Jet magazine founded by John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony magazine.
On this date in 1796, an African Free School opened in New York. It was the the first school for Blacks in America opened.
The African Free School began in New York City by the Manumission Society. The African Free School commenced as a one-room school and the first permanent build was erected in later that year. After a fire destroyed the building, African School No. 2 opened in 1815, with room for 500 pupils.
On this date in 1995, South Africans voted in their first all-race local government elections, completing the destruction of the apartheid system.
On this date in 1964, Dr. Charles S. Johnson became the first Black president of Fisk University.
On this date in 1942, John H. Johnson published first issue of Negro Digest.
On this date in 1927, Dancer and singer Florence Mills (32) dies in New York City.
ON this dated in 1910, Activist, WEB Dubois, begins publication of the NAACP monthly magazine, Crisis.
ON this date in 1898, C. W. Allen Self-leveling table. Patent No.613,436
On this date in 1989, Renowned attorney Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander dies in Philadelphia.
President Ronald Reagan signs law designating the third Monday in January Martin Luther King Jr Day, in 1983
On this date in 1976, Jimmy Carter, former governor of Georgia, elected president with strong support from Black voters.
On this date in 1976, Seventeen Black congressmen reelected.
On this date in 1954, Spingarn Medal presented to Dr. Theodore K. Lawles for his research on skin-related diseases.
On this date in 1954, Charles C. Diggs Jr. of Detroit elected Michigan’s first Black congressman.
On this dated in 1930, upon the death of the Ethiopian Empress Zawditu, Haile Selassie was crowned emperor of Ethiopia.
On this date in 1920, Warren G. Harding elected president.
On this dated in 1903, Business and civic leader, Maggie L Walker, opens the St Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Virginia.
On this date in 1893, Daniel A. Payne died. The sixth bishop of the American Methodist Episcopal Church, Payne was the first African American ordained by the Lutheran Church in 1837. In 1856, he founded Wilberforce University, where he became the first Black president of a college in America.
On this date in 1889 Menelik II was crowned Negusa-Nagast (King of Kings) of Abysinnia, Ethiopia. By 1899 Abysinnia had extended as far as Kenya in the south, Somaliland in the East, and the Sudan in the West. During his reign, Menelik devoted much of his time to the building of railroads, schools, and hospitals.
On this dated in 1880, Republican James A. Garfield elected president.
On this date in 1875, Democrats suppressed Black vote by fraud and violence and carried Mississippi election. “The Mississippi Plan” staged riots, political assassinations, massacres and social and economic intimidation was used later to overthrow Reconstruction governments in South Carolina and Louisiana.
Carol Mosely Braun, a Democrat from Illinois, becomes the 1st African American woman elected to the United States Senate.
On this dated in 1983, Jesse Jackson announces his candidacy for the office of President of the US.
On this date in 1981, Thurman L Milnet was elected mayor of Hartford CT, 1981
On this date in 1981, Coleman Young reelected mayor of Detroit. Thurman L. Milner elected mayor of Hartford, Connecticut. James Chase elected mayor of Spokane, Washington.
On this date in 1979, Klansmen fired on an anti-Klan rally in Greensboro, N.C., and killed five persons.
On this date in 1974, Harold Ford elected congressman from TN.
On this date in 1970, Twelve Blacks elected to the Ninety-second Congress, including five new congressmen: Ralph H. Metcalfe (Ill.), George Collins (Ill.), Charles Rangel (N.Y.), Ronald Dellums (Calif.), and Parren Mitchell (Md.).
On this dated in 1970, Wilson Riles elected superintendent of Public instruction in California. Richard Austin elected secretary of state in Michigan.
On this date in 1964, A.W. Willis, Jr., was elected to the General Assembly making him the first black to hold this position.
On this date in 1964, John Conyers Jr. elected to House of Representatives from Detroit.
On this date in 1949, boxer Larry Holmes who began his career around age 13 was born. He would win the heavyweight title in 1970 and defend it some 21 times.
On this date in 1945, Spingarn Medal presented to Paul Robeson “for his outstanding achievement in the theater, on the concert stage, and in the general field of racial welfare.”
ON this date in 1945, Irving C. Mollison, a Chicago Republican, sworn in as U.S. Customs Court judge in New York City.
On this date in 1942, William L. Dawson elected to Congress from Chicago.
On this date in 1920, Emperor Jones opened at the Provincetown Theater with Charles Gilpin in the title role.
On this date in 1896, Republican William McKinley defeated Democratic candidate William J. Bryan in presidential race.
On this date in 1896, Seventy-eight Blacks reported lynched.
On this date in 1896, South Carolina State College established.
On this date in 1896, J. H. Hunter Portable Weighing Scales. Patent No. 570,533
On this date in 1883, A political coup and a race riot occurred. White conservatives in Danville, Virginia, seized control of the local government, racially integrated and popularly elected, killing four African-Americans in the process.
On this date in 1874, James Theodore Holly, a Black American who emigrated to Haiti in 1861, elected bishop of Haiti. He was consecrated in a ceremony at New York’s Grace Church on November 8.
On this date in 1868, First Black elected to Congress John W. Menard, defeated a white candidate, 5,107 to 2,833, in an election in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District to fill an unexpired term in the Fortieth Congress. U.S. Grant elected president with Black voters in the South providing the decisive margin.
Bill and Camille Cosby gave an unprecedented gift of $20 million to Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Birthday of musician Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. Combs had early training working for record companies before setting off on his own with Bad Boy Entertainment. Together with the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., Combs (performing as Puff Daddy) popularized the east coast sound of American hip-hop.
On this date in 1868, Arkansas Governor Powell Clayton declared martial law in ten counties and mobilized the state militia due to a Ku Klux Klan crisis. During the summer and fall of 1868, white unrest grew in most of the southern states due to the newly created state governments enacted under the radical Reconstruction Acts. Resentful of Republican control and the extension of rights to blacks, white southerners turned to violence to impose their will. In Arkansas, racial violence continued to escalate as whites attempted to keep blacks from voting and exercising their newly guaranteed rights.
In response to outrages attributed to the Ku Klux Klan, Governor Powell Clayton secretly organized a state militia and declared martial law in many of the counties in Arkansas. His militia consisted largely of the governor’s “State Guards,’ which were very unpopular and composed partly of African Americans.
On this date in 1997, in a low-turnout election on this day, Chuck E. Burris defeated the incumbent, Pat Wheeler, by 278 votes to 260; a third candidate won 30, to become the first Black mayor of Stone Mountain, Georgia which is the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan.
On this date in 1988, the Martin L. King, Jr, federal Building is dedicated in Atlanta, Ga. It is the first federal building in the nation to bear the name of the slain civil rights leader.
On this date in 1981, Zena Garrison becomes the 1st African American player to win the junior singles tennis championship at Wimbledon, England
On this date in 1978, William Howard Jr., elected president of the National Council of Churches.
On this date in 1969, Howard N. Lee and Charles Evers are elected the first African American mayors of Chapel Hill, N.C. and Fayette, Miss., respectively
ON this date in 1958, World renowned opera singer, Shirley Verrett, makes her debut in New York City, 1958
On this date in 1953, Hulan Jack was elected first Black Borough President of Manhattan, NYC.
On this date in 1949, Berlinda Tolbert played Jenny Willis, Lionel Jefferson’s girlfriend, on the long running comedy “The Jefferson.”
On this date in 1884, Grover Cleveland won election and became the first Democratic president of the United States since the Civil War.
On this date in 1879, T. Elkins puts patents on the refrigerating apparatus. U.S. patent #221,222
On this date in 1874, Democrats swept off-years elections, winning a majority in the House of Representatives.
On this date in 1872, Three Blacks elected to major offices in Louisiana elections: C.C Antoine, lieutenant governor; P.G. Deslonde, secretary of state; W.B. Brown, Superintendent of public education.
On this date in 1872, P.B.S. Pinchback was elected congressman at large. Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback (May 10, 1837 – December 21, 1921) was an American publisher and politician, a Union Army officer, and the first African American to become governor of a U.S. state. A Republican, Pinchback served as the 24th Governor of Louisiana from December 9, 1872, to January 13, 1873. He was one of the most prominent African-American officeholders during the Reconstruction Era.
On this date in 1872, Fourth Black official, Treasurer Antoine Dubuclet, won elections in 1870 and 1874.
On this date in 1750, Jean-Baptist-Point Du Sable was a black pioneer, trader and founder of the settlement that later became the city of Chicago.
On November 4, 1980, four African American politicians were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. They officially took office on January 3, 1981, at the start of the 97th Congress:
Mervyn Dymally (California) – Former Lieutenant Governor of California, elected to Congress from the 31st district.
Augustus F. Hawkins (California) – Not Augustus Savage, but Augustus Hawkins was already serving since 1963. (Possibly a mix-up with artist Augusta Savage.)
Harold Washington (Illinois) – Elected to Congress from Illinois; he would later become the first Black mayor of Chicago in 1983.
