Freedom’s Journal, the first African American-owned and operated newspaper in the United States, was published in New York City. Founded by Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm, the paper provided a platform to counter racist narratives in mainstream media and advocate for the rights, education, and advancement of Black Americans. It marked a significant milestone in Black journalism and activism.

Over 267,000 Black and Puerto Rican students boycotted New York City public schools in a powerful follow-up to the February boycott. The protest demanded an end to school segregation and called for equitable educational resources and integration. As one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in the North, it reinforced grassroots resistance to systemic racism in education and showcased the unity of Black and Puerto Rican communities in the fight for justice.

On this day, Frederick McKinley Jones—an African-American inventor who passed in 1961—was posthumously honored for his groundbreaking contributions to modern refrigeration. Jones developed the first automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks in the 1930s, transforming the transportation of perishable goods. His invention was later adapted for trains, ships, and aircraft, reshaping food distribution and enabling the rise of the frozen food industry. His innovations revolutionized American eating habits and logistics on a global scale.

On this day, Thomas L. Jennings was formally recognized for his groundbreaking achievement as the first African American to receive a U.S. patent. In 1821, he was awarded a patent for a dry-cleaning process called “dry scouring.” Jennings used the proceeds from his invention to support abolitionist causes. He was also an activist and served as Assistant Secretary at the first annual Convention of the People of Color in 1831. His legacy bridges innovation and civil rights, setting a precedent for generations of Black inventors and leaders.

On this day, the United States Post Office issued a commemorative stamp honoring Dr. Percy Lavon Julian (1899–1975), a pioneering African American chemist. In 1935, Dr. Julian successfully synthesized physostigmine, a compound used to treat glaucoma. He later led soybean research at the Glidden Company and went on to found Julian Laboratories, where he innovated in the large-scale production of sterols extracted from soybean oil. His work laid the foundation for affordable steroid-based drugs, including cortisone and birth control.

Rebel troops led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila captured the strategic city of Kisangani during the First Congo War, marking a major turning point in the effort to overthrow longtime dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. The fall of Kisangani signaled the weakening grip of Mobutu’s regime and accelerated the collapse of the Zairean government. This event paved the way for the country’s renaming to the Democratic Republic of Congo and ushered in a new, yet turbulent, era in Central African politics.

Hiram R. Revels, the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate, delivered his historic first speech opposing the readmission of Georgia to Congress. He argued that the state had not provided adequate protections for the civil rights of newly freed Black citizens. This speech marked the first official address by a Black legislator in the history of the United States Congress and signaled a bold stand for justice during Reconstruction.