York, due to a stroke.

The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) is the nation’s longest-running voluntary school desegregation program. Established in 1966, METCO facilitates the busing of students of color from Boston and Springfield to public schools in surrounding suburban communities, aiming to eliminate racial imbalance and promote diversity in education. ?

Key Points about METCO:

• Inception and Funding: METCO began in 1966, initially funded by grants from the Carnegie Corporation and the U.S. Office of Education. In 1968, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts assumed financial responsibility, providing annual grants to support the program. ?

• Mission: The program’s mission is to expand educational opportunities, increase diversity, and reduce racial isolation by enabling students from Boston and Springfield to attend public schools in participating suburban districts. ?

• Participation: As of recent data, approximately 3,300 students are enrolled in METCO across 33 school districts in the Boston metropolitan area and four districts outside Springfield. ?

• Impact: METCO has provided thousands of students with access to quality education and has fostered multicultural understanding among students from diverse backgrounds. ?

The program stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to achieve educational equity and racial integration in American schools.

On December 13, 1957, Daniel Ahmling Chapman Nyaho presented his credentials as Ghana’s first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s diplomatic history following its independence earlier that year. ?

Born on July 5, 1909, in Keta, Volta Region, Chapman Nyaho was a distinguished academic and diplomat. He was the first African appointee at the United Nations and served as Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the UN. In 1958, he became the first Ghanaian headmaster of Achimota College. ?

Chapman Nyaho’s tenure as ambassador to the U.S. lasted until 1959, after which he continued to contribute significantly to Ghana’s educational and diplomatic sectors.

On December 26, 1944, Harriet Ida Pickens and Frances Eliza Wills became the first African American women commissioned as officers in the U.S. Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). Their enlistment followed the Navy’s decision on October 19, 1944, to integrate the WAVES, a move influenced by civil rights organizations advocating for inclusivity. ?

Pickens, with a background in public health administration, and Wills, a social worker, completed their training at the Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Smith College. Upon commissioning, Lieutenant (junior grade) Pickens and Ensign Wills were assigned to the WAVES training facility at Hunter College in the Bronx, New York City. ?

Their groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future generations of African American women in the U.S. Navy, symbolizing a significant step toward racial and gender integration within the armed forces during World War II.

On this day, Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era, was traded from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the New York Giants. However, Robinson never played for the Giants—he had secretly agreed to retire from baseball to take an executive position with the Chock full o’Nuts coffee company.

Larry Doby, born on this day in Camden, South Carolina, would go on to become a trailblazer in Major League Baseball. On July 5, 1947, he became the first African American player in the American League, breaking the color barrier just weeks after Jackie Robinson did so in the National League.

Doby played for the Cleveland Indians, helping lead the team to a World Series championship in 1948, and was the American League RBI leader in 1954. He later became the second African American manager in MLB history.

Doby’s courage and talent paved the way for future generations of Black athletes in professional baseball.

Menelik II, the visionary emperor who modernized Ethiopia and defended its sovereignty, died on this day in 1913. His reign (1889–1913) was marked by significant modernization, including the introduction of railroads, schools, hospitals, and telecommunication systems.

He is best remembered for his leadership during the Battle of Adwa (1896), where Ethiopian forces decisively defeated the Italian army — a rare victory for an African nation against European colonizers during the Scramble for Africa. This triumph made Ethiopia a symbol of Black independence and pride around the world.

Even after his stroke in 1906, Menelik’s legacy of independence and progress lived on, deeply shaping modern Ethiopia and African resistance movements.

Archibald Lee Wright, later known as Archie Moore, was born in Benoit, Mississippi. A legendary figure in boxing, Moore would go on to win the World Light Heavyweight Championship in 1952 and hold the title for nearly a decade, until 1960—one of the longest reigns in the division’s history.

Known for his powerful punching and defensive skill, Moore also holds the record for most career knockouts in professional boxing, with over 130 KOs. Beyond the ring, he became a mentor to young fighters, including a young Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

Ella Baker, one of the most influential yet unsung heroes of the American Civil Rights Movement, was born on this day. A tireless organizer and strategist, she began her activism in the 1930s and would go on to lead the New York branch of the NAACP.

In the 1960s, she played a pivotal role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and was instrumental in supporting young activists during the student-led sit-in movement. Her mentorship led to the founding of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960, where her belief in grassroots organizing deeply influenced its structure and philosophy.

Baker’s legacy is defined by her commitment to community empowerment and collective leadership, summed up in her famous quote:

“Strong people don’t need strong leaders.”

Under increasing pressure and facing troop shortages, General George Washington reversed a previous policy and allowed free Black men to enlist in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

Although Black men had initially fought in early battles like Lexington and Concord (1775), they were later banned from service. By late 1777, the dire need for soldiers led to this pivotal policy shift.

Approximately 5,000 African American soldiers would go on to serve in various roles—infantrymen, drummers, laborers, and spies—fighting for a freedom that would not yet apply to them.

Elston Howard, the first Black player to join the New York Yankees, passed away on this day in 1980. A standout catcher during the 1950s and 1960s, Howard was a nine-time All-Star and a key part of several Yankees championship teams. In 1963, he became the first African American player to win the American League MVP Award.

Beyond his playing career, Howard broke barriers as a coach, becoming the first Black coach in Yankees history. His legacy endures as a pioneer who helped integrate one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises.

The San Francisco State College (now San Francisco State University) student strike of 1968–1969 was a pivotal moment in the history of American higher education, marking the longest student-led strike in the nation’s history. Initiated on November 6, 1968, the strike was led by the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Third World Liberation Front (TWLF), a coalition of various ethnic student organizations. Their primary demands included the establishment of a Black Studies Department, increased enrollment and support for students of color, and the rehiring of faculty members like George Mason Murray, a graduate student and member of the Black Panther Party who had been suspended. ?

Throughout the strike, tensions escalated between students and the administration, leading to multiple confrontations and arrests. In response to the unrest, the college administration decided to suspend classes on December 13, 1968, initiating the winter holiday recess one week earlier than scheduled. This suspension aimed to deescalate the situation and provide a cooling-off period for all parties involved.?

The strike continued into early 1969, culminating in an agreement on March 20, 1969, which led to the establishment of the nation’s first College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State College. This groundbreaking development paved the way for similar programs across the country, fundamentally transforming the landscape of higher education by promoting inclusivity and diversity in academic curricula.?

Entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. received the prestigious Spingarn Medal from the NAACP for his “superb and many-faceted talent” and his significant contributions to the civil rights movement. A trailblazer in film, music, and television, Davis broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry and used his platform to advocate for racial equality and social justice.

On December 14, 1963, the music world mourned the loss of Dinah Washington, a versatile and influential American singer renowned for her contributions to jazz, blues, R&B, and pop music. Born Ruth Lee Jones on August 29, 1924, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Washington’s powerful voice and emotive delivery earned her the title “Queen of the Blues.”?

Throughout her career, Washington achieved significant acclaim with hits like “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,” which won her a Grammy Award in 1959, and collaborations with artists such as Brook Benton on songs like “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes).” Her ability to seamlessly blend genres and her distinctive vocal style left an indelible mark on the music industry.?

Tragically, Washington’s life was cut short at the age of 39 due to an accidental overdose of prescription medications in Detroit, Michigan. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, and she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Stanley Crouch, born on December 14, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, was an influential American writer, jazz critic, and cultural commentator. Encouraged by his mother, he began writing at the age of eight and later became active in the Civil Rights Movement during his junior high school years.

In the 1960s, Crouch taught literature and theater at Pomona College and was involved in the jazz scene as a drummer, collaborating with musicians like David Murray. In 1975, he moved to New York City, where he became a cultural critic for the Village Voice and immersed himself in the jazz community.

Crouch was known for his outspoken essays on African American arts, politics, and culture. He co-founded and served as an artistic consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center, significantly influencing its repertoire and often writing notes and essays for concert programs.

Throughout his career, Crouch authored several critically acclaimed books, including:

• Notes of a Hanging Judge: Essays and Reviews, 1979–1989
• The All-American Skin Game, or, The Decoy of Race: The Long and the Short of It, 1990–1994
• Considering Genius: Writings on Jazz
• Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker

His contributions to literature and music criticism earned him numerous honors, including a MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant and the 2019 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy.

Stanley Crouch passed away on September 16, 2020, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of passionate and provocative discourse on American culture and jazz.

On December 14, 1939, Ernie Davis was born in New Salem, Pennsylvania. He would go on to become a trailblazing figure in American football, celebrated for his exceptional talent and for breaking racial barriers in the sport.?

Early Life and Education

Davis faced early hardships, losing his father shortly after birth and being raised by his grandparents in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. At age 12, he moved to Elmira, New York, to live with his mother and stepfather. There, he excelled in multiple sports at Elmira Free Academy, earning high school All-American honors in both football and basketball. His athletic prowess led to over 50 college scholarship offers, and he chose to attend Syracuse University, influenced by the legendary running back Jim Brown. ?

College Football Achievements

At Syracuse, Davis continued to shine:?

• National Championship (1959): As a sophomore, he led the Orangemen to an undefeated season and a national title, earning MVP honors in the 1960 Cotton Bowl.?

• All-American Honors: Davis was a three-time All-American, recognized for his outstanding performance on the field.?

• Heisman Trophy (1961): In his senior year, he became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top college football player. ?Pennsylvania Book Festival

Professional Prospects and Untimely Death

Davis was the first overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, selected by the Washington Redskins and subsequently traded to the Cleveland Browns. Tragically, before he could begin his professional career, he was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away on May 18, 1963, at the age of 23. ?

Legacy

Ernie Davis’s legacy endures as a symbol of excellence and perseverance:?

• College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1979, honoring his collegiate achievements.?

• Retired Jerseys: Both Syracuse University and the Cleveland Browns retired his jersey numbers (44 and 45, respectively) in his honor.?

• Film Tribute: His life story was depicted in the 2008 film “The Express: The Ernie Davis Story,” introducing his inspiring journey to new generations.?

Ernie Davis remains a revered figure in sports history, celebrated not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for his role in advancing racial equality in athletics.

Clark Terry was a trailblazing musician, best known for his work with Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and later as a member of the Tonight Show Band, where he became the first African American staff musician at NBC. Over his long career, he became a mentor to countless young musicians, including Quincy Jones and Miles Davis.

Terry was also known for his signature “mumbles” vocal style and his commitment to jazz education, influencing generations of artists through workshops and mentorship. His contributions to jazz earned him a NEA Jazz Masters Award, one of the highest honors in the genre.

A true icon of American music, his legacy lives on in both performance and education.

John Mercer Langston, a pioneering lawyer, educator, and politician, was born on this day in Louisa County, Virginia. Born free in a slaveholding society, Langston became one of the most prominent African American leaders of the 19th century.

• He was the first African American elected to public office in the United States (Town Clerk of Brownhelm, Ohio, 1855).

• He became the first dean of Howard University’s Law School and helped train a generation of Black lawyers.

• In 1888, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia, making him the first Black congressman from Virginia.

Langston was also the great-uncle of renowned poet Langston Hughes. His legacy is one of leadership, education, and breaking barriers in politics and civil rights.