George W. Crockett Jr. (Michigan) – Civil rights attorney and judge, elected from Michigan’s 13th district.
There may have been some confusion with names or dates—Augustus Savage was a renowned sculptor, not a member of Congress. Let me know if you’d like this rewritten for your calendar entry!
Shirley Chisholm, a New York Democrat, is the 1st African American woman elected to Congress.
On this date in 1986, The governor of Arizona refuses to recognize Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday as a national holiday.
On this date in 1974, George Brown was elected Lt Governor of Colorado, becoming one of the first two Black Lt Governors in the USA.
ON this date in 1974, Harold Ford of Memphis elected to House of Representatives.
On this date in 1974, Spingarn Medal awarded Damon J. Keith “in tribute to his steadfast defense of constitutional principles as revealed in a series of memorable decisions he handed down as a United States District Court judge.”
On this date in 1974, State Sen. Mervyn M. Dymally elected lieutenant governor of California. State Sen. Georgia L. Brown elected lieutenant governor of Colorado.
On this date in 1974, Walter E. Washington, became the first elected mayor of Washington, D.C., in the twentieth century.
On this date in 1970, National Guard mobilized in Henderson, N.C., due to riots.
On this date in 1968, Shirley Chisholm becomes first Black woman to be elected to Congress, representing Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NYC.
On this date in 1968, a record number of Black congressmen and the first Black woman representative were elected to Congress. The nine Black congressmen and Sen. Edward W. Brooke topped the previous high of eight in the Forty-fourth Congress of 1875-77. The first Black woman representative, Shirley Chisholm of the Bedford-Stuyvesant
On this dated in 1956, pianist Art Tatum (46) dies in Los Angeles, California.
On this date in 1935, Maryland Court of Appeals ordered the University of Maryland to admit Donald Murray.
ON this date in 1917, U.S. Supreme Court decision (Buchanan v. Warley) struck down Louisville, Ky., ordinance which required Blacks and whites to live in separate residential areas.
ON this date in 1917, Emmett J. Scott, former secretary to Booker T. Washington, was appointed special assistant to the Secretary of War. His role was to advise in “Negro” matters.
On this date in 1912, Woodrow Wilson elected president.
On this date in 1912, Sixty-one Blacks reported lynched.
On this date in 1867, First Reconstruction constitutional convention (eighteen Blacks, ninety whites) opened in Montgomery, Alabama.
On this date in 1862, Frazier A Boutelle is commissioned as second lieutenant in the Fifth New York Calvary.
On this date in 1836, Theo Wright becomes the first Black person to get a Theology Degree in the US.
Thomas Bradley was elected mayor of Los Angeles at a time when Blacks represented only 15 percent of the Los Angeles electorate, becoming one of the first two Black mayors of city with over a million citizens, 1973
On this date in 1990, Sharon Pratt Dixon (now Kelly) was elected mayor of Washington, D.C., making this a first for a woman of any race.
On this date in 1976, Benjamin Hooks, Federal Communications Commission member, named to succeed Roy Wilkins as executive director of the NAACP.
On this date in 1973, Coleman Young was elected mayor of Detroit, becoming one of the first two Black mayors of city’s with over a million citizens.
On this date in 1973, Spingarn Medal presented to Wilson C. Riles, superintendent of public instruction, California, “in recognition of the stature he has attained as a national leader in the field of education.”
ON this date in 1973, Marcus A. Foster, superintendent of schools in Oakland, Calif., killed in ambush after Board of Education meeting. Two members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, a West Coast terrorist group, were convicted of the slaying, but the conviction of one of the men was overturned on a legal technicality.
In one voting day, ninety-seven Blacks were elected to state legislatures, seven were elected to mayor, and four hundred to local governments in the former Confederate states.
On this date in 1962, Edward W. Brooke elected attorney general of Massachusetts. Gerald Lamb elected treasurer of Connecticut. Otis M. Smith elected to a full term on the Michigan Supreme Court. Five Blacks, including one newcomer, were elected to the House of Representatives. The newcomer, Augustus F. Hawkins, was elected from Los Angeles.
ON this date in 1928, Oscar DePriest elected to Seventy-first Congress from Illinois’ First Congressional District (Chicago). He was the first congressman from the North and the first Black in Congress since the departure of George H. White in 1901.
ON this date in 1928, the Atlanta Daily World founded by W.A. Scott Jr. The newspaper became a daily in 1933.
On this date in 1928, Spingarn Medal presented to Charles W. Chestnutt, the first Black to receive widespread critical recognition as a novelist. He was cited for his “pioneer work as a literary artist depicting the life and struggle of Americans of Negro descent.”
ON this date in 1920, James Weldon Johnson became the first Black executive secretary of the NAACP.
On this date in 1920, Fifty-three Blacks reported lynched.
On this date in 1920, Spingarn Medal awarded to W.E.B. Du Bois for “the founding and calling of the Pan African Congress.”
On this date in 1906, Sixty-two Blacks reported lynched.
On this date in 1906, President Roosevelt ordered discharge of three companies of Twenty-fifth Regiment for alleged involvement in the Brownsville Raid.
On this date in 1901, Juanita Long Hall was born in Keyport, New Jersey, and died February 29, 1968, in Bayshore, New York. This singer, actress, and choral director was best-known for her role as Bloody Mary in the 1949 Broadway stage production of South Pacific.
On this date in 1900, Republican William McKinley defeated William Bryan in presidential elections.
ON this date in 1900, One hundred and six Blacks reported lynched.
On this date in 1900, James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson composed “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.”
On this date in 1888, Sixty-nine Blacks reported lynched.
On this date in 1888, Republican Benjamin Harrison elected president.
On this date in 1884, Novelist and dramatist, William Wells Brown, dies.
On this date in 1868, Jonathan Gibbs, minister and educator, appointed secretary of state by the Florida governor.
On this date in 1860, Abraham Lincoln elected president.
On this date in 1858, Samuel E. Cornish died. Samuel Cornish was an American Presbyterian minister, abolitionist, publisher, and journalist. He was a leader in New York City’s small free black community, where he organized the first congregation of black Presbyterians in New York.
ON this date in 1746, Absalom Jones rose from slavery in Sussex, Delaware to become the first black Episcopal priest and principal founder of St. Thomas, the first black Episcopal church. Jones was a major leader of Black Pioneer period.
On November 6, 1934, Arthur W. Mitchell defeated incumbent Oscar De Priest in Chicago’s First Congressional District election, becoming the first African American Democrat elected to the U.S. Congress.
Background:
Significance:
Mitchell’s election marked a pivotal shift in African American political alignment, reflecting a broader trend of Black voters transitioning from the Republican to the Democratic Party during the Great Depression.
This victory not only highlighted changing political affiliations but also underscored the impact of New Deal policies on African American communities, as many began to see the Democratic Party as more supportive of their economic and social needs during that era.
Mitchell’s tenure in Congress further solidified this shift, as he advocated for civil rights and introduced legislation aimed at combating racial discrimination.
His election is a significant milestone in Black history, symbolizing both political change and the ongoing struggle for equality in the United States.
On November 7, 1989, David Dinkins was elected as the first African American mayor of New York City. Prior to his mayoralty, Dinkins served as Manhattan Borough President and was a prominent figure in Harlem’s political scene. His election marked a significant milestone in the city’s history, reflecting a move towards greater diversity and representation in its leadership.
Dinkins’ tenure as mayor from 1990 to 1993 was characterized by efforts to address issues such as crime, economic development, and racial tensions. Despite facing numerous challenges, his administration made notable strides in improving the city’s infrastructure and fostering community relations.
His legacy continues to influence New York City’s political landscape, serving as an inspiration for future generations of leaders committed to public service and social justice.
Carl Stokes was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. Stokes was sworn in on November 13 becoming the first African American to lead a major U.S. city.
Richard Hatcher was elected mayor of Gary, Indiana, marking another milestone in African American political leadership.
Supreme Court in Baltimore case banned segregation in public recreational facilities.
The Interstate Commerce Commission banned segregation on interstate buses in the landmark case Sarah Keys v. Carolina Coach Company.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against segregation in public parks and playgrounds, further dismantling institutionalized racial barriers.
On November 7, 1989, Lawrence Douglas Wilder was elected governor of Virginia, becoming the first African American to be elected as governor of a U.S. state. Wilder, a Democrat and the incumbent lieutenant governor, narrowly defeated Republican candidate J. Marshall Coleman in one of the closest elections in Virginia’s history. He was sworn into office on January 13, 1990, and served until 1994.
Wilder’s election was a historic milestone, as he was the first African American to be elected governor of a U.S. state. Prior to his governorship, Wilder served as a state senator and as lieutenant governor, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to public service in Virginia.
His tenure as governor was marked by a focus on fiscal responsibility and public safety. Wilder worked on crime and gun control initiatives and successfully lobbied Congress to reallocate highway funds to states with greater needs, benefiting Virginia’s transportation infrastructure.
Wilder’s groundbreaking election paved the way for future African American leaders in U.S. politics, symbolizing progress in the ongoing pursuit of racial equality in governance.
