On this day, Malcolm X publicly announced his departure from the Nation of Islam, citing growing ideological differences and disillusionment with the organization’s leadership. His resignation marked a turning point in his activism, leading to the formation of Muslim Mosque, Inc. and later the Organization of Afro-American Unity. This shift allowed Malcolm X to embrace a broader, more international approach to human rights and racial justice.

Playwright Charles Fuller was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his powerful play A Soldier’s Play. The work explores racism within the ranks of a segregated Black military unit during World War II. Fuller’s win was a milestone for African American playwrights and brought national attention to the complexities of Black identity, justice, and institutional racism in America.

Darryl Strawberry, a legendary Major League Baseball outfielder, was born on this day in Los Angeles, California. Known for his powerful swing and eight-time All-Star appearances, Strawberry played a key role in the success of teams like the New York Mets and the New York Yankees. His athletic prowess and later life redemption story made him a significant figure in both sports and popular culture.

Charlie “Bird” Parker, a pioneering alto saxophonist and one of the founding fathers of bebop, died on this day in New York City at the age of 34. Known for his rapid-fire improvisation, harmonic complexity, and emotional depth, Parker revolutionized jazz and influenced generations of musicians. His legacy lives on as a symbol of both artistic genius and the struggles of Black creatives in mid-20th century America.

On this day, New York became the first U.S. state to establish a Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC), aimed at combating racial and religious discrimination in the workplace. The commission marked a major milestone in civil rights history, laying groundwork for future equal employment legislation and signaling state-level commitment to workplace equity during the postwar era.

Virginia Hamilton was born on this day in Yellow Springs, Ohio. She would go on to become one of the most celebrated writers of juvenile and young adult fiction in American history. Known for blending African American folklore, history, and magical realism, Hamilton authored over 40 books, including M.C. Higgins, the Great, which won the Newbery Medal. Her work broke racial barriers in children’s literature and continues to inspire generations of readers.

Andrew Young, a key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He would go on to become a close aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., serve as a U.S. Congressman, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter, and later as Mayor of Atlanta. His career exemplifies a life dedicated to public service, global diplomacy, and the advancement of civil and human rights.

Dorothy Irene Height was born on this day. A tireless advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, she served for decades as the president of the National Council of Negro Women. Often called the “godmother of the civil rights movement,” Height played a crucial role in advancing equality through education, policy, and grassroots organizing. As noted by the NCNW: “Her life exemplifies her passionate commitment for a just society and her vision of a better world.”

On this day, Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught Black mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor, was commissioned alongside Pierre Charles L’Enfant to help lay out the District of Columbia. When L’Enfant abruptly left the project, Banneker recreated the entire city plan from memory, ensuring the continuation of the design. His contributions challenged prevailing views of Black intellectual capacity and left a lasting legacy in the nation’s capital.

Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian-born fur trader of African and French descent, established a permanent settlement near the mouth of the Chicago River. Recognized as the “Founder of Chicago,” du Sable built a prosperous trading post that became the foundation of the city. His pioneering role is a testament to the significant contributions of Black individuals in early American frontier history.