On this day, George Washington, the first President of the United States, died at his Mount Vernon estate. In his last will and testament, Washington made a notable provision: he stipulated that the 123 enslaved people he owned outright were to be freed upon the death of his wife, Martha Washington.

However, the story took a powerful turn—Martha Washington freed them earlier, in 1801, reportedly out of fear that they might hasten her death to secure their freedom.

It’s important to note that not all enslaved people at Mount Vernon were freed, as over 150 others were “dower slaves” belonging to the Custis estate (inherited through Martha’s first husband) and could not legally be freed by Washington.

This act made Washington the only founding father to free all his enslaved people through his will.

On December 15, 2001, Rufus Thomas, the legendary R&B, soul, and funk singer renowned for hits like “Do the Funky Chicken” and “Walking the Dog,” passed away at the age of 84 in Memphis, Tennessee. ?Stax Records

Rufus Thomas: A Legacy in Music

• Early Life: Born on March 26, 1917, in Cayce, Mississippi, Thomas moved to Memphis, Tennessee, at a young age. He began his entertainment career as a tap dancer and comedian before transitioning into music. ?

• Radio Career: In the early 1950s, Thomas became a prominent disc jockey at Memphis’s WDIA, one of the first Black-owned radio stations in the U.S., significantly influencing the local music scene. ?

• Recording Success: Thomas recorded for several labels, including Chess and Sun Records, before finding lasting success with Stax Records in the 1960s and 1970s. His dance-themed hits, such as “Walking the Dog” (1963) and “Do the Funky Chicken” (1969), became iconic, showcasing his energetic performance style and contributing to the evolution of R&B and funk music. ?

• Mentorship: Beyond his own performances, Thomas played a crucial role in nurturing young talent in Memphis, hosting talent shows that helped launch the careers of artists like B.B. King and Ike Turner. ?

Rufus Thomas’s enduring influence on the music industry is celebrated through numerous honors, including a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in Byhalia, Mississippi, recognizing his significant contributions to blues and soul music.

William Augustus Hinton, a pioneering African American bacteriologist and pathologist, was born on this day. He is best known for developing the Hinton Test for diagnosing syphilis, a breakthrough in medical diagnostics that was simpler, more reliable, and less expensive than previous methods.

Hinton was also the first Black professor at Harvard Medical School and a leading public health expert. Despite facing racial barriers, he refused to allow his photograph to be used in textbooks to avoid racial bias against his work. His contributions greatly advanced public health and diagnostic medicine in the 20th century.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, approximately 1,500 Black demonstrators gathered to protest segregation and racial injustice. In response, police used tear gas and leashed dogs to disperse the peaceful crowd—many of whom were high school students and community members. This aggressive suppression was part of a broader pattern of violent resistance to civil rights activism in the South.

Despite the brutality, such demonstrations helped expose the harsh realities of racial discrimination and fueled the growing momentum of the national Civil Rights Movement.

Kenneth B. Clark, a pioneering psychologist and educator, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his groundbreaking work on the psychological effects of segregation. His famous “doll experiments” with his wife, Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, demonstrated the negative impact of segregation on Black children’s self-perception. Their research played a crucial role in the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

The San Francisco Sun-Reporter is a prominent African American weekly newspaper serving the San Francisco community. Its origins trace back to 1944, when journalist Thomas C. Fleming founded The Reporter, San Francisco’s sole Black newspaper at the time. Around the same period, physician and civil rights activist Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett acquired The Sun, a competing publication. The two papers merged to form the Sun-Reporter, with Dr. Goodlett as Editor/Publisher and Thomas Fleming as Managing Editor. ?

The Sun-Reporter quickly became a vital voice for the African American community in San Francisco, advocating for civil rights, fair employment, and housing laws. Dr. Goodlett’s leadership and commitment to social justice were instrumental in shaping the paper’s mission. Notable journalists associated with the Sun-Reporter include Belva Davis, who edited the paper from 1961 through 1968. ?

Today, under the leadership of Publisher Amelia Ashley-Ward, the Sun-Reporter continues its legacy of addressing issues pertinent to the African American community, maintaining its role as a trusted and influential publication in the San Francisco Bay Area. ?

Renowned jazz pianist, organist, composer, and entertainer Thomas W. “Fats” Waller died at age 39 in Kansas City, Missouri. A towering figure in early jazz, Waller was a master of the stride piano style and a prolific composer whose works include classics like “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Honeysuckle Rose.” Known for his charisma and wit, Waller helped bring jazz into the American mainstream and influenced generations of musicians.

In one of the decisive battles of the American Civil War, two brigades of United States Colored Troops (USCT) played a crucial role in defeating Confederate General John Bell Hood’s Army of Tennessee at the Battle of Nashville.

On the first day of battle, Black soldiers engaged the Confederate right flank, helping to destabilize the enemy’s defensive line. On the second day, Colonel Charles R. Thompson’s Black brigade executed a brilliant assault that contributed significantly to breaking through the Confederate position.

This victory was a major blow to the Confederacy and demonstrated the skill, bravery, and importance of Black soldiers in securing Union victory and advancing the cause of freedom.

On December 15, 1896, Julia Terry Hammonds, an African American inventor from Lebanon, Illinois, was granted U.S. Patent No. 572,985 for her “Apparatus for Holding Yarn-Skeins.” ?

This device was designed to provide a simple and cost-effective solution for winding yarns, silks, and similar materials. It featured two uprights with forked ends to hold the skein and a spring mechanism to secure the apparatus to a chair or other support. The design allowed for easy adjustment to accommodate various skein lengths and could be conveniently disassembled for storage. ?

Hammonds’ invention addressed a common challenge faced by individuals working with yarn, eliminating the need for an assistant to hold the skein while winding. Her contribution exemplifies the innovative spirit and practical problem-solving that have characterized many African American inventors throughout history.

On this day, Maggie Lena Walker, a groundbreaking African American businesswoman and civic leader, passed away. Before her death, she served as secretary-treasurer of the Independent Order of St. Luke, a Black mutual aid society in Richmond, Virginia.

In 1899, Walker transformed the struggling organization into a thriving financial institution that included a newspaper, a department store, and the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank — making her the first African American woman to charter and serve as president of a bank in the United States. Her efforts played a crucial role in strengthening Black economic independence and community development during the Jim Crow era.

On December 15, 1943, the Spingarn Medal was presented to William H. Hastie in recognition of his distinguished career as a jurist and his unwavering commitment to equal justice. The Spingarn Medal, awarded annually by the NAACP, honors outstanding achievements by African Americans. ?

Hastie’s notable accomplishments include:?

• First African American Federal Judge: In 1937, appointed to the District Court of the Virgin Islands. ?

• Dean of Howard University School of Law: Served from 1939, mentoring future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. ?

• Civilian Aide to the Secretary of War: Resigned in 1943 to protest racial segregation in the military, an act that contributed to his Spingarn Medal recognition. ?New York Amsterdam News

• First African American Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands: Appointed in 1946. ?Wikipedia

• First African American Federal Appellate Judge: Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1949. ?

Hastie’s legacy continues to inspire those dedicated to justice and equality.

On December 15, 1934, William Taylor Burwell Williams was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his exceptional contributions to education. Williams served as the Dean of the College Department at Tuskegee Institute and was a dedicated field agent for the Slater and Jeanes Funds as well as the General Education Board. His commitment to advancing educational opportunities for African Americans was further exemplified through his roles on U.S. Commissions on Education in Haiti and the Virgin Islands, and as a member of the U.S. War Department Committee on Education and Special Training. Williams also held the presidency of the National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools twice. His academic journey included studies at Hampton Institute, Phillips Academy, and Harvard University.

On December 16, 1973, during the final game of the regular season, Buffalo Bills running back O.J. Simpson made NFL history by becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. In a game against the New York Jets at Shea Stadium, Simpson rushed for 200 yards, bringing his season total to 2,003 yards. ?Wikipedia

Achieving this milestone in a 14-game season, Simpson’s average of 143.1 rushing yards per game remains an NFL record. His performance not only surpassed the previous single-season rushing record held by Jim Brown (1,863 yards in 1963) but also set a new standard for running backs in the league.?

Simpson’s remarkable season earned him the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1973. His achievement paved the way for future running backs, with only a select few joining the exclusive “2,000-yard club” since then.?

On December 16, 1976, President-elect Jimmy Carter nominated Andrew Young to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, making him the first African American to hold this prestigious position. ?

Andrew Young: A Trailblazer in Civil Rights and Diplomacy

• Early Life and Education: Born on March 12, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Young pursued higher education at Howard University, followed by a divinity degree from Hartford Seminary. ?

• Civil Rights Leadership: As a close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Young played a pivotal role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), contributing significantly to the Civil Rights Movement. ?

• Political Career: In 1972, Young was elected as the first African American congressman from Georgia since Reconstruction, serving until his UN appointment in 1977. ?

• UN Ambassadorship: During his tenure from 1977 to 1979, Ambassador Young emphasized human rights and advocated for economic development in Third World countries, notably supporting efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. ?

Andrew Young’s nomination and service as UN Ambassador marked a significant milestone in American history, reflecting his enduring commitment to justice and equality on both national and international stages.

On this day, the Booker T. Washington Memorial Half Dollar was officially issued by the United States Mint. It was the first U.S. coin to honor an African American and the first designed by a Black artist, Isaac Scott Hathaway. The 50-cent piece featured a portrait of Booker T. Washington, a prominent educator, author, and founder of the Tuskegee Institute.

This commemorative coin was part of a broader movement to recognize Washington’s legacy and was minted from 1946 to 1951.

John Edward Jacob, born on December 16, 1934, in Trout, Louisiana, and raised in Houston, Texas, was a prominent civil rights leader and advocate for economic and social justice. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Howard University. Jacob began his career as a social worker in Baltimore before joining the Urban League movement. In 1965, he became the director of education and youth incentives at the Washington, D.C., chapter. He later served as president and executive director of the San Diego Urban League. In 1979, Jacob was appointed executive vice-president of the National Urban League (NUL) under Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Following Jordan’s retirement, Jacob succeeded him as president in 1982, serving until 1994.

During his tenure as NUL president, Jacob advocated for social and economic progress for African Americans and other minority groups. He was outspoken against federal cutbacks in social programs and the weakening of civil rights enforcement during the Reagan administration. Jacob also promoted self-help initiatives, including tutoring programs to raise SAT scores, teenage pregnancy prevention plans, and male responsibility programs for fatherhood. ?

After retiring from the NUL, Jacob joined Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., as executive vice president and chief communications officer, where he directed public relations and communications strategies. ?

Jacob’s leadership and advocacy have left a lasting impact on the fight for civil rights and the pursuit of economic empowerment for underserved communities.

On this day in 1933, Charles L. Blockson was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. A renowned author, historian, and collector, Blockson became one of the leading authorities on the Underground Railroad and African American history. He authored numerous books and was instrumental in preserving Black heritage through archives and public history. He chaired the National Park Service’s first Underground Railroad Advisory Committee and amassed one of the largest private collections of African American historical materials, now housed in institutions such as Temple University and Penn State University.