On November 7, 1978, five African American politicians were elected to the U.S. Congress, marking a significant moment in Black political history:
This election showcased the growing power and representation of Black leaders in U.S. politics.
November 7, 1978, marked a significant political upset in the U.S., particularly affecting two prominent Black politicians:
Both losses reflected broader political shifts in the late 1970s, with a more conservative trend in California and a progressive wave in Massachusetts.
On November 7, 1972, Barbara Jordan was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first African American woman from a Southern state to serve in Congress. Representing Texas’s 18th district, Jordan’s election marked a significant milestone in American politics, as she and Andrew Young of Georgia became the first African Americans elected to Congress from the Deep South since Reconstruction.
Prior to her congressional tenure, Jordan made history in the Texas Senate, becoming the first African American state senator since 1883 and the first Black woman elected to the Texas state legislature. During her time in the Texas Senate, she was known for her legislative effectiveness, including the passage of the state’s first minimum wage law and anti-discrimination clauses in business contracts.
In Congress, Jordan continued her trailblazing path, gaining national attention for her role on the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon. Her eloquent defense of the Constitution during these hearings solidified her reputation as a powerful orator and a steadfast advocate for justice.
Jordan’s legacy continues to inspire, symbolizing resilience, dedication, and the ongoing fight for equality in American politics.
On November 7, 1970, race riots erupted in Daytona Beach, Florida, reflecting the intense racial tensions prevalent in the United States during that era. These disturbances underscored the ongoing struggles for civil rights and racial equality.
Specific details about the causes, events, and outcomes of the Daytona Beach riots on that date are limited in the available sources. However, the early 1970s were marked by numerous civil rights challenges across the country, including protests, clashes, and efforts to address systemic discrimination. The Daytona Beach incident fits within this broader context of social unrest and the fight for equality.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the events in Daytona Beach on November 7, 1970, consulting local archives, newspaper records, or historical societies in the Daytona Beach area may provide more detailed information.
1967 was a year of intense civil unrest in the United States, marked by numerous racial uprisings and protests against racial injustice, economic inequality, and police brutality.
On this day, the Senate Permanent Investigations Subcommittee released a report highlighting the alarming rise in major riots across the country. According to the report:
The summer of 1967, often referred to as the “Long, Hot Summer,” saw over 150 race-related disturbances in American cities. The most significant uprisings included:
The increasing unrest prompted President Lyndon B. Johnson to establish the Kerner Commission in 1968 to investigate the causes of the riots. The commission’s report famously concluded:
“Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal.”
The riots of 1967 remain a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, influencing future policies on urban development, policing, and racial equality.
On November 7, 1967, Edward W. Brooke was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding public service.
Edward W. Brooke’s barrier-breaking career and dedication to justice and equality left a lasting impact on American politics.
On November 7, 1963, Elston Howard made history by becoming the first African American player to win the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Howard’s MVP win was a landmark moment in baseball, paving the way for future Black stars in Major League Baseball. ??
On November 7, 1934, Arthur Wergs Mitchell made history by defeating Oscar DePriest in a Chicago election, becoming the first Black Democratic congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mitchell’s election was significant in the changing political landscape of Black America and set the stage for future African American Democratic leaders.
On November 7, 1916, Colonel Charles Young was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding military service and leadership in Liberia.
The Spingarn Medal, established in 1914, is awarded annually by the NAACP to African Americans for distinguished achievements.
Colonel Young’s legacy remains significant in Black military history. He was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General in 2021, honoring his lifelong contributions to the U.S. Army and civil rights.
1916 was a particularly violent year in American history regarding racial violence and lynching. While the exact number of lynchings that occurred on November 7, 1916, is unclear, records from the NAACP and the Tuskegee Institute confirm that at least 50 African Americans were lynched in 1916.
Lynchings began to decline in the 1930s with increased activism and the NAACP’s anti-lynching campaigns, but federal anti-lynching legislation was not officially passed until 2022, when the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act was signed into law.
On November 7, 1916, incumbent President Woodrow Wilson was re-elected, narrowly defeating Republican nominee Charles Evans Hughes. Wilson secured 277 electoral votes to Hughes’s 254, with the popular vote margin being approximately 3.1%.
A pivotal factor in Wilson’s victory was his success in California, where he won by a slim margin of just 3,773 votes. This narrow win in California’s 13 electoral votes was decisive in the overall outcome of the election.
Wilson’s re-election made him the first Democratic president since Andrew Jackson to serve two consecutive terms.
The 1916 election was notably close, with the outcome remaining uncertain for several days due to tight vote counts in key states. Wilson’s campaign emphasized his efforts to keep the United States out of World War I, encapsulated in the slogan “He kept us out of war,” which resonated with many voters seeking continued neutrality.
However, despite this campaign stance, the United States entered World War I in April 1917, just months after Wilson’s second term commenced.
On November 7, 1909, the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver were organized in Mobile, Alabama, by four Josephite priests and three Catholic laymen. This fraternal organization was established to provide spiritual support, community service, and advocacy for African American Catholics, at a time when Black Catholics faced racial discrimination within the Church.
The Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver continue their mission of charitable work, youth engagement, and leadership development within Catholic communities. Their legacy represents faith, resilience, and social justice in the Black Catholic tradition.
On November 7, 1876, Meharry Medical College was founded as the medical department of Central Tennessee College in Nashville, Tennessee. It became the first medical school in the South for African Americans and remains one of the nation’s leading historically Black medical institutions.
Meharry Medical College has played a pivotal role in advancing medical education and healthcare access for African Americans, leaving a lasting legacy in medicine and public health.
On November 7, 1876, Edward Alexander Bouchet made history by earning a Ph.D. in physics from Yale University, becoming the first African American to receive a doctorate from an American university. His achievement was groundbreaking during an era when racial barriers in higher education were nearly insurmountable.
Bouchet’s legacy paved the way for future Black scientists and academics, and today, the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society continues to recognize outstanding scholars from underrepresented backgrounds.
On November 7, 1876, Edward Mitchell Bannister became the first Black artist to receive wide critical acclaim when he was awarded a first-prize medal at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition for his painting, “Under the Oak.”
Bannister, a self-taught African American artist, specialized in landscape paintings influenced by the Hudson River School and the Barbizon movement. His award-winning painting was recognized for its beauty and technique, but when judges discovered Bannister was Black, they attempted to revoke his award. However, due to public outcry, he was allowed to keep it.
Despite racism in the art world, Bannister became a prominent painter and co-founded the Providence Art Club in Rhode Island, which still exists today. His legacy paved the way for future Black artists in America.
His story remains an inspiration for overcoming barriers in the arts. ??
On November 7, 1775, Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation was issued, marking a significant moment in Black history during the American Revolution.
John Murray, Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, issued a proclamation offering freedom to enslaved Black men who escaped from their Patriot (rebel) owners and joined the British army. This was the first large-scale British effort to recruit enslaved Africans during the American Revolution.
Dunmore’s actions helped shape Black military involvement in the American Revolution and highlighted the contradiction of slavery in a war for “liberty”.
Many Black soldiers who fought for the British were eventually evacuated to Canada, the Caribbean, or Britain after the war, while others were re-enslaved.
On November 8, 1933, Esther Rolle was born in Pompano Beach, Florida. She became a pioneering actress, best known for her role as Florida Evans on the hit TV shows “Maude” (1972-1974) and its spin-off “Good Times” (1974-1979).
Esther Rolle’s influence on television and Black representation remains significant, making her a trailblazer in entertainment history. ??
On November 8, 1966, Edward W. Brooke, a Republican from Massachusetts, made history by becoming:
Brooke, a World War II veteran and Harvard Law graduate, was known for his moderate, independent stance and advocacy for civil rights, affordable housing, and consumer protection. He served two terms (1967-1979), playing a significant role in shaping federal policies.
The year 1966 saw widespread racial unrest across the United States. Reports indicate:
This unrest reflected the ongoing struggle for civil rights, economic justice, and an end to racial discrimination during the 1960s. The tensions were fueled by segregation, police brutality, and economic inequalities, leading to protests and uprisings in many urban areas.
Edward Brooke’s election was a major milestone, demonstrating progress in Black political representation despite the broader racial challenges of the era.
On November 8, 1966, John H. Johnson, the founder of Ebony and Jet magazines, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP. The medal was given to him “for his productive imagination in the perilous field of publishing” and “for his contributions to the enhancement of the Negro’s self-image through his publications.”
John H. Johnson (1918–2005) was a pioneering African American entrepreneur and publisher who founded Johnson Publishing Company in 1942. His flagship magazine, Ebony, focused on African American culture, success stories, and positive representation, while Jet became instrumental in covering civil rights issues—most notably publishing the horrific images of Emmett Till’s open-casket funeral, which helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement.
The Spingarn Medal is awarded annually by the NAACP to an African American who has made outstanding contributions to society. Johnson’s impact in shaping Black media, representation, and empowerment made him a deserving recipient.
