On June 25, 1968, Lincoln Alexander was elected as the Member of Parliament for Hamilton West, making history as the first Black Canadian to serve in the House of Commons. Running as a Progressive Conservative, his victory marked a significant milestone in Canadian political history. He served in Parliament until 1980, during which time he was re-elected four times and became Canada’s first Black federal Cabinet minister when he was appointed Minister of Labour in 1979.

Joe Louis defeats Primo Carnera at Yankee Stadium.

On June 25, 1876, Isaiah Dorman, an African American interpreter and former slave, was killed during the Battle of Little Bighorn. Serving as a scout for the U.S. Army, Dorman was the only Black man to die in the battle, which was a significant conflict between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes. His death underscores the diverse roles African Americans played in American military history. BlackPast.org

The U.S. Congress passed the Mann Act, also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act, on June 25, 1910. Though the law aimed to combat human trafficking by banning the transport of women across state lines for “immoral purposes,” it was often used to criminalize consensual interracial relationships. The most infamous case involved heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson, who was targeted and convicted under the act in a racially motivated prosecution. The law became a tool of racial control and moral policing during the Jim Crow era.

Key changes:
1978 & 1986: The Mann Act was amended to remove outdated and vague language like “immoral purposes,” replacing it with more specific terms related to prostitution and illegal sexual exploitation.

1986 Amendment: This was especially important—it removed the language that had been used to target consensual adult relationships, effectively ending its misuse in cases like that of Jack Johnson.

2018: Jack Johnson was posthumously pardoned by President Donald Trump, acknowledging the racial injustice in his Mann Act conviction.

On June 25, 1773, a group of enslaved African Americans in Massachusetts submitted a petition to the colonial government, seeking emancipation. They argued that their natural rights were being violated under British rule. Although the Massachusetts legislature passed a bill to end slavery, the governor vetoed it, and the legislature lacked the votes to override the veto. This early act of resistance highlighted the growing demand for Black freedom during the American Revolution. New Pittsburgh Courier

On June 25, 1868, the U.S. Congress passed significant civil rights legislation aimed at protecting the rights of African Americans during the Reconstruction era. This included measures to enforce the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. These laws were crucial in shaping the legal framework for civil rights in the post-Civil War United States.

James Meredith was born on June 25, 1933, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He became the first African American student admitted to the segregated University of Mississippi in 1962, an event that required federal intervention and became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Meredith\’s courage and determination challenged the status quo and paved the way for desegregation in higher education. Wikipedia

On June 25, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, prohibiting racial discrimination in the national defense industry. Prompted by civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph\’s threat of a mass march on Washington, the order led to the establishment of the Fair Employment Practice Committee, marking a significant step toward civil rights and equal employment opportunities for African Americans. New Pittsburgh Courier

Willis Reed, born on June 25, 1942, in Louisiana, became a legendary figure in professional basketball. As a center for the New York Knicks, he led the team to two NBA championships and was known for his leadership and resilience, notably playing through injury during the 1970 NBA Finals. Reed\’s achievements earned him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. blackhistorydaily.com

On June 25, 1950, the Korean War began when North Korean forces invaded South Korea. African American soldiers played significant roles in the conflict, serving in various capacities despite the U.S. military\’s ongoing segregation policies. The war highlighted the contradictions of fighting for freedom abroad while facing discrimination at home, fueling the Civil Rights Movement. AP News

The Baton Rouge Bus Boycott, which began on June 19, 1953, ended on June 25, 1953. African American residents protested segregated seating on public buses, leading to a compromise that allowed for more equitable seating arrangements. This boycott served as a model for the more famous Montgomery Bus Boycott and demonstrated the power of organized, nonviolent protest in the fight for civil rights. Wikipedia

On June 25, 1966, civil rights activist James Meredith rejoined the March Against Fear, a 220-mile walk from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi, to encourage African American voter registration. Meredith had been shot and wounded earlier in the march but returned to lead the final leg. The march became a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement, promoting Black voter registration and unity among civil rights organizations. Wikipedia

On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson, known as the \”King of Pop,\” passed away at the age of 50. Jackson\’s influence on music, dance, and popular culture was unparalleled, and his contributions broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry. His death prompted a global outpouring of grief and highlighted his impact on generations of fans worldwide.