On May 13, 1914, Joseph Louis Barrow—later known to the world as Joe Louis—was born in Lafayette, Alabama. Rising from humble beginnings, Louis became one of the most iconic heavyweight boxing champions in history. Known as “The Brown Bomber,” he reigned as world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, defending his title a record 25 times.

His 1938 rematch against German boxer Max Schmeling became a global symbol of anti-Nazi resistance, uniting Black and white Americans in a moment of national pride. Beyond the ring, Joe Louis shattered racial barriers, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and laid the groundwork for future Black athletes in the era of segregation.

On May 13, 1976, Sir Douglas Nicholls was appointed Governor of South Australia, making history as the first Aboriginal person to hold a vice-regal office in Australia. A respected pastor, activist, and former professional athlete, Nicholls had long advocated for Aboriginal rights, including citizenship and land recognition. At age 69, his appointment was a symbolic breakthrough in a country still grappling with its colonial legacy. Knighted in 1972, Nicholls’ legacy stretches across sport, faith, and politics — and his service as governor represented a powerful acknowledgment of Aboriginal leadership in public life.

On May 13, 1969, Charles Evers made history in Fayette, Mississippi by becoming the first Black mayor elected in a racially integrated town in the state since Reconstruction. His victory marked a powerful milestone in the long struggle for civil rights and political representation in the Deep South. A brother of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, Charles ran on a platform of justice, economic development, and inclusion—garnering support from both Black and white voters. Two years later, in June 1971, he again broke barriers by becoming the first Black candidate in the 20th century to run for governor of Mississippi. Though he did not win, his campaign laid a foundation for future Black political leadership in the region.

On May 13, 1950, music icon Stevie Wonder was born as Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan. Blind since shortly after birth, Wonder became a child prodigy and signed to Motown’s Tamla label at the age of 11. Known for his mastery of multiple instruments and genre-defining voice, he went on to craft a revolutionary blend of soul, funk, pop, and R&B. With classic albums like Songs in the Key of Life and Innervisions, Stevie Wonder’s music became a voice for social justice and Black empowerment, earning him over two dozen Grammy Awards and a permanent place in music history.

On May 13, 1865, more than a month after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, the Sixty-second U.S. Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) joined two white regiments to fight the Battle of Palmito Ranch near White’s Ranch, Texas — the last land battle of the American Civil War. The 62nd U.S.C.T., composed of African American soldiers, demonstrated bravery and discipline even as the war had officially drawn to a close. Ironically, Confederate forces won this skirmish, despite the South’s overall defeat. The participation of Black troops in this final confrontation symbolized both the contradictions and the courage embedded in the Union’s fight for freedom.