On December 16, 1875, William J. Whipper, a prominent African American lawyer and legislator, was elected as a circuit court judge in South Carolina by the state legislature. Born free in Pennsylvania in 1834, Whipper was deeply involved in the abolitionist movement before relocating to South Carolina during the Reconstruction era. There, he became a leading figure in politics and law, advocating for civil rights and universal education. ?

Despite his election to the judiciary, Governor Daniel Chamberlain refused to sign Whipper’s commission, effectively preventing him from assuming the judgeship. This action was part of the broader political struggles during Reconstruction, where African American leaders faced significant resistance despite their electoral successes.

Charles Caldwell, a formerly enslaved man who became a state senator and militia leader during Reconstruction, was assassinated in Clinton, Mississippi, by white supremacists. A staunch Republican and advocate for Black civil rights, Caldwell worked to protect Black communities from racial violence and to promote political participation among freedmen.

Despite warnings, Caldwell chose to remain in Mississippi, famously saying:

“I am as innocent as any man in the world, and I will die before I run.”

His murder marked a violent turning point in Mississippi’s post-Reconstruction history, as white Democrats sought to reclaim political power through intimidation and terror.

On this day, three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were founded or formally chartered:

• Alabama A&M University (originally Huntsville Normal School) was established by a former slave, Dr. William Hooper Councill, to train African American teachers in the post-Civil War South.

• Knoxville College in Tennessee, founded by the United Presbyterian Church, aimed to provide advanced education to freedmen and their descendants.

• Lane College, established by the Colored Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church in Jackson, Tennessee, focused on religious and liberal arts education for African Americans.

These institutions played—and continue to play—a vital role in educating generations of Black students and developing African American leadership across the United States.

On December 15, 1875, South Carolina Governor Daniel H. Chamberlain took a significant stand against corruption within the state’s judiciary. The state legislature had elected William J. Whipper and Franklin J. Moses, Jr.—both figures widely criticized for corrupt practices—as circuit court judges. In response, Governor Chamberlain refused to issue their commissions, effectively blocking their appointments. ?

This decisive action alienated many within his own Republican Party but garnered appreciation from prominent citizens, particularly in Charleston, who commended his commitment to reform and integrity in governance. ?westbrookfield.org

Governor Chamberlain’s refusal to commission Whipper and Moses underscored the deep divisions and challenges of the Reconstruction era, highlighting the tensions between efforts to reform government and the entrenched corruption that plagued South Carolina’s political landscape during that period.

On this day, the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) was officially organized in Jackson, Tennessee, by 41 freedmen and former slaves. The church was established to serve the spiritual needs of African Americans in the South following the Civil War. Supported initially by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the CME Church emphasized self-governance, education, and community empowerment.

The denomination later changed its name to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1954 to reflect a broader, more inclusive identity. Today, it remains one of the historic Black Methodist denominations in the United States, with a lasting legacy in religious, educational, and civil rights leadership.

John Anthony Copeland Jr. and Shields Green, two Black men who joined abolitionist John Brown in his raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, were executed by hanging in Charlestown, Virginia (now West Virginia). The raid, which took place in October 1859, was an attempt to incite a slave uprising and arm enslaved people with weapons seized from the arsenal.

• John Copeland was a free Black man from Ohio and a member of the Underground Railroad.

• Shields Green, often called “Emperor,” was an escaped enslaved man who reportedly met with Frederick Douglass before deciding to join Brown’s raid.

Though the raid failed militarily, it is widely seen as a catalyst that intensified national tensions leading up to the Civil War. Copeland and Green died fighting for the liberation of enslaved people and are remembered as heroes of the abolitionist movement.

William Cooper Nell was born on this day in Boston, Massachusetts. Recognized by Carter G. Woodson as the first African American historian, Nell devoted his life to documenting Black contributions to American history—especially in the Revolutionary War.

He worked closely with William Lloyd Garrison as a writer and editor for the abolitionist newspaper The Liberator, earning the title of Garrison’s “right-hand man.”

His most celebrated work, “Colored Patriots of the American Revolution” (1855), was one of the earliest published histories highlighting the bravery and patriotism of African Americans in the founding of the United States.

Nell was also a staunch integrationist and civil rights activist. Notably, he became the first African American to hold a federal civilian post in the United States, appointed by the Treasury Department in 1861.

In December 1991, Michael Jordan was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year, recognizing his exceptional achievements during the year. The magazine’s December 23, 1991 issue featured Jordan on the cover, notably incorporating an innovative holographic image of him.

In 1991, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA Championship, securing the NBA Finals MVP award. He also earned his second NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award that year.

The Sportsman of the Year award by Sports Illustrated is presented annually to an athlete, coach, or team whose performance embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement. Jordan’s selection in 1991 highlighted his dominance in basketball and his influence on the sport’s global popularity.

George and Noble Johnson founded the Lincoln Motion Picture Company, the first Black-owned film production company in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, the company was created to produce films that portrayed African Americans in a dignified and realistic light, countering the harmful stereotypes prevalent in mainstream cinema.

Their debut film, “The Realization of a Negro’s Ambition” (1916), told the story of a young Black man’s journey to success—an empowering narrative rarely seen at the time.

Lincoln paved the way for future generations of Black filmmakers and actors by proving that African American stories deserved to be told by African Americans.

On December 17, 1975, baseball legend Henry “Hank” Aaron was honored with the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP. This prestigious award recognized his exceptional achievement in breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record and his exemplary sportsmanship throughout his career. Aaron’s accomplishment not only set a new benchmark in baseball but also served as a significant milestone in the broader context of African American achievements in sports.

The Spingarn Medal, established in 1914 by the NAACP, is awarded annually to honor the highest achievement of an American of African descent.

Aaron’s legacy extends beyond his athletic prowess; he was a life member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Noble Sissle, renowned jazz lyricist, bandleader, and playwright, died on this day in Tampa, Florida. He was best known for his groundbreaking collaboration with composer Eubie Blake. Together, they created the landmark Broadway musical “Shuffle Along” (1921), one of the first major theatrical productions to be written and performed by African Americans.

Sissle wrote the lyrics and provided vocals, while Blake composed and played the music. Their work paved the way for Black performers on Broadway and helped introduce jazz to mainstream American theater.

On December 17, 1971, Congressman Charles C. Diggs Jr. of Michigan resigned from his position as a delegate to the United Nations. This action was taken in protest of what he described as the “stifling hypocrisy” of the Nixon Administration’s policies toward Africa.

Diggs, who was the first African American elected to Congress from Michigan, was a prominent advocate for African affairs and civil rights. He chaired the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa for a decade, emphasizing the importance of increased American aid to newly independent African nations and opposing colonial and apartheid regimes.

His resignation from the U.N. delegation underscored his commitment to aligning U.S. foreign policy with the principles of self-determination and justice for African countries.

Marion Perkins, a self-taught African American sculptor from Chicago, died on this day in 1961. Born in 1908, Perkins worked as a newspaper vendor on Chicago’s South Side during the Great Depression. In his spare time, he began carving figures from bars of soap—early signs of his immense artistic talent.

His work was discovered by Peter Pollack, then director of the Community Art Center Division of the Illinois Art Project (part of the WPA). Perkins went on to produce powerful sculptures reflecting social justice, civil rights, and the dignity of everyday people. His most famous work, Man of Sorrows, embodies themes of suffering and resilience.

Perkins’ life and art reflected a deep commitment to social change, and he remains a celebrated figure in African American art history.

Eddie Kendricks, future co-founder and falsetto lead singer of the legendary Motown group The Temptations, is born in Union Springs, Alabama. As part of the original Temptations lineup, Kendricks lent his smooth vocals to timeless classics like “Just My Imagination”, “The Way You Do the Things You Do”, and “Get Ready.”

In 1971, Kendricks launched a solo career, achieving major success with hits such as “Keep on Truckin’” and “Boogie Down.” His sound helped shape the evolution of soul, funk, and disco in the 1970s.

In 1982, Kendricks rejoined The Temptations for a reunion tour and commemorative album, marking a powerful moment in Motown history. He remains celebrated for his signature falsetto and contributions to Black music culture.

Art Neville was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He would go on to become a pioneering figure in funk and R&B music as a founding member of the iconic group The Neville Brothers, along with his siblings Aaron, Charles, and Cyril. Art also co-founded influential funk bands The Meters and The Funky Meters, whose grooves laid the foundation for countless hip-hop samples and funk classics. His contributions helped shape the sound of New Orleans music and left an enduring mark on American musical history.

On this day, the League of Nations officially granted South Africa a Class C mandate to administer South West Africa (present-day Namibia) following Germany’s defeat in World War I. This decision allowed South Africa to govern the former German colony, but in practice, it marked the beginning of decades of colonial rule and apartheid-like policies imposed on the local African populations.

South Africa administered the territory as a de facto fifth province and later refused to relinquish control even after the League of Nations was dissolved, leading to international disputes. The fight for Namibian independence would continue until the country finally gained freedom in 1990.

James P. Thomas, a formerly enslaved man who gained his freedom and became a prosperous entrepreneur, died on this day in 1913. After opening a barbershop in his home in Tennessee, Thomas went on to build an impressive financial legacy, amassing nearly $100,000 in assets and property over his lifetime — an extraordinary achievement for a Black man in the post-Civil War South.

His life is a testament to Black resilience and entrepreneurship during Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era. Thomas’s story was preserved in his autobiography, “Life and Times of James P. Thomas, Written by Himself.”

Henry Adams was born enslaved in Forks of the Road, Louisiana. After gaining freedom, he became a Union Army soldier, political leader, and civil rights activist during and after Reconstruction. He is best remembered for his testimony before a U.S. Senate committee in 1880, which described in detail the violence and voter suppression Black citizens faced in the South after the Civil War.

Adams also helped organize one of the largest Black emigration movements of the 19th century, known as the Exoduster Movement, encouraging African Americans to leave the South and settle in Kansas to escape racial oppression.

Deborah Sampson Gannett, born on December 17, 1760, in Plympton, Massachusetts, was a remarkable figure in American history. She is best known for disguising herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Assuming the name Robert Shurtliff, she enlisted in 1782 and served for 17 months, participating in several engagements and sustaining injuries before her true identity was discovered. Following her honorable discharge in 1783, Deborah married Benjamin Gannett in 1785 and later became one of the first women to lecture publicly about her wartime experiences. She passed away on April 29, 1827, in Sharon, Massachusetts.

On this day, Queen Nzinga (also spelled Nzingha or Njinga), the legendary ruler of Ndongo and Matamba in present-day Angola, passed away. Known as the “Amazon Queen of West Africa,” Nzinga was a brilliant military strategist and skilled diplomat who fiercely resisted Portuguese colonization and the transatlantic slave trade for over 30 years.

Nzinga formed strategic alliances with other African kingdoms and even negotiated with the Dutch to challenge Portuguese dominance. She ruled as both queen and warrior, often leading troops into battle herself. Her legacy inspired future generations of African resistance leaders and remains a powerful symbol of anti-colonial struggle and African sovereignty.

