Maynard Jackson, three term mayor of Atlanta, dies at the age of 65.

On June 23, 1921, Shuffle Along debuted at the 63rd Street Theatre in New York City, marking a significant milestone in African American theatrical history. Created by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, this musical was the first major Broadway production written, produced, and performed entirely by African Americans. It introduced jazz rhythms to Broadway and featured the hit song “I’m Just Wild About Harry.” The show\’s success challenged prevailing racial stereotypes and opened doors for Black performers and productions in mainstream theater. Its innovative choreography and music influenced future musicals and helped pave the way for the Harlem Renaissance. New Pittsburgh Courier

Wilma Rudolph was born on June 23, 1940, in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee. Despite contracting polio at a young age and being told she might never walk again, Rudolph overcame her illness through determination and physical therapy. She rose to prominence as a track and field athlete, culminating in her historic performance at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympiad. Her achievements made her an international icon and a symbol of perseverance and excellence in athletics. Word In Black

On June 23, 1948, Charles Rangel won the Democratic primary in Harlem, effectively ending the political career of Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a prominent African American congressman. Powell had been a significant figure in the civil rights movement and the first African American from New York elected to Congress. Rangel\’s victory signaled a shift in political leadership and the evolving dynamics within the African American community in New York City. Blackfacts.com

On June 23, 1957, Reverend Douglas E. Moore led a group of African American activists in a sit-in at the segregated Royal Ice Cream Parlor in Durham, North Carolina. They sat in the section designated for white patrons and refused to leave when asked, resulting in their arrest for trespassing. This protest was one of the earliest sit-ins of the civil rights movement, predating the more widely known Greensboro sit-ins by nearly three years. Although it did not receive national attention at the time, the Royal Ice Cream sit-in was a pivotal moment in the fight against segregation and helped lay the groundwork for future civil rights actions. Wikipedia

On June 23, 1963, the Detroit Walk to Freedom took place, drawing an estimated 125,000 participants, making it the largest civil rights demonstration in the United States at that time. Organized by Reverend C.L. Franklin and other leaders, the march aimed to protest racial discrimination and advocate for civil rights. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered an early version of his famous \”I Have a Dream\” speech during the event. The march highlighted the civil rights issues in the North and served as a precursor to the March on Washington later that year. Wikipedia

On June 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Title IX of the Education Amendments into law, prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any education program receiving federal funding. While not exclusively a Black history event, Title IX significantly impacted African American women by providing greater access to educational and athletic opportunities. This legislation contributed to the advancement of gender and racial equality in education and sports, empowering a new generation of African American female athletes and scholars. AP News

Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X and a prominent civil rights advocate, died on June 23, 1997, from burns sustained in a fire set by her grandson. Throughout her life, Shabazz worked to preserve her husband\’s legacy and was involved in various educational and civil rights initiatives. Her death marked the loss of a significant figure in the African American community who had transformed personal tragedy into a lifelong commitment to activism and education. US Forest Service

On June 23, 2001, Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt published The Bond, a memoir detailing their journey from inner-city Newark to becoming successful physicians. The book highlighted the challenges they faced and the support system that enabled their achievements. Their story served as an inspiration to many in the African American community, emphasizing the importance of education, mentorship, and perseverance.

On June 23, 2013, Ursula Burns became the first Black woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company when she took the helm at Xerox Corporation. Her appointment represented a significant breakthrough in corporate America, challenging longstanding racial and gender barriers. Burns\’ leadership and success paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in executive positions across various industries.

On June 23, 2020, the Louisville Metro Police Department announced the termination of Officer Brett Hankison for his role in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old African American woman. Taylor\’s death during a botched raid became a focal point in the Black Lives Matter movement, sparking nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. The firing of Hankison was seen as a step toward accountability, although many activists called for further justice and systemic reforms. AP News