United States Supreme Court Thurgood Marshall announces his retirement.

Freedman’s Bank closed.  African American depositors had some $3 million in the bank.  The Freedman’s Bank had an imposing headquarters in Washington and branches in various cities.  President Frederick Douglass, later said the Freedman’s Bank had been, “The Black man’s cow and the white man’s milk”

On June 28, 1839, Sengbe Pieh, known as Cinqué, a Mende man from Sierra Leone, was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Cuba. Along with other Africans, he was transported aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad. During the voyage, Cinqué led a revolt, taking control of the ship. The vessel was eventually seized by the U.S. Navy near Long Island, leading to a landmark Supreme Court case. The Court ruled in favor of the Africans, recognizing their right to resist unlawful captivity and ordering their release. This case became a significant moment in the abolitionist movement, highlighting the legal and moral complexities of slavery in the United States.

On June 28, 1870, Emanuel Stance, a Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army, became the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor after the Civil War. Serving with the 9th Cavalry Regiment, Stance was recognized for his leadership and bravery during engagements with Native American tribes in Texas. His actions exemplified the courage and dedication of African American soldiers during the Indian Wars, challenging prevailing racial prejudices and paving the way for greater recognition of Black military service.

On June 28, 1874, the Freedmen’s Savings and Trust Company closed its doors due to mismanagement and corruption. Established in 1865 to help newly emancipated African Americans manage their finances, the bank\’s failure resulted in the loss of over $3 million belonging to more than 60,000 depositors. The collapse eroded trust in financial institutions among African Americans and highlighted the systemic economic challenges faced during Reconstruction.

On June 28, 1964, Malcolm X founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) in New York City. Modeled after the Organization of African Unity, the OAAU aimed to unite all people of African descent and advocate for human rights, self-determination, and economic independence. The organization sought to internationalize the struggle for Black liberation and played a pivotal role in linking the civil rights movement in the U.S. with global anti-colonial efforts.

In the early hours of June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Uprising began in New York City\’s Greenwich Village. Following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar frequented by marginalized communities, including Black and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals, patrons resisted arrest, leading to days of protests. Figures like Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman, emerged as key activists. The uprising is widely considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, highlighting the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexual orientation in the fight for equality.

On June 28, 1976, an Air France flight was hijacked by pro-Palestinian militants and diverted to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The hijackers separated passengers based on nationality and religion, with Ugandan President Idi Amin, a Black African leader, providing support to the hijackers. The incident drew international attention to issues of terrorism, state complicity, and the complexities of post-colonial African leadership during the Cold War era.

On June 28, 1978, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered its decision in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke. The Court ruled that while affirmative action policies are constitutional, the use of strict racial quotas in admissions processes violates the Equal Protection Clause. The case involved Allan Bakke, a white applicant denied admission to UC Davis Medical School, who argued that the school\’s affirmative action program was discriminatory. The decision had profound implications for educational institutions and the implementation of affirmative action policies across the United States.

On June 28, 1960, civil rights activist Bayard Rustin resigned from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) under pressure from fellow leaders. Rustin, a key advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, faced criticism due to his past affiliations and openly gay identity. His resignation highlighted the internal tensions within the civil rights movement regarding leadership, strategy, and societal norms.

On June 28, 1963, the funeral of civil rights activist Medgar Evers was held in Jackson, Mississippi. Evers, the NAACP\’s first field secretary in Mississippi, was assassinated on June 12, 1963, by a white supremacist. His funeral drew thousands, including prominent civil rights leaders, and became a powerful demonstration against racial violence. The event galvanized national support for the civil rights movement and underscored the dangers faced by those challenging segregation and discrimination.

On June 28, 2024, the Indiana Black Expo held its annual Summer Celebration in Indianapolis, featuring events that honored Black excellence in various fields. The celebration included a business conference, health fair, and the Pacers Sports & Entertainment luncheon, which recognized individuals like Edgerrin James and Soledad O\’Brien for their contributions. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to celebrate and uplift Black culture, achievements, and community development.