On December 18, 1989, the New York Film Critics Circle announced their annual awards, honoring Ernest R. Dickerson with the Best Cinematography award for his exceptional work on Spike Lee’s film “Do the Right Thing”. Dickerson’s vivid cinematography masterfully captured the intense heat and escalating tensions of a Brooklyn neighborhood during a sweltering summer day, significantly contributing to the film’s powerful atmosphere.

“Do the Right Thing” received widespread acclaim for its unflinching exploration of racial dynamics and social issues. The film’s compelling narrative and artistic achievements led to multiple accolades, including nominations for Best Picture and Best Screenplay from the New York Film Critics Circle.

Ernest Dickerson’s collaboration with Spike Lee extended beyond this film, with Dickerson serving as the cinematographer for several of Lee’s early works. His contributions have been instrumental in bringing Lee’s visionary storytelling to life on screen.

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, upheld the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, which led to the internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The case centered on Fred Korematsu, a U.S.-born citizen who resisted the internment order. The ruling marked a dark moment in civil liberties jurisprudence.

Though not directly involving African Americans, this case is significant in civil rights law and is frequently cited alongside cases that challenged racial discrimination, including those impacting Black Americans. It underscored how race and national origin could be used to justify government overreach — a theme that civil rights leaders like Thurgood Marshall later fought against.

On December 18, 1996, the Oakland School Board in California made a groundbreaking decision by passing a resolution that recognized Ebonics, also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), as a distinct language system spoken by many African American students. This initiative aimed to acknowledge the linguistic heritage of these students and to implement educational strategies that would improve their acquisition of Standard American English. ?

The resolution emphasized that African American students “possess and utilize a language described in various scholarly approaches as ‘Ebonics’ (literally Black sounds) or Pan-African Communication Behaviors or African Language Systems.” It called for the development of programs that would respect and utilize this language in the classroom to enhance learning outcomes. ?

This move sparked a nationwide debate on language, education, and cultural recognition. Supporters argued that validating students’ home language could bridge the gap to mastering Standard English, while critics were concerned about the implications for educational standards and funding. In response to the controversy, the Oakland School Board later amended the resolution to clarify its intentions, removing phrases that led to misunderstandings and reaffirming its commitment to helping African American students master Standard English. ?

The 1996 Oakland Ebonics resolution remains a significant moment in the discourse on educational strategies for African American students and the recognition of linguistic diversity in the United States.?

On December 18, 1971, Reverend Jesse Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in Chicago. The organization was established to advocate for Black self-help initiatives and to promote economic empowerment within African American communities. Operation PUSH employed various strategies, including direct action campaigns, weekly radio broadcasts, and awards honoring prominent Black individuals, to support Black homeowners, workers, and businesses. ?Rainbow PUSH Coalition

In 1984, Jackson expanded his efforts by founding the National Rainbow Coalition, aiming to unite diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups to pursue social justice and political activism. The two organizations merged in 1996, forming the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which continues to work towards civil rights, economic empowerment, and political inclusion.

On December 18, 1971, the NAACP awarded the Spingarn Medal to Reverend Leon H. Sullivan in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to civil rights and economic development. As the founder of the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OIC), Sullivan was instrumental in providing job training and employment opportunities for African Americans and disadvantaged individuals. His innovative approaches to economic empowerment and social justice left a lasting impact on communities across the United States.

Lori McNeil, born on December 18, 1963, in San Diego, California, is a former professional tennis player renowned for her achievements in both singles and doubles. Throughout her 19-year career on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, from 1983 to 2002, McNeil secured 10 singles titles and 33 doubles titles. ?Wikipedia

Her career-high rankings were World No. 9 in singles (achieved on July 4, 1988) and World No. 4 in doubles (attained on November 9, 1987). Notably, McNeil won the 1988 French Open mixed doubles title alongside partner Jorge Lozano. ?Wikipedia

One of McNeil’s most remarkable victories occurred at Wimbledon in 1994, where she defeated defending champion Steffi Graf in the first round—marking the first time in Grand Slam history that a defending champion lost in the opening round. She advanced to the semifinals that year, matching her previous best Grand Slam singles performance at the 1987 US Open. ?Wikipedia

Beyond her playing career, McNeil has contributed to the sport as a coach, including serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic women’s tennis teams in 2004 and 2008. ?We Are College Tennis

Her dedication and impact on tennis were recognized with her induction into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Women’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006.

On December 18, 1917, Ossie Davis was born in Cogdell, Georgia. He emerged as a distinguished actor, director, writer, and civil rights activist, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.?Wikipédia

Early Life and Education: Born Raiford Chatman Davis, his name became “Ossie” due to a clerical error when his mother’s pronunciation of “R.C.” was misheard. He attended Howard University before moving to New York City in 1939 to pursue acting. There, he began his career with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem.

Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the first African American to become a General in the U.S. Army, was born in Washington, D.C. on this day. His military career spanned over 50 years, during which he broke racial barriers and advocated for equality and integration in the armed forces. He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Davis’s legacy paved the way for greater inclusion of African Americans in the U.S. military.

On this day, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was officially ratified, formally abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude (except as punishment for a crime) across the United States.

Though President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it only freed enslaved people in Confederate states. The 13th Amendment made slavery illegal nationwide, marking a historic step in the long struggle for Black freedom and civil rights in America.

By the end of the Civil War, nearly one out of every four sailors in the Union Navy was Black. Out of 118,044 Union naval personnel, 29,511 were African American, serving in various roles aboard ships. Unlike the Union Army, the Navy was integrated from the outset of the war.

At least four Black sailors received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their extraordinary bravery during combat. These men not only fought for the Union but also for the freedom and dignity of all African Americans, marking a significant chapter in U.S. military history.

South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States, declaring itself an independent commonwealth, which marked a major step toward the formation of the Confederate States of America.

?? Blacks in the Confederacy

Though the Confederacy fought to preserve slavery, it was among the first to recognize the importance of enslaved Black labor to its war effort. Enslaved African Americans were impressed (forcibly conscripted) to:

• Work in mines for raw materials

• Repair and build railroads

• Construct fortifications, trenches, and other defenses

These forced contributions freed up a larger share of white men to serve in combat roles. Despite their vital labor, enslaved people received no recognition or freedom in return, and were often subjected to brutal conditions.

Although this date precedes the U.S. Civil War (1861–1865), it’s often cited in historical summaries to highlight the eventual scale of Black participation in the conflict. By the end of the Civil War, approximately 185,000 African Americans served in the Union Army, forming 166 all-Black regiments:

• 145 Infantry

• 7 Cavalry

• 12 Heavy Artillery

• 1 Light Artillery

• 1 Engineer Regiment

The largest contributions came from:

• Louisiana – 24,052 soldiers

• Kentucky – 23,703 soldiers

• Tennessee – 20,133 soldiers

These men, serving under the banner of the United States Colored Troops (USCT), played a critical role in Union victory and helped to reshape the nation’s view on citizenship, freedom, and equality.

George Henry White, born on December 18, 1852, in Bladen County, North Carolina, was a prominent African American attorney, educator, and politician during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. ?Wikipedia

Political Career:

• North Carolina Legislature: White began his political journey in 1881, representing Craven County in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He later served in the North Carolina Senate in 1885. ?NC DNCR

• U.S. Congress: In 1896, White was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district, serving two terms from 1897 to 1901. He was the sole African American member of Congress during his tenure and the last Black congressman to serve during the post-Reconstruction era until 1929. ?Wikipedia

Legislative Initiatives:

• Anti-Lynching Efforts: White was a vocal advocate against racial violence. In 1900, he introduced the first bill in Congress to make lynching a federal crime, though it did not pass. His efforts laid the groundwork for future civil rights legislation. ?Wikipedia

Community Development:

• Whitesboro, New Jersey: After leaving Congress, White co-founded Whitesboro, a community in southern New Jersey, envisioned as a safe haven for African Americans seeking refuge from the pervasive racism and violence in the Southern United States. The town provided opportunities for land ownership and self-governance, embodying White’s commitment to racial uplift and economic empowerment. ?Wikipedia

Legacy:

George H. White’s dedication to justice and equality left an indelible mark on American history. His farewell address to Congress in 1901 reflected his enduring hope for racial progress, stating, “This is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary farewell to the American Congress; but let me say, Phoenix-like he will rise up some day and come again.” ?

His life and work continue to inspire generations in the ongoing pursuit of civil rights and social justice.

Carter Godwin Woodson was born in New Canton, Virginia. A pioneering African American historian, author, and educator, he is best known as the “Father of Black History.” In 1926, he launched Negro History Week, which later evolved into Black History Month in the United States.

Woodson was one of the first scholars to study African American history seriously and believed that documenting Black contributions to society was crucial for racial equality and self-respect. He also founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and established the Journal of Negro History in 1916.

Cicely Tyson, the acclaimed American actress, was born on December 19, 1924, in Harlem, New York City.  Raised by her parents, who were immigrants from the Caribbean island of Nevis, Tyson grew up in a religious household in East Harlem.

Tyson’s illustrious career spanned over seven decades, during which she was celebrated for portraying resilient and complex African American women. She received numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and an Honorary Academy Award. In 2016, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Cicely Tyson passed away on January 28, 2021, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and contributions to the arts.

James Weldon Johnson, noted author, educator, lawyer, and civil rights leader, resigned from his role as executive secretary of the NAACP, a position he had held since 1920. Johnson cited health reasons for his resignation. During his tenure, he significantly expanded the organization’s reach and effectiveness, especially in fighting racial violence, lobbying for federal anti-lynching legislation, and increasing Black voter registration in the South. He was also a prolific writer and co-author of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black national anthem.

Henry A. Hunt, a pioneering Black educator and agricultural leader, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding contributions to African American education and rural development. As principal of Fort Valley High and Industrial School (now Fort Valley State University) in Georgia, Hunt emphasized vocational training, self-sufficiency, and community uplift, making a lasting impact on Black education in the South.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, originally founded on January 13, 1913 at Howard University by 22 collegiate women, was officially incorporated on December 19, 1930. The organization was established to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. Since its inception, Delta Sigma Theta has grown into one of the largest and most influential historically Black sororities, committed to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.

On this day, the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the most influential African American newspapers in U.S. history, was founded. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it became a powerful voice for civil rights, social justice, and political advocacy during the 20th century. The Courier championed causes like the Double V campaign during World War II (victory against fascism abroad and racism at home) and gave national exposure to Black writers, journalists, and activists. At its peak, it had a circulation of over 250,000 and was distributed nationwide.

On this date, South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was officially designated a state-supported land-grant institution for African Americans. Originally founded in 1896 as the Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina, it was restructured and formally recognized by the state in 1910.

SCSU has since become one of the leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, known for producing prominent educators, scientists, military leaders, and public servants.

On this date, reports indicated that 67 African Americans were lynched in the United States during the year 1910. Lynching was a brutal form of racial terror used primarily in the South to enforce white supremacy and instill fear within Black communities. These extrajudicial killings were often carried out publicly and without legal consequence for the perpetrators.

Organizations like the NAACP, founded just the year prior in 1909, began working to bring national and international attention to these atrocities. The fight against lynching would become a cornerstone of the early civil rights movement.