His legacy lives on, and his contributions to Black journalism remain legendary. ??
On November 8, 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy defeated Vice President Richard M. Nixon in one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history. Kennedy won the popular vote by a narrow margin of approximately 118,550 votes out of nearly 69 million cast, translating to a 0.17% lead. In the Electoral College, he secured 303 votes to Nixon’s 219, with 269 needed for victory.
This election was notable for being the first in which all 50 states participated, following the admissions of Alaska and Hawaii. Kennedy’s victory made him the youngest person elected to the presidency at age 43 and the first Roman Catholic to hold the office.
The 1960 election also featured the first televised presidential debates, which played a significant role in shaping public perception of the candidates. Kennedy’s confident and composed demeanor during these debates contrasted with Nixon’s less telegenic appearance, influencing voters’ opinions.
Despite the close popular vote, Kennedy’s strategic focus on populous swing states and effective use of television are credited with securing his victory. His success in urban and industrial states contributed to his clear majority in the Electoral College.
Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard was born on November 8, 1953, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With a career spanning decades, she is known for her powerful performances in film, television, and theater.
Woodard is also an activist advocating for human rights, particularly in Africa. Her career and activism continue to inspire generations in Hollywood and beyond. ??
On November 8, 1938, Crystal Bird Fauset made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to a state legislature in the United States. She won a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Philadelphia’s 18th District, which was predominantly white at the time. ?Wikipedia
During her tenure, Fauset introduced nine bills and three amendments focusing on public health, housing, public relief, and women’s workplace rights. She also sponsored an amendment to the Pennsylvania Female Labor Law of 1913 to improve protections for women in the workplace. ?
Her election marked a significant milestone in American politics, paving the way for future generations of African American women in legislative roles.
On November 8, 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected as the 32nd President of the United States, defeating incumbent President Herbert Hoover in a landslide victory. This election marked a significant shift in American politics during the Great Depression, leading to the implementation of Roosevelt’s New Deal programs aimed at economic recovery.
In Wilmington, North Carolina, a violent white mob—led by prominent white citizens, including politicians and businessmen—carried out a violent coup d’état against the city’s legitimately elected, multiracial government. Over the course of two days, white supremacists:
This was the only successful coup in U.S. history, and it marked a turning point in the rollback of Reconstruction-era gains for Black Americans in the South. It set the stage for Jim Crow laws and widespread Black voter suppression.
This event is now increasingly recognized as a premeditated act of racial terrorism and political insurrection, rather than a “race riot” as it was once labeled.
On November 8, 1892, Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, was elected as the 24th President of the United States, defeating the incumbent Republican President Benjamin Harrison. This victory made Cleveland the only U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms, having previously held office as the 22nd president from 1885 to 1889.
In the 1892 election, Cleveland secured 46.0% of the popular vote and 277 electoral votes, while Harrison received 43.0% of the popular vote and 145 electoral votes. The Populist Party candidate, James B. Weaver, garnered 8.6% of the popular vote and 22 electoral votes.
Cleveland’s re-election marked a significant political comeback, as he became the first and, until 2024, the only president to serve non-consecutive terms. His second term began on March 4, 1893, and concluded on March 4, 1897.
On November 8, 1870, former Confederate General John C. Brown, a Democrat, was elected Governor of Tennessee, defeating Republican candidate William H. Wisener. Brown secured approximately 65.55% of the vote, marking a significant political shift in the state during the Reconstruction era. ?Wikipedia
This election followed the adoption of the Tennessee Constitution of 1870, which restored voting rights to ex-Confederates, thereby altering the state’s political landscape. ?
Brown’s victory symbolized the end of Radical Republican control in Tennessee and the resurgence of Democratic power, reflecting broader regional trends during the period of Reconstruction.
On this day, William Monroe Trotter, a Harvard-educated activist and newspaper editor, co-founded The Guardian in Boston, Massachusetts. The paper became a bold voice against racial injustice, particularly challenging the accommodationist views of Booker T. Washington.
Trotter used The Guardian to advocate for civil rights, political activism, and Black self-determination, making it one of the most influential African American newspapers of its time.
Mark Althavean Andrews, better known by his stage name Sisqó, was born on this day in Baltimore, Maryland. Sisqó is an American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and actor, best known as the lead vocalist of the group Dru Hill. He rose to solo fame with the release of his 1999 hit “Thong Song”, which became a major pop and R&B success.
With his distinctive voice, flamboyant style, and energetic performances, Sisqó left a lasting impact on late 1990s and early 2000s R&B and pop music culture.
Benjamin Banneker was born on this day in Ellicott Mills, Maryland, to a free African American woman and a formerly enslaved father. Despite having little formal education, Banneker became a self-taught mathematician, astronomer, inventor, and author. He is renowned for building one of the first clocks in America, accurately predicting solar and lunar eclipses, and compiling widely respected almanacs that included weather forecasts, astronomical data, and anti-slavery essays.
Banneker also played a role in surveying the land for the future District of Columbia in 1791. His brilliance and accomplishments challenged prevailing beliefs about race and intellect in early America.
Roger Arliner Young, a pioneering African American scientist, died on this day in 1964. She was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Zoology (1940, University of Pennsylvania). Born in 1899, Young made significant contributions to the fields of marine biology, zoology, and radiation biology, often overcoming racial and gender barriers throughout her career.
She worked alongside prominent scientists like Ernest Everett Just and inspired generations of Black scientists through her persistence and brilliance, despite facing personal and professional obstacles.
William L. Dawson, a trailblazing African American politician, passed away on this day in 1970. He represented Chicago, Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 27 years (from 1943 to 1970), making him one of the most influential Black lawmakers of his time.
Dawson was:
His long-standing service helped pave the way for future generations of Black political leadership in America.
On this day, Mattiwilda Dobbs became the first African American to sing a romantic lead role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She starred as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto, breaking barriers in one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.
Dobbs’ performance was not only a milestone for representation in classical music but also a defining moment in the Civil Rights Era’s cultural front. A coloratura soprano with extraordinary range and skill, she went on to become one of the first African American singers to achieve a major international opera career, performing in major houses across Europe and the U.S.
On this day, Howard University College of Medicine officially opened in Washington, D.C., with eight students and five faculty members. Among the students, seven were Black and one was white, marking a bold and progressive step in post-Civil War America.
One of the founding faculty members was Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta, the first Black U.S. Army surgeon and first African American to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. As the only Black professor on the founding faculty, Dr. Augusta was a trailblazer in both medicine and civil rights, fighting for equality in medical education and military service.
Howard’s medical school went on to become one of the most significant institutions for training Black doctors in the United States, playing a key role in expanding access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Dorothy Dandridge, groundbreaking actress, singer, and dancer, was born on this day in Cleveland, Ohio. She became the first African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, for her iconic role in Carmen Jones (1954).
Dandridge broke barriers in Hollywood during a time of extreme racial segregation and limited roles for Black actors. Her talent, elegance, and courage paved the way for generations of Black performers.
Arkansas Governor Powell Clayton declared martial law in ten counties due to widespread racial violence perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan during the Reconstruction era. The move was aimed at protecting newly emancipated African Americans and suppressing Klan terrorism. Governor Clayton mobilized the state militia, including many Black soldiers, to restore order and uphold civil rights.
This bold action was one of the first major governmental responses to Klan violence and highlighted the intense resistance to Black freedom and political participation during Reconstruction.
On this day, Charlie Sifford made history by winning the Long Beach Open, becoming the first African American golfer to win a significant professional golf tournament. Although the Long Beach Open was not an official PGA Tour event, the victory was groundbreaking, as it marked a major step toward integrating the sport.
Sifford later became the first Black golfer to earn a PGA Tour card in 1961 and went on to win official PGA Tour events. His courage and perseverance paved the way for future generations of Black golfers, including Tiger Woods. In recognition of his contributions, Sifford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.
On this day, Andrew T. Hatcher made history as the first African American associate press secretary to a U.S. president, serving under President John F. Kennedy. His appointment marked a significant milestone in the inclusion of African Americans in senior White House communications roles.
In addition to his political contributions, Hatcher was also a founding member of 100 Black Men of America, an organization dedicated to mentoring, education, and empowerment in the Black community.
While traveling near Marion, Arkansas, soul singer Sam Cooke, gospel great Lou Rawls, and a young Bobby Womack were involved in a serious automobile accident. The crash claimed the life of their driver, Edward Cunningham, and left Rawls in a coma for several days. Despite the tragedy, all three musicians would go on to become legends in soul and R&B music, helping to define the sound of a generation.
After being captured for leading the Southampton, Virginia slave rebellion, Nat Turner was interviewed in jail by Thomas R. Gray, a Baltimore lawyer. During this interview, Turner detailed the motives, visions, and events leading to the August 1831 uprising, one of the most notable slave revolts in American history. Gray later published the account as “The Confessions of Nat Turner”, a controversial and widely circulated document that shaped public understanding of Turner’s resistance and the broader struggle against slavery.
