On May 16, 1929, John Conyers Jr. was born in Highland Park, Michigan. Conyers would go on to become a towering figure in American politics, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 50 years—from 1965 to 2017. A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he was a tireless advocate for civil rights, workers’ protections, and justice reform. He introduced the bill to establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday just four days after King’s assassination in 1968—a campaign that lasted 15 years until the holiday was signed into law in 1983.

Conyers also authored the End Racial Profiling Act and repeatedly introduced H.R. 40, legislation to study reparations for African Americans. His long career symbolized steadfast commitment to civil rights through legislative action.

On this day, legendary performer Sammy Davis Jr. passed away in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 64. Born in Harlem, Davis rose to fame as a world-class singer, dancer, and actor. A member of the famous Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, he broke racial barriers in entertainment and held leading roles in numerous Broadway musicals and Hollywood films, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.

On this day, Asa Philip Randolph—an iconic labor leader and civil rights pioneer—passed away at age 90 in New York City. Randolph was instrumental in organizing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly African American labor union. He played a pivotal role in pressuring President Roosevelt to ban racial discrimination in the defense industry during WWII, and later helped organize the 1963 March on Washington. His legacy laid a foundation for labor justice and civil rights movements across the 20th century.

On this day, Janet Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, as the youngest member of the iconic Jackson family. Beginning her career in television, she appeared in shows like Good Times, Diff’rent Strokes, and Fame, before launching a groundbreaking music career. Her albums Control, Rhythm Nation 1814, and janet. became cultural milestones, earning her recognition as a global pop icon and one of the best-selling artists in history. Her fearless exploration of identity, social justice, and sensuality—often controversial—cemented her legacy as a pioneering performer and cultural force.

On this day, Stokely Carmichael was named chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), marking a shift toward more radical Black power advocacy within the civil rights movement. The same year, the National Welfare Rights Organization (NWRO) was organized, amplifying the voices of low-income women—especially Black mothers—fighting for economic justice in America.

On May 16, 1930, Betty Carter, the legendary American jazz singer known for her improvisational genius and fearless vocal style, was born in Flint, Michigan. Renowned for her work with greats like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, Carter later became a fierce advocate for jazz education and mentoring young artists, founding the Jazz Ahead program to support emerging talent.

On May 16, 1868, the U.S. Senate narrowly failed to convict President Andrew Johnson during his impeachment trial. The vote on Article 11 resulted in 35 senators voting “guilty” and 19 voting “not guilty,” falling just one vote short of the two-thirds majority (36 votes) required for conviction under the Constitution .?U.S. Senate

The impeachment stemmed primarily from Johnson’s violation of the Tenure of Office Act, which restricted the president’s power to remove certain officeholders without the Senate’s approval. Johnson had attempted to dismiss Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and replace him with Lorenzo Thomas, actions that led to the House of Representatives adopting 11 articles of impeachment against him .?Wikipedia

After the initial vote on Article 11, the Senate adjourned for 10 days. Upon reconvening on May 26, 1868, the Senate voted on Articles 2 and 3, both of which also resulted in 35 “guilty” and 19 “not guilty” votes—again, one vote short of conviction. Following these votes, the Senate adjourned the impeachment trial without voting on the remaining eight articles .?Wikipedia

The decisive vote against conviction on Article 11 was cast by Senator Edmund G. Ross of Kansas. His vote was pivotal in Johnson’s acquittal and has been the subject of historical debate and analysis .?