Alonzo Pietro, a Black navigator from Spain, is believed to have joined Christopher Columbus’s expedition that would lead to the European “discovery” of the Americas. Pietro, sometimes referred to as “Pedro Alonso Niño” in historical texts, served as a skilled sailor and pilot. His involvement highlights the often-overlooked presence of Africans and Afro-descendants in major global explorations during the Age of Discovery.

State troopers were mobilized to suppress a student rebellion at Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania), one of the nation’s oldest historically Black colleges. The protest was part of a larger wave of student activism in the 1960s, as students demanded institutional reforms, greater representation, and an end to systemic racism. The incident underscored the tensions between Black youth, state authority, and educational institutions during the Civil Rights era.

George Benson, a Grammy Award-winning guitarist and singer, was born on this day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for blending jazz, soul, and pop with masterful guitar work and smooth vocals, Benson rose to international fame with hits like Give Me the Night and Breezin’. His career has spanned decades, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and cementing his legacy as one of the most influential artists in modern music.

Morgan Smith, an African American Shakespearean actor, died in Sheffield, England. He had emigrated from the United States to England in 1866, where he gained recognition for his performances in classic theatrical roles, including works by William Shakespeare. His career challenged racial barriers in 19th-century British theater and expanded the visibility of Black talent in the dramatic arts.