Carmen McRae, a celebrated American jazz singer, pianist, and composer, died on November 10, 1994, at the age of 74. Known for her distinctive phrasing, emotional depth, and witty interpretation of lyrics, McRae was considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, she recorded over 60 albums and performed alongside legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday, who was a major influence on her style.
On this day, a white supremacist mob violently overthrew the multiracial, elected government of Wilmington, North Carolina, in what is now recognized as the only successful coup d’état in U.S. history. The mob burned down the offices of The Daily Record, a Black-owned newspaper, and murdered an estimated 60 to over 300 Black residents—though the exact number is still unknown due to the lack of records and mass graves.
The insurrection was planned by white Democrats to reverse the gains of Reconstruction, suppress Black political power, and reassert white control. They installed their own leaders in local government by force, driving Black officials and their white allies out of town. This event marked a turning point, ushering in decades of Jim Crow laws and voter suppression across the South.
It’s a sobering reminder of how white supremacist violence was used to dismantle Black progress—and how history was often rewritten to obscure those truths.
On this day, the National Benefit Life Insurance Company was organized in Washington, D.C. by Samuel W. Rutherford. At a time when most mainstream insurance companies excluded African Americans, National Benefit provided vital financial services to the Black community.
It grew to become the largest Black-owned insurance company in the United States for many years, playing a key role in economic empowerment and community development during segregation and beyond.
George Henry White, an outspoken Republican and the last African American Congressman of the Reconstruction era, represented North Carolina’s “Black Second” district. On this day, November 10, 1898, the Wilmington Insurrection (also known as the Wilmington Massacre) occurred—a violent white supremacist coup that overthrew the elected, biracial government of Wilmington, NC.
White, who served two terms in Congress (1897–1901), was known for:
After white supremacist violence and voter suppression dismantled Black political power in North Carolina, White left the state, famously stating:
“This is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary farewell to the American Congress, but let me say, Phoenix-like he will rise up someday and come again.”
On November 10, 1891, prolific African American inventor Granville T. Woods was granted a patent for an electric railway system. Known as the “Black Edison,” Woods’ invention improved how electric power was supplied to streetcars and trains, making mass transit more efficient and reliable.
Throughout his career, Woods held over 50 patents, many of which revolutionized railway and telegraph communication systems. His work laid the foundation for modern electrical transit and significantly contributed to the growth of public transportation in the United States.
The African Union Society of Newport, Rhode Island was formally established on November 10, 1780, making it the first documented Black mutual aid society in the United States. Founded by free African Americans, the society provided financial support, burial services, and community assistance to its members during times of illness, death, or hardship.
This organization laid the groundwork for future Black self-help institutions and was a critical early expression of Black autonomy, solidarity, and resistance in post-colonial America.
Ken Saro-Wiwa, a Nigerian author, environmentalist, and human rights activist, was executed by the Nigerian military regime along with eight other Ogoni activists (known as the Ogoni Nine) after a controversial trial. Saro-Wiwa led a nonviolent movement against the environmental destruction of the Niger Delta by oil companies, especially Shell, and the Nigerian government’s neglect of the Ogoni people.
His execution drew global condemnation and led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations. Today, Ken Saro-Wiwa is remembered as a powerful voice for environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and freedom of expression in Africa.
Dr. George R. Carruthers, an African American physicist and inventor, was granted a patent for the Image Converter, a device that helped detect electromagnetic radiation in short wavelengths—particularly ultraviolet light. This invention played a key role in space-based astronomical research and was later used during NASA’s Apollo 16 mission in 1972 to capture the first images of Earth’s outermost atmosphere.
Carruthers’ work significantly advanced space science and astrophysics, making him a pioneer in ultraviolet astronomy.
The Civil Rights Memorial, designed by renowned artist Maya Lin, was dedicated in Montgomery, Alabama to honor the memory of 40 individuals who died during the American Civil Rights Movement (1954–1968). Commissioned by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the memorial features a circular black granite table inscribed with the names of martyrs and key events, inspired by a paraphrase of Amos 5:24:
“Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Located just a few blocks from the Alabama State Capitol, the memorial stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, reflection, and a call to continue the struggle for justice and equality.
The Bethune Museum and Archives was founded on this day as the first institution in the United States dedicated to African American women’s history. Located in Washington, D.C., the museum honors the life and legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune—educator, stateswoman, and founder of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). The museum served as a depository of historical records, photographs, and memorabilia highlighting the achievements of Black women across generations.
After centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, Angola declared its independence on November 11, 1975. The independence movement was led by liberation groups such as the MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola), with support from other African nations and the global anti-colonial movement. However, independence also marked the beginning of a prolonged civil war that lasted until 2002, heavily influenced by Cold War politics. Despite the challenges, Angola’s independence was a significant moment in the broader decolonization of Africa.
On this day, Louis Armstrong recorded the first of his legendary Hot Five and later Hot Seven recordings in Chicago. These sessions are widely considered some of the most influential jazz recordings of all time.
With these recordings, Armstrong shifted jazz from a group-based, ensemble style to a soloist’s art form, showcasing his virtuosic trumpet playing, rhythmic innovation, and improvisational genius. Classics like “Heebie Jeebies”, “West End Blues”, and “Potato Head Blues” came out of these sessions, leaving an enduring mark on American music.
Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black Roman Catholic university in the United States, was founded on this day in New Orleans. Established by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the university was created to provide quality education to African American students during a time of deep racial segregation. Xavier has since become nationally recognized for placing more African American students into medical school than any other U.S. institution.
James Weldon Johnson, a distinguished author, diplomat, and civil rights leader, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1925 for his outstanding contributions. While the specific date of the award ceremony is not widely documented, some sources suggest it occurred on November 11, 1925. ?
Diplomatic Service: He served as the U.S. consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua, showcasing his commitment to public service on an international scale.?
NAACP Leadership: As the executive secretary of the NAACP, Johnson played a pivotal role in advocating for civil rights and advancing the organization’s mission.?
Literary Contributions: An accomplished author, he penned works that highlighted African American culture and struggles, including the lyrics to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem.?
The Spingarn Medal, established in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, is awarded annually by the NAACP to honor the highest achievement by an African American. Johnson’s receipt of this medal underscores his multifaceted contributions to literature, diplomacy, and civil rights.
On this day, the armistice was signed, ending World War I. Official U.S. military records show that approximately 370,000 African American soldiers served during the war, with over 1,400 Black commissioned officers. A little more than half of these troops served in the European Theater.
Three all-Black regiments — the 369th, 371st, and 372nd Infantry Regiments — were awarded the Croix de Guerre, France’s highest military honor, for their extraordinary bravery and valor in combat. The 369th Infantry Regiment, famously known as the Harlem Hellfighters, was the first African American regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces. They spent more time in continuous combat than any other American unit and were widely celebrated for their courage and effectiveness on the battlefield.
D. McCree, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 440,322 for a portable fire escape. His design focused on improving public safety by offering a collapsible and easily deployable means of escape during building fires. McCree’s invention added to a growing legacy of Black inventors who developed practical technologies that improved everyday life, especially in urban environments.
Nat Turner, an enslaved preacher and leader of one of the most significant slave rebellions in American history, was executed by hanging in Jerusalem, Virginia. The Southampton Insurrection, which began on August 21, 1831, resulted in the deaths of around 60 white slaveholders and sparked widespread fear throughout the South. In retaliation, hundreds of Black people—many uninvolved in the revolt—were killed by white militias.
Though his rebellion was suppressed, Nat Turner became a symbol of resistance to slavery and a martyr in the fight for Black liberation. Turner’s revolt intensified the national debate over slavery and led to harsher laws against enslaved and free Black people. His legacy continues to resonate in conversations about freedom, justice, and rebellion against oppression.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven African American schoolteachers. It became the only Black Greek-letter sorority established at a predominantly white institution during the era of segregation.
The sorority is committed to sisterhood, scholarship, and service, and has grown into a global organization with chapters across the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean. Sigma Gamma Rho has long been a leader in promoting education, public health, and civil rights within the Black community.
Founders: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, and Cubena McClure.
Wilma Glodean Rudolph, Olympic gold medalist and trailblazing sprinter, died at the age of 54 in her home in Nashville, Tennessee. Overcoming childhood polio and poverty, Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games (Rome, 1960). She was a symbol of excellence and resilience, inspiring generations of athletes—especially African American women in sports.
Alexander P. Haley, acclaimed author of Roots: The Saga of an American Family, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his unparalleled effectiveness in portraying the epic journey of African Americans through slavery, survival, and resilience.
His groundbreaking work Roots traced his ancestry back to Kunta Kinte, an African man captured and sold into slavery, and brought widespread attention to Black history and genealogy. The book became a cultural phenomenon and was adapted into a record-breaking television miniseries in 1977, reshaping the national conversation on race and heritage.
On November 12, 1977, Ernest Nathan “Dutch” Morial was elected as the first African-American mayor of New Orleans, marking a significant milestone in the city’s history. Morial’s election was the culmination of a distinguished career dedicated to civil rights and public service.?64 Parishes
Early Life and Education:
Career Milestones:
Civil Rights Advocacy: As president of the local NAACP chapter from 1962 to 1965, Morial fought for the integration of public facilities in New Orleans, including buses and schools. ?
