Thomas J. Martin, an African American inventor, was awarded a U.S. patent for an early version of the fire extinguisher. His invention improved fire safety by allowing buildings to be fitted with pipes and valves that could direct water to extinguish flames. Martin’s contribution marked an important step in the development of modern fire suppression systems.

In one of the earliest armed uprisings against British colonial authority, both Black and white indentured servants and enslaved people joined Nathaniel Bacon in a rebellion in Virginia. Known as Bacon’s Rebellion, this multiracial alliance challenged the colonial elite and protested British policies that protected Native American lands. Though the rebellion ultimately failed, it marked a pivotal moment in colonial history and alarmed the ruling class, contributing to the hardening of racial divisions and the entrenchment of chattel slavery in the American colonies.

The Reverend Emmanuel Cleaver made history by becoming the first African American mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. A civil rights activist and United Methodist pastor, Cleaver’s election marked a significant milestone in the city’s political evolution and signaled progress in African American political representation in major Midwestern cities.

Augusta Savage, a trailblazing African American sculptor of the Harlem Renaissance, passed away on this day. Known for her work celebrating Black identity and her role as an influential teacher, Savage mentored a generation of Black artists including Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight. Her sculpture Lift Every Voice and Sing (also known as The Harp) gained national acclaim. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, Savage devoted her life to the arts and to opening doors for others.

Teddy Pendergrass, one of the most distinctive voices in soul and R&B music, was born on this day in Kingstree, South Carolina. Rising to fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes before launching a successful solo career, Pendergrass became known for hits like “Close the Door,” “Love T.K.O.,” and “Turn Off the Lights.” His powerful performances and passionate ballads made him a legend of 1970s and ’80s music, and his legacy continues to inspire artists today.

Diana Ross, legendary singer and founding member of The Supremes, was born in Detroit, Michigan. Under her leadership, The Supremes became Motown’s most successful act during the 1960s and one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Ross later launched a successful solo career and became a cultural icon in music, film, and fashion, breaking barriers for Black women in entertainment.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed William H. Hastie as the first African American federal judge. Hastie was named Judge of the Federal District Court in the Virgin Islands. His appointment marked a groundbreaking moment in U.S. legal history, paving the way for greater Black representation in the American judiciary. Hastie later became a prominent civil rights advocate and served as a mentor to future legal leaders, including Thurgood Marshall.

Dr. James A. Harris, a pioneering African American nuclear chemist, was born on this day. During his tenure at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Harris played a key role on the team that discovered elements 104 (Rutherfordium) and 105 (Dubnium) on the periodic table. His work marked a historic achievement in the field of nuclear chemistry and made him one of the first African Americans to contribute to the discovery of a chemical element. He retired in 1988, leaving a legacy of scientific excellence and barrier-breaking accomplishments.

Bishop George Alexander McGuire was a pioneering Black religious leader and founder of the African Orthodox Church. A staunch advocate for racial pride and spiritual independence, McGuire worked closely with Marcus Garvey and served as Chaplain-General of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). He sought to establish a religious institution that affirmed African identity and autonomy in the face of racial discrimination. His legacy endures as a key figure in the intersection of faith and Black liberation.

William H. Lewis became the first African American appointed as Assistant Attorney General of the United States. A Harvard-educated lawyer and former football star, Lewis broke racial barriers in the legal system during the Taft administration. His appointment marked a significant milestone in the fight for Black representation in federal government roles.

Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, died at age 71. A visionary religious leader and former enslaved man, Allen was nominated by author Vernon Loggins as the “Father of the Negro.” In 1816, Allen and representatives from four other Black Methodist congregations united to form the AME Church, the first independent Black denomination in the United States. Allen became its first bishop, laying a foundation for Black religious autonomy and social activism.