Richard Nixon signed bill extending Voting Rights Act of 1965 to 1975.

On June 22, 1937, Joe Louis defeated James J. Braddock to become the world heavyweight boxing champion. This victory made Louis the first African American to hold the title since Jack Johnson in 1915. Louis\’s reign lasted nearly 12 years, during which he defended his title 25 times, becoming a national hero and a symbol of hope for many African Americans during a time of widespread racial segregation. US Forest Service

Ezzard Charles defeats Jersey Joe Walcott for the world heavy weight championship.

Wilma Glodean Rudolph, the first African American women to with three gold medals, was born on this dated in Clarksville, Tennessee.

On June 22, 1943, W.E.B. Du Bois was inducted into the National Institute of Arts and Letters, becoming its first African American member. A renowned sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, Du Bois co-founded the NAACP and was a leading figure in advocating for African American rights and education. His induction marked a significant recognition of African American intellectual contributions.

On June 22, 1959, Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force, becoming the first African American to achieve this rank in the Air Force. Davis was a pioneering military officer who commanded the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II and played a crucial role in integrating the U.S. military. New Pittsburgh Courier

On June 22, 1965, Arthur Ashe led UCLA to victory in the NCAA tennis championship, winning both the singles and doubles titles. Ashe\’s achievements on this day highlighted his exceptional talent and paved the way for his future success as the first African American male to win Grand Slam titles, including the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. podcast.blackfacts.com

On June 22, 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex, England, carrying 492 passengers from the Caribbean. This event marked the beginning of post-war mass migration from the Caribbean to the UK, known as the Windrush Generation. In recognition of their contributions, June 22 has been commemorated as Windrush Day in the UK since 2018. Wikipedia

The Detroit Race Riot, one of the most violent and destructive riots of the World War II era, concluded on June 22, 1943. The three-day conflict resulted in 34 deaths and hundreds of injuries, highlighting racial tensions and the challenges of integrating African Americans into the wartime industrial workforce. Time

On June 22, 1863, the U.S. War Department established the Bureau of Colored Troops to manage the recruitment and organization of African American soldiers during the Civil War. This bureau played a vital role in allowing over 180,000 Black men to serve in the Union Army, contributing significantly to the Union\’s victory. New Pittsburgh Courier

Katherine Dunham, an influential African American dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist, was born on June 22, 1909. She revolutionized American dance by incorporating African and Caribbean styles into her performances and was a pioneer in the field of dance anthropology. Because of Them We Can

Octavia Butler, a groundbreaking African American science fiction writer, was born on June 22, 1947. Known for works like \”Kindred\” and \”Parable of the Sower,\” Butler\’s writing explored themes of race, gender, and society, earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship. BET

On June 22, 1903, George White, an African American man accused of murder, was forcibly taken from jail by a mob in Wilmington, Delaware, and lynched. This act of racial violence is one of the few documented lynchings in Delaware\’s history and underscores the brutal realities of racial injustice in the early 20th century. Wikipedia