The Norfolk Journal and Guide, a significant African American newspaper, was established in 1910 under the leadership of Plummer Bernard (P.B.) Young Sr. Originally a four-page weekly with a circulation of 500, it expanded to 32 pages and reached over 80,000 readers by the mid-1940s.

P.B. Young Sr., born on July 27, 1884, in Littleton, North Carolina, was a prominent journalist and community leader. He acquired the newspaper in 1910 and served as its editor and publisher until his retirement in 1946. Under his guidance, the Norfolk Journal and Guide became one of the leading Black-owned newspapers in the South, renowned for its moderate stance on interracial issues and its ability to attract advertisements from both local and national white-owned businesses. ?NC DNCR

The newspaper played a crucial role in advocating for the African American community, endorsing plans to improve city infrastructure, pushing for better housing, jobs, and schools, and campaigning against lynching during the 1920s. It also provided in-depth coverage of significant events, such as the Scottsboro trials in the 1930s, and pressed for integration in the defense industries and the War Department during the 1940s. ?PBS

P.B. Young Sr. passed away on October 9, 1962, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic excellence and community advocacy. His contributions were honored with a historical marker in Littleton, North Carolina, recognizing his impact as a leading Black journalist and publisher.

On this day, the Baltimore City Council passed the first city ordinance in the United States mandating racial segregation in housing, requiring that Black and white residents live in separate neighborhoods. This law prohibited African Americans from moving into majority-white blocks, and vice versa.

This ordinance became a model for similar laws enacted in other cities including Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, Greensboro, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Louisville. These ordinances marked the beginning of legally sanctioned residential segregation in American urban planning—a practice that would have lasting effects on housing, wealth, and opportunity in Black communities.

On December 19, 1891, Charles Randolph Uncles became the first African American priest ordained in the United States. Born on November 8, 1859, in Baltimore, Maryland, Uncles was the son of Lorenzo and Anna Marie (Buchanan) Uncles. He was raised in East Baltimore and attended local schools, including St. Francis Xavier School and Baltimore public schools. After teaching in Baltimore County public schools from 1880 to 1883, Uncles pursued his calling to the priesthood. ?

The gubernatorial election in Georgia on December 19, 1871, was a pivotal event during the Reconstruction era, marked by significant political turmoil and violence.?

Background

In 1868, Republican Rufus Bullock was elected governor of Georgia. His administration faced intense opposition from white Democrats who sought to restore white supremacy and undermine Reconstruction efforts. Amid allegations of corruption and under the threat of impeachment, Bullock resigned and fled the state in October 1871. Following his departure, Benjamin Conley, the president of the state Senate and a Republican, assumed the role of acting governor, as stipulated by the state constitution.?Wikipedia

The 1871 Election

The election held on December 19, 1871, was conducted to fill the governorship. Democrat James Milton Smith, a former Confederate officer and speaker of the Georgia House, was elected governor. His campaign and subsequent election were marred by widespread violence and intimidation, primarily aimed at suppressing African American voters and white Republicans. Paramilitary groups and white supremacist organizations employed tactics such as threats, assaults, and even murders to deter these groups from voting, thereby ensuring a Democratic victory.?

Aftermath

Governor Smith’s election marked a significant shift in Georgia’s political landscape. His administration worked to dismantle many Reconstruction policies, leading to the disenfranchisement of African Americans and the restoration of Democratic dominance in the state. This period set the stage for the implementation of Jim Crow laws and the institutionalization of racial segregation in Georgia.?Wikipedia

The 1871 election exemplifies the broader struggles and conflicts of the Reconstruction era, highlighting the intense resistance to racial equality and the lengths to which opponents of Reconstruction would go to reclaim political power.

On December 20, 1988, Max Robinson, the first African American man to anchor a nightly network newscast, passed away at the age of 49 due to complications from AIDS. ?Encyclopedia 

Career Highlights:

• Breaking Racial Barriers: Robinson began his television career in 1959 at WTOV-TV in Portsmouth, Virginia. Initially, he was required to read the news behind a screen to hide his race. Defying this, he had the screen removed during a broadcast and was subsequently fired the next day. ?AIDS Monument 

• Washington, D.C.: In 1969, Robinson joined WTOP-TV (now WUSA-TV) in Washington, D.C., becoming the first African American anchor on a local television news program. His work there earned him significant recognition. ?The Commonwealth Times

• ABC World News Tonight: In 1978, Robinson co-anchored ABC’s “World News Tonight” alongside Frank Reynolds and Peter Jennings, marking his place as the first African American to anchor a nightly network news broadcast. ?BlackPast.org

Personal Struggles and Legacy: Throughout his career, Robinson faced challenges, including battles with alcoholism and depression. He was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988 but chose to keep his illness private. His family later revealed his diagnosis to raise awareness about the disease within the African American community. ?Los Angeles Times

Robinson’s pioneering efforts paved the way for future generations of African American journalists, leaving a lasting impact on the field of broadcast journalism.

On December 20, 1983, Julius “Dr. J” Erving scored his 25,000th career point, becoming the ninth professional basketball player to reach this milestone. This achievement highlighted his prolific scoring ability and solidified his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats. Over his 16-season career in both the ABA and NBA, Erving amassed a total of 30,026 points, ranking him eighth on the all-time scoring list.

On December 20, 1981, the musical Dreamgirls premiered at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. The production ran for over three years, totaling 1,521 performances before closing on August 11, 1985. The original cast featured Jennifer Holliday as Effie Melody White, whose powerful performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. ?Fine Arts Building

In addition to Dreamgirls, another significant Black musical of the 1980s was The Gospel at Colonus, which premiered in 1983. This innovative adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus reimagined the Greek tragedy within the framework of a Black Pentecostal church service, blending classical themes with gospel music.?Wikipedia

These productions highlight the rich contributions of Black artists to Broadway during the 1980s, showcasing diverse stories and musical styles that have left a lasting impact on American theater.

On December 20, 1956, the African American community in Montgomery, Alabama, voted to end their 381-day bus boycott following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision declaring bus segregation unconstitutional. This landmark ruling led to the integration of Montgomery’s public transportation system on December 21, 1956, marking a significant victory in the Civil Rights Movement.

On this day, Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first influential Black poets in American literature, published his debut poetry collection, Oak and Ivy. At just 21 years old, Dunbar self-published the book and sold copies while working as an elevator operator in Dayton, Ohio. Oak and Ivy showcased both standard English and dialect poems, reflecting the duality of his experience as a Black man in America. His work helped pave the way for future generations of African American writers.

Jefferson Franklin Long of Macon, Georgia, became the first African American from Georgia elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He won a special election to fill an unexpired term in the 41st Congress. A formerly enslaved man, Long was also the second African American to serve in Congress overall.

His election took place during Reconstruction, a time of fierce resistance to Black political participation. Georgia Democrats regained control of the state through a campaign of violence and voter intimidation, highlighting the severe challenges Black politicians faced even after emancipation.

Robert H. Wood, born in 1844 to Susie Harris, an African American housekeeper, and Dr. Robert Wood, a white physician and former mayor of Natchez, Mississippi, was a significant political figure during the Reconstruction era. In 1869, Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn appointed Wood as mayor of Natchez. He was subsequently elected to the position in 1870, becoming one of the first African American mayors in the United States. ?BlackPast.org

During his tenure, Wood prioritized education by establishing Natchez’s first school for African American children in 1871. After serving as mayor until 1871, he continued his public service as postmaster and tax collector for the city. In 1875, Wood was elected Sheriff of Adams County, Mississippi. ?Wikipedia

Wood’s election was part of the “Black and Tan Revolution,” a period between 1868 and 1875 when African Americans were elected to various state offices in Mississippi. His contributions to public service and education have left a lasting legacy in Natchez.

Allen University

• Founded: 1870

• Location: Columbia, South Carolina Wikipedia 

• Background: Established by ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church as Payne Institute, the school was later renamed in honor of Richard Allen, founder of the AME Church. Its mission was to provide education to freed African Americans.  Wikipedia

Benedict College

• Founded: 1870?

• Location: Columbia, South Carolina?

• Background: Founded by the American Baptist Home Mission Society as Benedict Institute, the college aimed to educate emancipated African Americans. It was named after Stephen Benedict, a philanthropist from Rhode Island who provided financial support for its establishment. ?ThoughtCo

LeMoyne-Owen College

• Founded: 1862 (as Lincoln Chapel); became LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School in 1871 LeMoyne-Owen College

• Location: Memphis, Tennessee Allen University

• Background: Initially established by the American Missionary Association (AMA) as Lincoln Chapel to educate freedmen and escaped slaves during the Civil War. In 1870, Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne donated funds to the AMA, leading to the school’s renaming in his honor in 1871.  LeMoyne-Owen College

While all three institutions share the founding year of 1870, specific records confirming their establishment on December 20 are not readily available. These colleges have played significant roles in providing education and opportunities to African American communities since their inception.?

On this day, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States, a key event leading to the American Civil War. The decision was driven largely by the desire to preserve the institution of slavery, which was deeply embedded in the Southern economy and society.

South Carolina’s secession signaled the beginning of a national crisis over slavery and states’ rights. Within months, 10 more Southern states would follow, forming the Confederate States of America. This chain of events ultimately led to a war that resulted in the abolition of slavery—but also in the deaths of over 600,000 people and a long legacy of racial inequality.

On December 21, 1988, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, alongside other prominent Black leaders, advocated for the adoption of the term “African-American” to describe Americans of African descent. Jackson emphasized that this designation provided a cultural and historical context, aligning with identifiers used by other ethnic groups in the United States, such as Italian-American or Irish-American. He stated, “To be called African-Americans has cultural integrity. It puts us in our proper historical context.” ?YouTube

The term “African-American” was intended to foster a sense of pride and connection to ancestral heritage among Black Americans. While it gained widespread acceptance, discussions about racial and ethnic identifiers continue within the community, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of Black individuals in America.

Robert S. Duncanson, a pioneering African American landscape painter of the 19th century, faced significant health challenges in his later years. In October 1872, while preparing for an exhibition in Detroit, he suffered a seizure and collapsed. Following this incident, Duncanson continued to exhibit symptoms associated with schizophrenia, which some historians attribute to severe lead poisoning from prolonged exposure to lead-based paints. He was subsequently admitted to the Michigan State Retreat, a mental institution in Detroit, where he remained until his death on December 21, 1872, at the age of 51. Duncanson was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery in Monroe, Michigan.