Political Firsts:
Mayoral Achievements:
Diverse Workforce: Morial implemented hiring quotas that increased the percentage of Black workers in the city’s workforce from 40% in 1977 to 53% in 1985. ?
Economic Initiatives: He promoted tourism and sought to diversify the economy by developing industrial districts, contributing to a building boom in downtown New Orleans. ?Wikipedia
Legacy:
Ernest “Dutch” Morial’s life and career were characterized by groundbreaking achievements that paved the way for future generations in New Orleans and beyond.
On this day, South Africa was suspended from participating in the United Nations General Assembly due to its apartheid policies, which institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination against the country’s non-white population.
The suspension came after years of international condemnation, particularly from newly independent African and Caribbean nations. While South Africa remained a U.N. member state, it was barred from taking part in General Assembly sessions until the end of apartheid in the early 1990s.
This action was a powerful symbol of global solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement and increased pressure on the South African government to dismantle its racist system.
Sammy Sosa, one of Major League Baseball’s most electrifying sluggers, was born on this day in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. Over his career, Sosa became known for his powerful hitting, particularly during the late 1990s when he famously competed with Mark McGwire in the 1998 home run chase. Sosa hit 609 career home runs, making him one of only a few players in MLB history to surpass the 600 mark.
As an Afro-Latino athlete, Sosa became a cultural icon both in the Dominican Republic and the United States, symbolizing the global reach and impact of Black athletes in professional sports.
Mary Cardwell Dawson, a trailblazing African American music educator and opera singer, founded the National Negro Opera Company (NNOC) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on this day. It became the first African American opera company in the United States. The NNOC provided opportunities for Black classical musicians and singers who were often excluded from mainstream opera.
Though Lillian Evanti did not found the NNOC, she was a celebrated soprano who performed internationally and worked alongside Dawson to promote Black artists in opera.
On this day, the 1900 Paris Exposition (Exposition Universelle) officially closed. Among the 6,916 American exhibitors was Henry Ossawa Tanner, a trailblazing African American painter. Tanner was awarded a silver medal for his artistic contributions — a significant international recognition of his talent during an era of profound racial discrimination in the United States.
Tanner, known for works like The Banjo Lesson and The Thankful Poor, spent much of his career in France, where he found greater artistic acceptance and freedom than in the U.S.
On this date, William Edmondson was born in Nashville, Tennessee (not 1863, but 1874). He became the first African American artist to have a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, in 1937. A self-taught sculptor, Edmondson began carving tombstones before turning to expressive limestone sculptures of animals, biblical figures, and everyday people—what he called “visions from God.”
His deeply spiritual and humble work, carved with found tools, made him a central figure in American folk art and a trailblazer for Black artists in the mainstream art world.
In the early months of the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington, under pressure from Southern slaveholding interests, issued an order on November 12, 1775, barring all Black men—enslaved or free—from enlisting in the Continental Army. This reversed an earlier policy that had allowed Black men to serve.
However, this ban was short-lived. By the end of the year, the British offered freedom to enslaved people who fought for the Crown, prompting Washington and the Continental Congress to later reverse the decision and allow Black men to serve again.
Despite the discrimination, an estimated 5,000 African Americans fought on the side of the Patriots during the Revolutionary War, seeking liberty even while facing systemic oppression.
At just 20 years old, Dwight “Doc” Gooden, pitcher for the New York Mets, won the Cy Young Award, becoming the youngest pitcher in Major League Baseball history to earn the honor.
In the 1985 season, Gooden dominated with a 24-4 record, a 1.53 ERA, and 268 strikeouts, solidifying one of the greatest single-season performances ever by a pitcher. His achievement marked a major moment for African Americans in professional baseball.
Carl B. Stokes made history by becoming the first African American elected mayor of a major U.S. city when he won the Cleveland mayoral election on November 7, 1967. He officially began his tenure as the 51st mayor of Cleveland on January 1, 1968. ?NPS.govWikipedia
During his two terms, Stokes implemented significant reforms, including opening city hall jobs to African Americans and women, and initiating urban revitalization programs. His leadership during events like the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire brought national attention to environmental issues. ?
Stokes’ groundbreaking election paved the way for greater African American political representation in major U.S. cities.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision declaring segregation on Montgomery, Alabama city buses unconstitutional. This landmark decision followed the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest in December 1955.
? Federal injunctions enforcing desegregation were served on December 20, 1965, officially ending the year-long boycott. That same day, Montgomery’s Black community held mass meetings to call off the boycott, marking a major victory in the Civil Rights Movement.
Caryn Elaine Johnson, later known as Whoopi Goldberg, was born in New York City on this day. She began performing at the age of eight with New York’s Helena Rubinstein Children’s Theater. With a distinctive look, sharp wit, and an empathic yet no-nonsense persona, Goldberg rose to become one of the most versatile and celebrated entertainers in history.
She is one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Goldberg has also been a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice throughout her career.
On this day, Janet Collins made history by becoming the first African American prima ballerina to perform with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York City. Her debut role was in Aida, breaking racial barriers in a world that had long excluded Black dancers from classical ballet’s highest stages.
Despite facing discrimination earlier in her career — including being asked to paint her skin white to perform — Collins persevered and became a symbol of excellence, dignity, and change in the performing arts.
In a pivotal civil rights decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Hansberry v. Lee, a case involving racially restrictive housing covenants in Chicago. The Court unanimously reversed a lower court’s enforcement of a covenant that barred Black families from buying homes in certain neighborhoods.
The case was brought by Carl Hansberry, the father of playwright Lorraine Hansberry (A Raisin in the Sun), after he purchased a home in a white neighborhood in defiance of such covenants. While the ruling focused on due process violations rather than racial discrimination per se, it opened the door for future legal challenges against housing segregation and discriminatory practices in real estate.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a pioneering African American surgeon, became the first Black physician elected as a charter member of the American College of Surgeons on this day. He is also famously known for performing one of the first successful open-heart surgeries in 1893—decades before such procedures became standard.
Dr. Williams founded Provident Hospital in Chicago in 1891, the first interracial hospital and nursing school in the United States, providing critical care and training for African Americans at a time when segregation barred them from most medical institutions.
A.C. Richardson, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 529,311 for a casket lowering device. This innovation provided a safer and more dignified way to lower caskets into graves during funerals. Richardson’s invention helped standardize burial practices and is a foundational design that’s still reflected in funeral equipment used today.
On this day in Warsaw, New York, the Liberty Party—the first political party in the United States founded explicitly to oppose slavery—was officially organized. It marked a critical shift from moral persuasion to political action in the abolitionist movement.
Early Black abolitionists like Samuel Ringgold Ward and Henry Highland Garnet were among its earliest supporters, helping to shape the party’s vision of racial equality and justice. The Liberty Party laid the groundwork for future political action against slavery, eventually influencing the formation of the Free Soil and Republican parties.
On this day, Lydia D. Holmes, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 2,529,828 for her innovative design of educational wooden toys. Her invention focused on toys that helped develop coordination and educational skills in children. Holmes’ work contributed to both early childhood education and the legacy of Black women inventors whose ideas enriched American life.
On this day, U.S. Marshals escorted four six-year-old Black girls—Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne—into McDonogh 19 Elementary School, and Ruby Bridges into William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This was the first day of school integration in the Deep South following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling (1954), and it marked a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement. The girls faced mobs of angry protesters, threats, and national media attention, but their bravery helped pave the way for desegregation in education.
William Levi Dawson’s Symphony No. 1: Negro Folk Symphony premiered at Carnegie Hall on this date, performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra under conductor Leopold Stokowski. It was the first symphony based on Black folk themes by a Black composer to be performed by a major American orchestra.
Dawson’s work masterfully integrated African American spirituals and folk traditions with classical symphonic form, earning critical acclaim and standing as a landmark in American music history.
Booker T. Washington, one of the most prominent African American leaders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, died at age 59 in Tuskegee, Alabama. Born into slavery in 1856, Washington rose to become a pioneering educator, author, and founder of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University).
He was a key voice in debates about Black advancement during the post-Reconstruction era, advocating for vocational education, economic self-reliance, and racial uplift. Though his accommodationist approach was controversial, his legacy remains foundational in the history of Black education and civil rights.
On this day, the Liberty Party—the first political party in the United States dedicated solely to the abolition of slavery—held its founding convention in Albany, New York. Formed by anti-slavery activists who believed that moral persuasion alone was not enough, the party sought to bring abolitionist ideals into the political arena.
Though small in numbers, the Liberty Party laid the groundwork for future anti-slavery political movements, including the Free Soil Party and eventually the Republican Party. Its efforts represented a critical step in the long struggle to end slavery in the U.S.
