On May 15, 1946, Camilla Ella Williams made her historic debut as Cio-Cio San in Madam Butterfly with the New York City Opera, becoming the first African American soprano to receive a regular contract with a major American opera company. Her groundbreaking performance shattered racial barriers in classical music and opened doors for generations of Black vocalists. Williams’ rich voice and emotive storytelling captivated audiences and critics alike, proving that talent could not be silenced by segregation. She later performed internationally and was a passionate advocate for civil rights, even singing at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral in 1968.

On May 15, 1957, André-Marie Mbida made history by becoming the first Prime Minister of Cameroon, then still under French colonial rule. As the leader of the Cameroonian Democratic Bloc (BDC), Mbida played a key role in transitioning Cameroon from a colonial territory toward self-governance. His appointment signaled the beginning of constitutional reform and African-led political authority. Although his term was short—lasting just over a year—Mbida laid important groundwork for the country’s eventual independence in 1960. His leadership helped pave the way for future leaders and remains a symbol of Cameroon’s early efforts at national self-determination.

On May 15, 1942, the 93rd Infantry Division was officially activated, becoming the first African American infantry division formed during World War II. Comprising over 14,000 troops, the 93rd played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater, including operations in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Despite facing segregation and limited recognition at home, the soldiers of the 93rd demonstrated bravery, discipline, and skill in some of the war’s toughest jungle warfare. Their service laid groundwork for the eventual integration of the U.S. military and challenged racist assumptions about Black soldiers’ combat readiness.

On May 15, 1923, The Chip Woman’s Fortune by Willis Richardson made history as the first dramatic work by an African American playwright to be produced on Broadway. Premiering at the Frazee Theatre, the one-act play centered on working-class African American characters and offered a rare, dignified portrayal of Black life during the Harlem Renaissance. Its debut marked a pivotal step in breaking racial barriers on the American stage, opening doors for future generations of Black dramatists, including Lorraine Hansberry and August Wilson. Richardson, a prolific playwright and literary figure, emphasized realism and cultural representation in his work, challenging stereotypes in a predominantly white theater world.

On May 15, 1918, during World War I, African American soldiers Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts of the 369th Infantry Regiment—known as the Harlem Hellfighters—valiantly fought off a German raiding party in Argonne Forest, France. Despite being outnumbered and wounded, Johnson single-handedly killed or wounded several enemy soldiers using only a rifle and a bolo knife while protecting Roberts and preventing their capture. For their heroism, both men became the first Americans awarded the Croix de Guerre avec Palme, France’s highest military decoration for valor. Their courage went largely unrecognized in the U.S. at the time, but their legacy has since become a symbol of bravery and resistance against racial discrimination in military history.

On May 15, 1795, John Marrant was ordained as a Methodist minister in London, England, becoming one of the first Black missionaries in North America and the first to work extensively with Indigenous peoples. Born a free Black man in New York in 1755, Marrant converted to Christianity as a teenager and became a preacher to the Cherokee and other Native American tribes. His ministry bridged cultural and racial divides, and he later wrote an influential autobiography, A Narrative of the Lord’s Wonderful Dealings with John Marrant, a Black, which became one of the earliest published works by an African American. His ordination in London marked global recognition of his pioneering role in both Black and Christian history.