On December 20, 1986, Michael Griffith, a 23-year-old Black man, was tragically killed in a racially motivated attack in the predominantly white neighborhood of Howard Beach, Queens, New York. ?Wikipedia

Incident Details:

• Griffith and two companions, Cedric Sandiford and Timothy Grimes, were traveling from Brooklyn to Queens when their car broke down near Howard Beach. ?Wikipedia

• Seeking assistance, they walked into Howard Beach and were confronted by a group of white youths outside a pizzeria. The confrontation escalated, leading to Sandiford and Griffith being severely beaten. ?Wikipedia

• In an attempt to escape the assault, Griffith fled onto the nearby Belt Parkway, where he was struck and killed by a passing motorist.  ?BlackPast.org 

Aftermath:

• The attack sparked widespread outrage and heightened racial tensions in New York City. Civil rights activists, including Al Sharpton, organized protests in Howard Beach and surrounding areas, calling for justice and boycotts of local businesses. ?Wikipedia

• Three local teenagers—Jon Lester, Scott Kern, and Jason Ladone—were convicted of manslaughter for their roles in Griffith’s death. Another assailant, Michael Pirone, was acquitted. ?victorknapp.com

Michael Griffith’s death remains a somber reminder of the racial violence that has occurred in American history and underscores the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

On December 21, 1976, Patricia Roberts Harris was appointed as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by President-elect Jimmy Carter, making her the first African American woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet. ?Wikipedia

Patricia Roberts Harris was a trailblazer dedicated to public service, civil rights, and social justice. Prior to her HUD appointment, she achieved several notable firsts:?

• First African American woman U.S. Ambassador: In 1965, Harris was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. ?HUD

• First African American woman to serve as Dean of a U.S. law school: She briefly served as Dean of Howard University School of Law in 1969. ?Instagram

During her tenure at HUD (1977–1979), Harris focused on rehabilitating neighborhoods and implemented programs such as the Neighborhood Strategy Program and Urban Development Action Grants to revitalize urban areas. ?Wikipedia

In 1979, President Carter appointed her as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), making her the first African American to hold two different cabinet positions. When the department was reorganized in 1980, she became the first Secretary of the newly formed Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ?HUD 

Harris’s legacy continues to inspire, symbolizing resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of equality in public service.

On this day, legendary choreographer and dancer Alvin Ailey received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP, “in recognition of his international pre-eminence in the field of dance.” Ailey was celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to modern dance and for founding the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which became a beacon of Black cultural expression and artistic excellence worldwide.

The NAACP awarded the Spingarn Medal to Gordon B. Parks “in recognition of his unique creativity, as exemplified by his outstanding achievements as photographer, writer, filmmaker, and composer.”

Parks was a true Renaissance man — the first African American photographer for Life magazine, the director of groundbreaking films like Shaft (1971) and The Learning Tree (1969), and a powerful storyteller whose work chronicled the struggles and beauty of Black life in America.

On December 21, 1972, Horace Mann Bond, an influential African American educator, historian, and college administrator, died. Bond was known for his significant contributions to educational research, particularly regarding the challenges faced by African Americans in accessing quality education. He served as president of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and Fort Valley State College in Georgia, actively advocating for educational equality and desegregation. Bond was also the father of Julian Bond, a prominent civil rights activist and politician.

On December 21, 1959, residents of Deerfield, Illinois, approved a referendum that effectively blocked plans for an interracial housing development. This event attracted national attention as an example of housing discrimination and racial segregation in the North, highlighting the persistent barriers faced by African Americans attempting to integrate suburban communities during this period. The controversy underscored broader societal resistance to integration and became emblematic of the civil rights struggles surrounding housing rights.

Florence Griffith Joyner, legendary American track and field athlete, was born in Los Angeles, California. Known as “Flo-Jo,” she became iconic for her speed, setting world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints at the 1988 Olympics. Her remarkable style, athleticism, and contributions significantly raised the visibility of women’s athletics globally.

The Spingarn Medal was awarded to Edward Kennedy (“Duke”) Ellington, renowned composer, pianist, and jazz pioneer, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to music and the arts.

Motown Records was established in Detroit, Michigan, by Berry Gordy Jr. Motown became one of the most influential record labels, significantly shaping the sound of American music and promoting the careers of legendary Black artists such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott officially ended after 381 days, making Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. national heroes. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that segregation on city buses was unconstitutional, marking a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson was born in Washington, D.C. Jackson began his acting career while attending Morehouse College and went on to star in over 100 films, including box office hits “Pulp Fiction,” “Jackie Brown,” “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” and “A Time to Kill.” He’s widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s most influential actors.

P.B.S. Pinchback, a major Reconstruction-era political leader and the first African American to serve as a U.S. state governor (Louisiana, 1872-1873), died at the age of 84 in Washington, D.C. His political career symbolized significant Black advancements during Reconstruction.

The Negro Renaissance, later known as the Harlem Renaissance, marked a period of extraordinary creativity among Black artists and writers, coupled with increased receptivity among white audiences, reaching its peak in the 1920s. Influential contributors included Claude McKay (Harlem Shadows, 1922), Jean Toomer (Cane, 1923), Alain Locke (The New Negro, 1925), Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Countee Cullen, who collectively reshaped American literature and culture.

A year-end report released on this date revealed that 59 Black Americans were lynched in the United States during 1921. These extrajudicial killings, primarily in the South, were a grim reflection of the era’s racial violence and the lack of legal protection for Black lives. The report served as a call to action for anti-lynching advocates, including the NAACP, who were pushing for federal anti-lynching legislation.

Actor Charles S. Gilpin received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for his groundbreaking performance in the title role of The Emperor Jones by Eugene O’Neill. Gilpin was one of the first Black actors to gain national recognition on the American stage, breaking racial barriers in mainstream theater.

Josh Gibson, born in Buena Vista, Georgia, was one of the most powerful and legendary baseball players of his era. Often referred to as the “Black Babe Ruth,” Gibson was a star in the Negro Leagues and is believed to have hit nearly 800 home runs during his career. Despite being barred from Major League Baseball due to segregation, his talent and impact on the sport remain undeniable.

In response to escalating violence against Black citizens and Republicans during the Reconstruction era, President Ulysses S. Grant issued a proclamation condemning the lawlessness in Mississippi. The violence, largely perpetrated by white supremacist groups such as the White League and Ku Klux Klan, aimed to suppress Black political participation. Grant warned that federal intervention would follow if order was not restored, reflecting the federal government’s ongoing struggle to protect the civil rights of newly emancipated African Americans in the South.

South Carolina enacted one of the first sets of Black Codes following the Civil War, aiming “to regulate the relations of persons of color.” These restrictive laws included prohibitions on interracial marriage, the establishment of master-apprentice relationships resembling slavery, and the enforcement of labor contracts that severely limited the freedom of Black individuals. These codes laid the groundwork for institutionalized racial discrimination during the Reconstruction era.

James Amos Porter, a pioneering African American art historian and artist, was born on this date in Baltimore, Maryland. Porter was instrumental in establishing the field of African American art history. He authored Modern Negro Art (1943), the first comprehensive study of African American artists, and helped legitimize Black artists within the broader American art canon. Porter also served as a longtime professor and department head at Howard University, where he influenced generations of artists and scholars.

W.E.B. Du Bois, a pioneering sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, was elected to the prestigious National Institute of Arts and Letters. His induction marked a historic milestone in the recognition of Black intellectual and artistic contributions in the United States.

Dr. Chancellor Williams, renowned historian and author of The Destruction of Black Civilization, was born. His influential work challenged mainstream narratives by documenting the rich history and contributions of African civilizations prior to colonization and enslavement. Williams’ scholarship emphasized Black self-determination and historical awareness.

Arthur Wergs Mitchell, born on December 22, 1883, near Lafayette, Alabama, was the first African American elected to the U.S. Congress as a Democrat. His election in 1934 marked a significant shift in African American political alignment during the New Deal era.?Blackfacts.com

Born to former slaves Taylor Mitchell and Ammar Patterson, Mitchell attended public schools before enrolling at Tuskegee Institute in 1897. He worked his way through college as a laborer and as an assistant to Booker T. Washington. After his education, Mitchell taught in rural schools in Georgia and Alabama and founded the Armstrong Agricultural School in West Butler, Alabama, serving as its president for ten years. ?TheHub.news

Mitchell later attended both Columbia University and Harvard University. In 1927, he was admitted to the bar in Washington, D.C., and practiced law there before moving to Chicago in 1929, where he continued his legal career and became involved in real estate. ?BlackPast.org

Initially a Republican, Mitchell switched to the Democratic Party in 1932, aligning himself with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies. In the 1934 election, he defeated incumbent Republican Oscar De Priest to represent Illinois’s 1st Congressional District, becoming the first African American Democrat in Congress. During his four terms from 1935 to 1943, Mitchell was the only African American in Congress. ?pbswest.org

While in office, Mitchell introduced legislation to combat lynching and racial discrimination. Notably, he filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Central and Rock Island Railroads after being forced into a segregated train car in Arkansas. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that the railroad had violated the Interstate Commerce Act. ?House History & Archives

Mitchell chose not to seek re-election in 1942. After retiring from Congress, he moved to Petersburg, Virginia, where he devoted himself to farming, lecturing, and practicing law until his death on May 9, 1968.

Charles Lenox Remond, a pioneering abolitionist and orator, died on this day in 1873. He was the first Black lecturer employed by the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. Known for his eloquence and unwavering commitment to justice, Remond traveled widely to speak against slavery and advocate for equal rights. His work helped lay the foundation for the broader abolitionist movement and the fight for African American civil rights.

Alice H. Parker, an African American inventor, was granted a patent for a gas-powered central heating system that used natural gas to provide warmth through individually controlled air ducts. Her invention laid the foundation for modern central heating systems and was especially innovative at a time when most homes relied on wood or coal-burning stoves. Parker’s work stands out as a significant technological contribution, especially from a Black woman during an era with limited opportunities in science and engineering.

Madame C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove in Delta, Louisiana, was born on this day. She would go on to found a successful Black hair-care business in Denver, Colorado, where she adapted French-style curling irons to better suit the texture of Black women’s hair. Walker became a trailblazing entrepreneur and is widely considered to be the first woman in the United States to become a self-made millionaire.

On this day in 1863, Robert Blake, serving as a powder boy aboard the USS Marblehead, became the first Black American awarded the Naval Medal of Honor. He was recognized “for conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the risk of his own life” during a victorious naval battle off the coast of South Carolina.

Henry Highland Garnet, a minister, abolitionist, and diplomat, was born into slavery in Kent County, Maryland. He became a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement, known for his powerful speeches advocating for the immediate end of slavery and for Black self-determination. In 1865, Garnet became the first African American to deliver a sermon in the House of Representatives.

On December 24, 1992, Mike Espy was confirmed as the first Black Secretary of Agriculture in U.S. history. Appointed by President-elect Bill Clinton, Espy officially took office on January 22, 1993. His appointment marked a historic moment as he became the first African American and the first person from the Deep South to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Prior to this role, Espy served as a U.S. Representative from Mississippi, where he focused on agricultural and rural issues. As Secretary, he aimed to reform USDA programs to better serve small farmers, minorities, and underrepresented communities in rural America.

On this day, approximately five thousand African Americans departed Edgefield County, South Carolina, in what became known as the “Edgefield Exodus.” Fleeing systemic exploitation, racial violence, and political repression in the post-Reconstruction South, these migrants sought safety and opportunity, ultimately settling in Arkansas. The exodus was one of several mass movements of Black Southerners during this era, laying the groundwork for later migrations in pursuit of civil rights and economic freedom.