Mother Mathilda Beasley, born Mathilda Taylor on November 14, 1832, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a pioneering African American educator and the first Black nun in Georgia. She was born to Caroline, an enslaved woman owned by James C. Taylor. Details about her early life and how she gained freedom remain unclear, but by the 1850s, she had relocated to Savannah, Georgia. ?BlackPast.org
In Savannah, Beasley secretly operated a school for African American children during the 1850s, a time when educating Black individuals was illegal and punishable by fines and public lashings. Her dedication to education showcased her commitment to uplifting her community despite significant risks.?
In 1869, Mathilda married Abraham Beasley, a successful Black businessman and restaurant owner in Savannah. Following his death in 1877, she inherited his estate and donated it to the Roman Catholic Church, specifying that some of the funds be used to establish an orphanage for African American children. ?
Seeking a religious vocation, Beasley traveled to York, England, in the 1880s to train as a nun. Upon returning to Savannah, she founded the St. Francis Home for Colored Orphans in 1886 and established the first community of African American nuns in Georgia in 1889, known as the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. ?
Mother Mathilda Beasley passed away on December 20, 1903, in Savannah, Georgia. Her legacy is honored through the Mother Mathilda Beasley Park in Savannah and her induction into the Georgia Women of Achievement in 2004. ?
On this day, the United States Golf Association (USGA) adopted a new policy that prohibited clubs from discriminating on the basis of race or gender if they wished to host USGA-sanctioned events. This was a major step forward in challenging the long-standing exclusionary practices at many golf clubs, opening the door for greater diversity and inclusion in the sport.
Granville T. Woods, a prolific African American inventor known as “the Black Edison,” was granted a patent for his Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph on this day in 1887. The device allowed trains to communicate with stations and other trains while in motion, vastly improving railroad safety and efficiency. This invention laid groundwork for modern wireless communication systems.
Woods held more than 50 patents over his lifetime, many related to electrical systems and railways, and was a key figure in the development of 19th-century technology.
On this day, Henry Ossawa Tanner, renowned African American painter, was posthumously elected to full membership in the National Academy of Design—the first Black artist to receive this honor. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1859 and raised in Philadelphia, Tanner studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under Thomas Eakins, then moved to France in the 1890s to escape racial discrimination and pursue his art freely.
Tanner became internationally acclaimed for his biblical scenes, genre paintings, and landscapes, blending realism with spirituality. His most famous works include The Banjo Lesson (1893) and The Thankful Poor (1894).
His 2001 induction recognized not only his artistic excellence but also his role in paving the way for generations of Black artists.
Richard Allen, founder and first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, compiled and published the first hymnal by a Black American:
“A Collection of Spiritual Songs and Hymns, Selected from Various Authors”.
This hymnal was released in 1794 and became a cornerstone of worship in the early Black church, reflecting the spiritual life and resilience of enslaved and free African Americans.
? While the AME Church was officially founded in 1816, Richard Allen’s work in creating Black religious institutions and cultural materials began decades earlier.
A report released by the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith revealed a significant increase in Ku Klux Klan activity across the United States. The study showed that Klan membership in 22 states grew from 8,000 to 10,000 over a 20-month period ending in November 1979. Additionally, the number of Klan sympathizers surged from 30,000 to 100,000, signaling a troubling rise in white supremacist influence during that time.
On this day, Rosa L. Parks received the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s highest honor, in recognition of her pivotal role in sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–56). Her courageous refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger became a defining act of resistance that energized the civil rights movement and elevated leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to national prominence.
Often called “the mother of the civil rights movement,” Parks’ quiet strength became a symbol of dignity and unwavering resistance in the face of injustice.
Sir W. Arthur Lewis, a professor at Princeton University, was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, becoming the first Black person to win a Nobel in a category other than Peace. Born in Saint Lucia, Lewis was honored for his pioneering research on economic development, particularly in developing countries. His work laid the foundation for development economics and influenced global policy on poverty and industrialization.
Arthur Dorrington became the first Black athlete to sign a professional hockey contract when he joined the Atlantic City Sea Gulls of the Eastern Hockey League. Though he never made it to the NHL, Dorrington broke racial barriers in a sport with few players of color at the time. After retiring, he devoted his life to community work and founded the Arthur Dorrington Ice Hockey Foundation to help underprivileged youth in Atlantic City.
On this day, Roland Hayes, one of the first internationally acclaimed African American tenors, began his fifth American tour with a concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall, which was filled to capacity with admirers.
Hayes broke racial barriers in classical music during the early 20th century, performing for royalty in Europe and for segregated audiences in the U.S. Despite discrimination, he achieved widespread acclaim for his vocal talent and interpretation of both European classical music and African American spirituals.
Lyda A. Newman, an African American inventor and women’s rights activist in New York City, was granted U.S. Patent No. 614,335 for an innovative hairbrush design. Her invention featured synthetic bristles and a detachable compartment, allowing for easy cleaning—a major advancement in personal grooming tools.
Newman’s design laid the groundwork for modern hairbrushes and marked her as one of the few Black female inventors of the 19th century to receive a U.S. patent.
Langston University was established in Langston, Oklahoma, as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1890. It is Oklahoma’s only historically Black college or university (HBCU) and has served as a cornerstone for higher education and empowerment for African Americans in the region.
Voorhees College, now Voorhees University, was founded in Denmark, South Carolina by educator and missionary Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, a Tuskegee Institute graduate and protégé of Booker T. Washington. The school began as the Denmark Industrial School, focused on vocational training and self-sufficiency for African Americans.
Both institutions continue to serve students today, honoring their legacies of education, leadership, and community service.
John Mercer Langston, a prominent abolitionist, educator, and politician, died at the age of 67 in Washington, D.C. He was the first African American elected to public office in the United States (as town clerk in Ohio, 1855) and later became the first Black U.S. Congressman from Virginia. Langston also served as the founding dean of the law department at Howard University and was a tireless advocate for civil rights and Black education.
Tragically, 1897 also marked a grim chapter in American history, with 123 African Americans reported lynched that year—highlighting the harsh and dangerous racial climate in which Langston lived and fought for justice.
On November 15, 1884, the Berlin Conference convened in Berlin, Germany, under the leadership of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Representatives from 14 European countries and the United States gathered to formalize the rules for the colonization and partition of Africa—a process often referred to as the “Scramble for Africa.”
Over the following months (the conference lasted until February 26, 1885), European powers negotiated and divided African territory among themselves without the presence or consent of any African nations.
This event set the stage for nearly every region of Africa—except Ethiopia and Liberia—to fall under European colonial rule by the early 20th century, leading to widespread exploitation, cultural disruption, and long-term consequences still felt today.
Lisa Bonet, an American actress, was born on November 16, 1967, in San Francisco, California, to a Jewish mother and a Black father. She rose to fame for her role as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show and its spin-off A Different World, becoming a cultural icon of the 1980s. Bonet also pursued a brief film career, appearing in movies such as Angel Heart (1987). She was married to musician Lenny Kravitz, and together they have a daughter, Zoë Kravitz, who is also an acclaimed actress and singer.
On this day, Agbani Darego of Nigeria was crowned Miss World 2001 in Sun City, South Africa. She made history as the first Black African woman to win the Miss World title. Her victory was a monumental moment for representation in global beauty pageants and inspired a new generation of African women in fashion and public life.
Darego went on to model internationally and became a symbol of pride across the African continent.
On November 16, 1972, a tragic incident unfolded at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Student protests concerning the university’s governance led to the occupation of the administration building. In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. During the ensuing confrontation, two students were fatally shot. ?
This event underscores the intense struggles faced by African American students during the civil rights era as they advocated for institutional reforms and equitable treatment.
On this day, Dwight Gooden, one of baseball’s most electrifying pitchers, was born in Tampa, Florida. Known as “Doc” or “Dr. K,” Gooden made history in 1984 when he became the youngest player ever to be named National League Rookie of the Year at just 19 years old. He was also the youngest pitcher selected for an All-Star Game and, in 1985, became the youngest winner of the Cy Young Award, dominating the league with a 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts.
Gooden’s early career helped define the success of the New York Mets in the 1980s and inspired a generation of young Black athletes in America’s pastime.
Zina Garrison was born in Houston, Texas, on this day. She would go on to become one of the most accomplished African American tennis players in history. Garrison won 37 professional tennis titles, including both singles and doubles competitions.
In 1988, she earned Olympic gold in doubles and a bronze medal in singles at the Seoul Games.
In 1990, she made history as the Wimbledon women’s singles runner-up, becoming the first African American woman since Althea Gibson to reach a Grand Slam singles final.
Garrison’s career helped pave the way for future stars like Venus and Serena Williams.
William Christopher Handy, known as the Father of the Blues, was born on this day in Florence, Alabama. A classically trained musician and composer, Handy was instrumental in popularizing the blues genre by transcribing and publishing blues music, bringing African American folk traditions to broader audiences. His most famous compositions include “St. Louis Blues”, “Memphis Blues”, and “Beale Street Blues”.
Handy’s work laid the foundation for modern American music, influencing jazz, rock, and R&B.