Tennessee initiated the modern Jim Crow era by enacting a law mandating segregated railroad cars, becoming the first state to formalize such racial segregation after Reconstruction. This law marked the beginning of a wave of legalized segregation across the Southern United States. Following Tennessee’s lead, other states instituted similar laws: Florida (1887), Mississippi (1888), Texas (1889), Louisiana (1890), Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Georgia (1891), South Carolina (1898), North Carolina (1899), Virginia (1900), Maryland (1904), and Oklahoma (1907).

Note: These laws, collectively known as “Jim Crow laws,” laid the legal groundwork for decades of systemic racial discrimination and were not dismantled until the mid-20th century civil rights movement.

The United Order of True Reformers, an African American fraternal organization, was officially established in Richmond, Virginia. Founded by William Washington Browne, a former slave, the organization provided insurance, banking, and social services to the Black community at a time when such resources were largely inaccessible due to racial discrimination. It became one of the most successful Black-owned businesses of its era, notably operating the first Black-owned bank in the United States.

Octavia V. Rogers Albert, an African American author and former enslaved woman, was born. She is best known for her influential book The House of Bondage, published posthumously in 1890. The work collects firsthand narratives from formerly enslaved people in Louisiana, offering a powerful testimony of the horrors of slavery and the resilience of Black Americans during Reconstruction.

On Christmas Day in 1971, Rev. Jesse Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in Chicago. The organization aimed to improve the economic conditions of Black communities through education, business development, and political empowerment. Operation PUSH became a powerful force in the civil rights movement, advocating for social justice and economic equity.

Charles Caldwell, a formerly enslaved man and Reconstruction-era politician, was assassinated in Clinton, Mississippi. He had made history as the first Black person in Mississippi to be acquitted by an all-white jury after being accused of killing a white man. Caldwell later served as a Mississippi state senator and was a prominent advocate for Black civil rights during Reconstruction.

The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) announced that its national director, James Farmer, a key architect of the Civil Rights Movement and leader of the Freedom Rides, would step down effective March 1, 1966. Farmer cited the need to focus on writing and other forms of activism. His departure marked a turning point as CORE began shifting toward a more militant direction under new leadership.

Seaway National Bank of Chicago, one of the largest Black-owned banks in the United States, was established to serve the financial needs of the South Side’s underserved African American community. It became a vital institution for economic empowerment and development in Chicago’s Black neighborhoods.

On Christmas Day 1956, the home of Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, a key leader in the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement, was bombed by white supremacists. Despite the attack, which miraculously left him unharmed, Shuttlesworth remained steadfast in his activism. The bombing occurred the night before he was set to challenge the city’s segregated bus system, underscoring the violent resistance faced by civil rights activists.

Mabel Keaton Staupers received the NAACP’s prestigious Spingarn Medal for her pioneering leadership in nursing and her tireless advocacy for racial integration in the U.S. healthcare system. She played a crucial role in desegregating the American Nurses Association and securing equal opportunities for Black nurses during and after World War II.

Civil rights activists Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette, were killed by a bomb planted beneath their home in Mims, Florida. Harry T. Moore, the Florida NAACP president, was a prominent advocate for voting rights and anti-lynching laws. The bombing occurred on their 25th wedding anniversary. Despite investigations, no one has ever been convicted of the murders.

Bandleader and pioneering jazz singer, Cab Calloway became the first jazz vocalist to sell a million records, leaving a lasting impact on American music and culture.

Henry McKee Minton was born on this day in Columbia, South Carolina. A pioneering African American physician and pharmacist, Minton co-founded Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (also known as the Boulé) in 1904, the first Black Greek-letter fraternity. The organization was created to foster professional excellence and provide support for African American men during a time of widespread racial discrimination. Minton also served as superintendent of Mercy Hospital in Philadelphia, significantly contributing to medical care and professional opportunities for Black Americans.

On Christmas Day 1865, three prominent historically Black universities were founded: Atlanta University (now part of Clark Atlanta University), Shaw University in North Carolina, and Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. These institutions were established to provide higher education opportunities to newly freed African Americans following the Civil War and have played a pivotal role in Black intellectual and cultural history.

Reports from across the American South indicated that many freedmen had left plantations, anticipating a general distribution of land. General Rufus Saxton, head of the Freedmen’s Bureau in South Carolina, observed, “The impression is universal among the freedmen that they are to have the abandoned and confiscated lands, in homesteads of their own.” This widespread belief was rooted in promises and rumors following the end of the Civil War, particularly General Sherman’s Field Order No. 15, which had raised hopes of “forty acres and a mule.” Ultimately, most land was returned to former Confederates, dashing the aspirations of land ownership for many newly freed Black Americans.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the oldest historically Black university in the United States, was established as the Institute for Colored Youth on December 25, 1837. Founded through the bequest of philanthropist Richard Humphreys, it aimed to provide education for African Americans during a time when access to formal schooling was severely limited. It later became known as Cheyney State College and is now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

Remond was one of the first African Americans employed as a lecturer by the antislavery movement. Known for his eloquence and passionate advocacy, he played a key role in raising awareness about the horrors of slavery in both the United States and abroad.

The Mirror of Liberty, the first African American magazine, was published in New York City by abolitionist David Ruggles. It served as a powerful voice against slavery and for civil rights, marking a pioneering moment in Black journalism and media.

During the Second Seminole War, a combined force of Seminole Indians and Black Seminoles was defeated by American troops at the Battle of Okeechobee in Florida. Black Seminole leader John Horse (also known as Juan Caballo) shared command alongside Seminole chiefs Alligator, Sam Jones, and Wild Cat. The battle, although technically a U.S. victory, inflicted heavy casualties and demonstrated the resilience and military skill of the Seminole and Black Seminole fighters.

Charles B. Ray was born in Falmouth, Massachusetts. He later enrolled at Wesleyan University in Connecticut but was forced to withdraw due to opposition from both northern and southern students and faculty. Ray went on to become a prominent Black abolitionist, clergyman, and editor of The Colored American, one of the first African American newspapers. He was also active in the Underground Railroad and a leading voice for racial justice.

Considered the first published African American poet, Jupiter Hammon’s work marked a significant moment in Black literary history. His deeply religious poem reflected both his faith and the early voice of Black American literature during the colonial period.

Kwanzaa, a week-long cultural holiday celebrating African-American heritage, unity, and culture, was first observed on this date. It was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies, in response to the Watts riots in Los Angeles as a way to reconnect African Americans with their cultural roots. The celebration spans seven days, each dedicated to one of the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles.

Following the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, African Americans in Birmingham, Alabama, launched a campaign of mass resistance against segregated bus seating. This grassroots movement marked a bold stand against Jim Crow laws and laid the groundwork for more organized civil rights actions in the city, which would become a major battleground in the struggle for racial justice.

Lonne Elder III was an influential American actor, playwright, and screenwriter, renowned for his contributions to African-American theater and film. His acclaimed play, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, debuted in 1969 and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, offering a poignant portrayal of a Harlem family navigating societal challenges. In 1972, Elder adapted William H. Armstrong’s novel Sounder into a screenplay, earning him an Academy Award nomination and marking him as one of the first African Americans recognized in the writing category. Additionally, he wrote the screenplay for the 1978 television miniseries A Woman Called Moses, which depicted the life of Harriet Tubman and starred Cicely Tyson. Elder’s work significantly influenced the representation of African-American experiences in the arts.

DeFord Bailey, an influential African American harmonica player, was among the Grand Ole Opry’s earliest and most celebrated performers. His first documented appearance on WSM radio’s Barn Dance, the precursor to the Grand Ole Opry, was on June 19, 1926. On December 10, 1927, during a broadcast following a classical music program, WSM station manager George D. Hay introduced Bailey, who performed his signature “Pan American Blues.” It was during this broadcast that Hay famously remarked, “For the past hour, we have been listening to music largely from Grand Opera, but from now on, we will present ‘The Grand Ole Opry.'” This moment marked the inception of the show’s enduring name, with Bailey’s performance playing a pivotal role. ?Wikipedia

Bailey’s innovative harmonica techniques and captivating performances earned him the moniker “Harmonica Wizard.” He remained a prominent figure on the Grand Ole Opry until 1941, sharing the stage with notable artists such as Uncle Dave Macon, Bill Monroe, and Roy Acuff. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the early sound of the Opry and in breaking racial barriers within the country music scene.

In Sydney, Australia, Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns to win the world heavyweight championship, becoming the first Black man to hold the title. Burns later admitted, “Race prejudice was rampant in my mind. The idea of a black man challenging me was beyond enduring. Hatred made me tense.” Johnson’s victory challenged racial barriers and ignited both pride and controversy around the world.

By the end of 1908, records from anti-lynching activists and institutions like the Tuskegee Institute documented that 89 Black individuals were victims of lynching in the United States that year. These extrajudicial killings were part of a widespread pattern of racial terror and violence aimed at maintaining white supremacy during the Jim Crow era. The reports helped fuel early civil rights activism, including the efforts of Ida B. Wells and others who campaigned for federal anti-lynching legislation.

Jean Toomer, a pioneering African-American writer and the grandson of P.B.S. Pinchback—the first African-American governor of a U.S. state—was born on this day. He is best known for his 1923 book Cane, a modernist masterpiece blending poetry and prose to explore African-American life in the rural South and urban North.

David Ruggles, often considered the first African American bookseller, died in Northampton, Massachusetts. He opened his bookstore in 1834 in New York City, focusing on abolitionist and anti-slavery literature. Ruggles was a fierce abolitionist, a writer, and a key “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom—including a young Frederick Douglass.

William and Ellen Craft escaped from slavery in Georgia in a daring journey. Ellen, who was light-skinned, disguised herself as a white male slaveholder, while William posed as her enslaved servant. Their bold plan allowed them to travel openly by train and steamboat to the North, making theirs one of the most remarkable escapes in American history.

The second day of the first-ever Kwanzaa celebration honored Kujichagulia, meaning “self-determination” in Swahili. Kwanzaa, created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage. Kujichagulia encourages individuals to define, name, create for, and speak for themselves—key principles in the pursuit of cultural identity and empowerment.

In a decisive ruling, Judge Devane declared that “every segregation act of every state or city is as dead as a doornail,” reinforcing the legal end of segregation on public transportation in Tallahassee, Florida.

On this day, Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding conduct both on and off the baseball field. Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues in the modern era. His courage, dignity, and activism made him a symbol of progress in the civil rights movement.

On this day in 1941, Dr. Charles Richard Drew, a trailblazing African American physician and researcher, established a pioneering blood bank in New York City. Known as the “father of blood banking,” Dr. Drew revolutionized methods for storing and transfusing blood plasma, saving countless lives during World War II and beyond. His work laid the foundation for modern blood donation systems worldwide.

John Amos was born in Newark, New Jersey. He gained prominence in the 1970s for his role in Good Times, where he portrayed a strong Black father figure during a time when such representations were rare on television. Amos has had a distinguished career in film, television, and theater, including memorable roles in Roots, Coming to America, and The West Wing. His work has contributed significantly to the portrayal of Black family life and history in American media.

With the support of his wife, Work went on to publish The Negro Year Book, an annual encyclopedia of African American achievement. In 1928, he published A Bibliography of the Negro in Africa and America, compiling over 17,000 entries—an invaluable resource in the study of Black history.

Livingstone College and Biddle College (now Johnson C. Smith University) played the first recorded football game between African American colleges. The historic match took place in Salisbury, North Carolina, marking a foundational moment in Black collegiate athletics.

William A. Harper, one of the most gifted African American artists of the early 20th century, was born in Ontario, Canada. A student of renowned artist Henry O. Tanner at the Art Institute of Chicago, Harper gained recognition for his Impressionist landscapes and was among the first Black artists to exhibit internationally.

Actor Denzel Washington was born on this day in Mount Vernon, NY. Washington will star in such films as “Malcolm X”, “Glory”, “Much Ado about Nothing”, and ” A Soldier’s Story”. He will have a start in television in his role on popular show “St. Elsewhere”.

Third Day of Kwanzaa – Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)On December 28, 1966, the third day of the first-ever Kwanzaa celebration honored Ujima, the principle of Collective Work and Responsibility. Founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa was created to reaffirm and restore African culture and values in the wake of the Watts Rebellion. Ujima emphasizes building and maintaining the community together and resolving problems collectively, reflecting core values of unity and shared responsibility within the African diaspora.

Arthur B. Spingarn, a key figure in the early U.S. civil rights movement and one of the founders of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), was born on this day in New York City. A white Jewish lawyer, Spingarn was deeply committed to racial justice. He chaired the NAACP’s legal committee and later served as its president from 1940 to 1965, succeeding his brother Joel E. Spingarn.

Arthur Spingarn helped expand the organization’s legal strategy and supported the fight against segregation and discrimination in the courts.

On this day, Karen Farmer broke racial barriers by becoming the first African American admitted to the Daughters of the American Revolution. She traced her lineage to William Hood, a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War, establishing her ancestral connection to the nation’s founding struggle.

George H. White was the final Black member of Congress during the post-Reconstruction period, serving North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district from 1897 to 1901. Known for his powerful speeches advocating civil rights and education, White’s departure from office marked the beginning of a 28-year absence of Black representation in Congress. His death in 1918 signified the end of an era in African American political history.

The date December 28, 1918, is tied to a tragic and telling report in U.S. history. On that day, The Chicago Whip, a Black newspaper, reported that sixty Black people had been lynched in 1918. This figure underscored the rampant racial violence African Americans faced in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in the South.

Although not all of the lynchings occurred on that specific date, the report served as an alarming year-end tally that highlighted the brutal realities of racial terror and injustice. It also reflected the role of Black press in documenting and resisting white supremacy when mainstream media and government often turned a blind eye.

This report came at a time of heightened racial tensions following World War I, when returning Black veterans were targeted for asserting their rights and dignity. The following year, 1919, would see the eruption of the Red Summer, with widespread race riots and violence.

William Stanley Braithwaite, renowned poet, literary critic, and editor, received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP for distinguished achievement in literature. Braithwaite was a key figure in promoting African American literature and played a crucial role in shaping early 20th-century American literary culture through his anthologies and critical writings.

Hines revolutionized jazz piano with his innovative “trumpet-style” approach, influencing countless musicians and shaping the future of jazz. His collaborations with Louis Armstrong and other greats solidified his place as one of the most important figures in jazz history.

On this day in 1897, inventor C. V. Rickey was granted U.S. Patent No. 596,427 for a fire escape bracket. This innovation contributed to safer building evacuation methods during emergencies and showcased the often-overlooked contributions of Black inventors to public safety infrastructure.

Elizabeth Freeman, known as “Mumbet,” dies. Born into slavery, she escaped after mistreatment and successfully sued for her freedom in Massachusetts. Her case, citing the state’s constitution and the principle that “all men are created equal,” helped set a legal precedent that led to the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts.

The American Colonization Society (ACS) was founded with the mission of resettling free African Americans to Africa, specifically to what would become Liberia. The organization’s motives were complex and controversial — while some members promoted it as a solution to racism and an opportunity for Black Americans to have self-determination, others supported it to remove free Black people from the U.S. due to fears of their influence on enslaved populations. Despite opposition from many African Americans, the ACS played a key role in the founding of Liberia, whose capital, Monrovia, was named after President James Monroe, an early supporter of the society.

Robert C. Weaver, born on this day, became the first African American appointed to a U.S. presidential cabinet. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson selected him to serve as the first Secretary of the newly established Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), marking a historic milestone in American politics and civil rights.

On this day in 1845, Texas was admitted to the United States as the 28th state, entering the Union as a slave state. This move heightened tensions over the expansion of slavery, further polarizing the North and South in the years leading up to the Civil War. The admission of Texas, a former republic that allowed slavery, reinforced the institution’s presence in the American Southwest and played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of U.S. history regarding slavery and Black lives.

Thomas J. “Tom” Bradley was born on December 29, 1917, in Calvert, Texas. He moved with his family to Los Angeles around 1924, where he later attended UCLA on a track scholarship. After leaving UCLA in 1940, Bradley joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), becoming one of the few African American officers at the time. He served for 22 years, achieving the rank of lieutenant before retiring to pursue a career in law and politics. ?Los Angeles Sentinel

In 1963, Bradley was elected to the Los Angeles City Council, representing the 10th District. A decade later, on May 29, 1973, he made history by becoming the first African American mayor of Los Angeles, defeating incumbent Sam Yorty with 56% of the vote. Bradley served an unprecedented five terms as mayor, from 1973 to 1993, making him the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history. ?Wikipedia

During his tenure, Bradley focused on issues such as police reform, economic development, and international trade. He was instrumental in bringing the 1984 Summer Olympics to Los Angeles, an event that was both financially successful and showcased the city’s diversity. ?Los Angeles Sentinel

Bradley also ran for governor of California in 1982 and 1986 but was unsuccessful in both attempts. His narrow loss in 1982 led to the coining of the term “the Bradley effect,” referring to the discrepancy between voter opinion polls and actual election outcomes when a white candidate runs against a person of color. ?Wikipedia

Tom Bradley passed away on September 29, 1998, at the age of 80. His legacy continues to be honored in Los Angeles, with landmarks such as the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport named in his memory.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a historically African American Greek-lettered sorority, was officially incorporated on this date in 1929. Founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, it is the only sorority of the “Divine Nine” established at a predominantly white institution. The organization was created by seven African American women educators with a mission to enhance the quality of life within the community through public service, leadership development, and education.

Two U.S. courts issued temporary injunctions to stop the eviction of approximately 700 Black sharecroppers in Haywood and Fayette counties, Tennessee. The evictions had followed efforts by the sharecroppers to register and vote, highlighting widespread voter suppression and economic retaliation in the Jim Crow South.

On this day in 1960, renowned poet and writer Langston Hughes was presented with the NAACP Spingarn Medal, honoring his outstanding achievements in literature and the arts. During the ceremony, he was celebrated as “the poet laureate of the Negro race” for his profound influence on American culture and his powerful expression of the African American experience.

The “Don’t Buy Where You Can’t Work” campaign began in Chicago with the picketing of chain stores on the South Side, demanding fair employment opportunities for Black workers. The movement, emphasizing economic activism, quickly spread to cities like New York, Cleveland, and Los Angeles, and persisted throughout the Great Depression. It marked a significant moment in grassroots civil rights organizing and Black economic empowerment.

On this day, Mordecai Wyatt Johnson was honored with the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the NAACP, recognizing his significant contributions to education and civil rights. As the first African American president of Howard University, Johnson played a pivotal role in transforming the institution into a leading center for Black intellectual life and professional training.

On this day in 1928, Bo Diddley was born Ellas Bates on a small farm near McComb, Mississippi, in rural Pike County near the Louisiana border. Raised by his mother Ethel Wilson and later adopted by her cousin Gussie McDaniel, he was the only child of Ethel and Eugene Bates but had three half-brothers and a half-sister. Diddley would go on to become a pioneering force in rock and roll, known for his distinctive rhythm—the “Bo Diddley beat”—which influenced countless artists and helped shape the sound of modern music.

Dr. Miles V. Lynk, a pioneering African American physician, published The Medical and Surgical Observer, the first Black medical journal in the United States. The journal aimed to provide a platform for Black medical professionals during a time when they were excluded from mainstream medical societies and publications.
Location: United States

Josiah T. Walls, the first Black man elected to the U.S. Congress from Florida, was born on this day in 1842. Born into slavery in Virginia, Walls later served in the Union Army during the Civil War. After the war, he settled in Florida, where he became a teacher, farmer, and politician. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1870 during the Reconstruction Era, serving three terms. Walls was a strong advocate for civil rights and education for African Americans.

Donna Summer, the iconic “Queen of Disco,” is born in Boston, Massachusetts. Rising to fame in the 1970s, she became a defining voice of the disco era with hits like “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff,” and “Bad Girls.” Her influence extended beyond music, breaking barriers for Black women in the entertainment industry.

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) held its first nationally televised telethon, An Evening of Stars, which raised $14.1 million to support students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This marked a significant moment in fundraising for Black education and showcased widespread support for higher education access in the Black community.

On this day in 1953, Hulan Jack was sworn in as the Borough President of Manhattan, becoming one of the first African Americans to hold such a high-ranking municipal office in a major U.S. city. A native of Saint Lucia, Jack was a prominent figure in New York politics and a pioneer for Black political leadership during the mid-20th century. His election marked a significant milestone in the struggle for racial equality in American governance.

On December 31, 1953, the NAACP awarded the Spingarn Medal to Paul R. Williams for his outstanding achievements in architecture. Williams broke racial barriers as the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and became renowned for designing homes and buildings for celebrities and institutions across the United States. His work helped redefine the American landscape while challenging the norms of a segregated profession.

On this day, Marian Anderson made her debut at Town Hall in New York City. Her performance was widely praised, with New York Times critic Howard Taubman describing it as “music making that probed too deep for words.” This marked a pivotal moment in her rise as one of the most revered contraltos of the 20th century.

Odetta Felious Gordon, known simply as Odetta, is born in Birmingham, Alabama. A powerful folk singer, guitarist, and civil rights activist, Odetta became known as “The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement,” influencing artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Mavis Staples. Her music blended spirituals, blues, and folk, becoming a rallying force for justice and change.

Sculptor and educator Selma Burke was born on this day in Mooresville, North Carolina. She gained national recognition after being commissioned to create a profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a project she won through a competition sponsored by the Fine Arts Commission in Washington, D.C. Her completed work—a bronze plaque—was later unveiled and installed, and is often cited as the inspiration for Roosevelt’s image on the U.S. dime.

Annie Wealthy Holland, an influential African American educator, was born on this day. She is best known for founding the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in North Carolina, promoting collaboration between parents and schools to support student success. Her work significantly advanced education for Black children in the early 20th century.

Residents of Rochester, New York, joined Frederick Douglass in a solemn vigil on the eve of the Emancipation Proclamation. As midnight approached, they awaited the moment it would go into effect, marking a pivotal shift in the fight against slavery in the United States.

Alarmed by the potential impact of the British Governor Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation—which offered freedom to enslaved people who joined British forces—General George Washington reversed an earlier ban and authorized the enlistment of free Black men in the Continental Army. This marked a pivotal moment in the American Revolution and the evolving role of African Americans in U.S. military history.