Richard T. Greener, the first African American graduate of Harvard University (Class of 1870), was appointed professor of metaphysics and logic at the University of South Carolina on this day. He also served as the university’s librarian. His appointment marked a significant milestone during Reconstruction, as the university was briefly integrated and employed several Black faculty members.
Greener was a trailblazing scholar, lawyer, and diplomat who broke barriers in education and civil service.
In the 1873 Mississippi state election, African Americans achieved unprecedented political success during the Reconstruction era. Alexander K. Davis was elected Lieutenant Governor, James Hill became Secretary of State, and T.W. Cardozo was elected Superintendent of Education.
Additionally, Black legislators won 55 of 115 seats in the Mississippi House of Representatives and 9 of 37 seats in the State Senate — making up 42% of the state legislature. These victories marked one of the highest levels of Black political representation in the South during Reconstruction and were a testament to the political mobilization of formerly enslaved people in the post-Civil War era.
On this day, Paul Cuffe, a wealthy African American and Wampanoag businessman, along with other free Black men in Massachusetts, petitioned the state legislature. They argued against taxation without representation, demanding the right to vote, as they were being taxed despite being denied full citizenship and political participation.
This act of protest came just after the ratification of the Massachusetts state constitution and was one of the earliest documented civil rights petitions by African Americans in U.S. history. Paul Cuffe’s leadership foreshadowed the continuing struggle for Black suffrage and civil rights.
Andrew Young, a prominent civil rights leader and close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia’s 5th congressional district on November 7, 1972. This victory made him the first African American from Georgia elected to Congress since Reconstruction. ?
During his tenure in Congress, Young played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights legislation and was instrumental in the establishment of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. He also secured federal funding for Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA. ?Wikipedia
Young’s election marked a significant milestone in the political representation of African Americans in the South, reflecting the progress of the civil rights movement and the increasing political empowerment of Black communities.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., becoming the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically Black college or university (HBCU). The founders—Dr. Ernest E. Just, Professor Frank Coleman, Dr. Oscar J. Cooper, and Edgar A. Love—established the fraternity on the cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.
Omega Psi Phi has since grown into one of the most influential Black Greek-letter organizations, with a strong legacy of service, leadership, and cultural pride throughout the African American community.
On this day, WHMM-TV (now known as WHUT-TV), located on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., became the first African American-owned and operated public television station in the United States. The station was created to provide programming that reflected the experiences, culture, and interests of the African American community.
WHMM-TV marked a significant milestone in diversifying media ownership and representation in public broadcasting. Today, WHUT-TV continues its mission as a platform for educational and culturally relevant content.
On November 7, 1972, incumbent President Richard Nixon was re-elected in a landslide victory over Democratic Senator George McGovern, carrying 49 out of 50 states. ?Wikipedia
Despite Nixon’s overwhelming success nationwide, African American voters predominantly supported McGovern. Historically, since the mid-1960s, Black voters have shown strong allegiance to the Democratic Party, largely due to its support for civil rights legislation. ?The Guardian
In the 1972 election, voter turnout among African Americans was notable. Approximately 65.5% of the Black voting-age population registered to vote, and 52.1% cast their ballots. ?U.S. Election Assistance Commission
While Nixon’s victory was decisive, the substantial support for McGovern within the African American community highlighted the ongoing political realignment and the community’s commitment to advocating for civil rights and social justice through the electoral process.
In a major milestone for Black political representation, sixteen African Americans were elected to the U.S. Congress—the largest number to date at that time. Among them:
Andrew Young (Georgia) became the first Black representative from the Deep South since Reconstruction.
Barbara Jordan (Texas) was elected as the first Black woman from the South to serve in Congress.
Yvonne Brathwaite Burke (California) became the first Black woman elected to Congress from the West Coast.
This moment signified a rising tide of Black political power in the post-Civil Rights era.
George Latimer, an escaped enslaved man, was captured in Boston, Massachusetts, after fleeing from Virginia with his pregnant wife. His arrest led to widespread protests and marked the first major fugitive slave case in Massachusetts. Boston abolitionists quickly mobilized, raising funds to purchase Latimer’s freedom and launching a mass petition campaign.
The case heightened tensions between North and South and inspired the “Latimer Law”, which prohibited the use of state facilities for the detention of fugitive slaves. It became a galvanizing moment for the abolitionist movement, foreshadowing future legal and moral battles over slavery in the United States.
On November 17, 1899, David Fagen—a Black Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army—defected during the Philippine-American War and joined the Filipino revolutionary forces fighting against U.S. colonial occupation. Born in Florida, Fagen had enlisted in the 24th Infantry Regiment, an all-Black unit, but grew disillusioned by the racism within the U.S. military and the parallels between American imperialism abroad and white supremacy at home.
Fagen\’s defection was more than a personal rebellion; it became a bold symbol of solidarity between oppressed peoples across continents. Rising to the rank of captain in the Filipino army, he led guerrilla raids and gained notoriety for his leadership and bravery. Despite being labeled a traitor by U.S. forces, Filipino revolutionaries hailed him as a hero. His ultimate fate remains unknown, but his legacy endures as a powerful statement against racism, imperialism, and global injustice.
David Adkins, known professionally as Sinbad, was born on this day in Benton Harbor, Michigan. A natural entertainer from a young age, Sinbad rose to fame in the 1990s for his clean, energetic comedy and appearances on television shows such as A Different World and The Sinbad Show. He also starred in films like Jingle All the Way and First Kid. Sinbad’s humor, rooted in real-life observations and family experiences, made him a standout in the world of comedy.
On November 18, 1993, South Africa’s Black and white leaders approved a new interim constitution, marking a historic step toward ending apartheid and white minority rule. This agreement laid the foundation for the country’s first multiracial democratic elections, held in April 1994, in which Nelson Mandela would be elected President.
The interim constitution granted universal suffrage, enshrined civil rights for all citizens, and marked the official beginning of South Africa’s transition to a full democracy after decades of racial segregation and oppression.
On this day, Wally “Famous” Amos, founder of Famous Amos Cookies, donated his signature Panama hat and embroidered shirt to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.
Amos, a former talent agent turned entrepreneur, became a cultural icon in the 1970s and 80s, known not only for his chocolate chip cookies but also for his charismatic personality and distinctive style.
This donation recognized his influence as one of the first African American entrepreneurs to build a nationally recognized food brand bearing his own image and name.
Over 900 people, most of them African American, died in a mass murder-suicide at the People’s Temple Agricultural Project (commonly known as Jonestown) in Guyana, South America. The event was orchestrated by Jim Jones, the leader of the People’s Temple cult.
Among the victims were children, elderly people, and many families who had followed Jones from California seeking a utopian society. That day, they were coerced or forced to drink a cyanide-laced beverage. The phrase “Don’t drink the Kool-Aid” originated from this event, though it was actually a different flavored drink.
The tragedy followed the murder of U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan, who had traveled to Jonestown to investigate abuse allegations. Ryan and four others were shot and killed as they attempted to leave the area.
Andrew J. Young, civil rights leader, diplomat, and politician, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1978. The Spingarn Medal is the NAACP’s highest honor, awarded annually for outstanding achievement by an African American.
Young played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a strategist and negotiator. He later became the first African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1977–1979) and served as Mayor of Atlanta from 1982 to 1990.
Robert Edward Chambliss, a former member of the Ku Klux Klan, was convicted of first-degree murder for his role in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
The bombing, which occurred on September 15, 1963, killed four young Black girls: Addie Mae Collins (14), Denise McNair (11), Carole Robertson (14), and Cynthia Wesley (14) — a tragedy that shocked the nation and became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement.
Chambliss’s conviction came 14 years after the bombing, marking a major, though delayed, step toward accountability for racially motivated violence.
On this day, Howard Thurman was born in Daytona Beach, Florida. A theologian, philosopher, and civil rights leader, Thurman became one of the most influential religious thinkers of the 20th century. He was the first Black person to hold a full-time faculty position at a predominantly white American university (Boston University, in 1953).
Thurman was a mentor to many civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his book “Jesus and the Disinherited” profoundly shaped the spiritual foundation of the nonviolent movement for social justice.
Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York, was born into slavery but became one of America’s most powerful abolitionists, women’s rights activists, and public orators. After escaping slavery in 1826, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth in 1843 and dedicated her life to advocating for the abolition of slavery, racial equality, and women’s suffrage.
Her most famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?”, delivered in 1851 at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio, remains a foundational moment in feminist and civil rights history.
On this day, Roy Campanella, star catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National League for the third time in his career (previous wins in 1951 and 1953). He was only the second African American player to win the MVP award, after Jackie Robinson. Known for his powerful hitting and exceptional defensive skills behind the plate, Campanella was a key figure in breaking racial barriers in Major League Baseball.
On this day, the citizens of South Carolina voted in favor of holding a constitutional convention as part of the Reconstruction process following the Civil War. The results were historic:
66,418 Black voters and 2,350 white voters supported the convention.
2,278 white voters opposed it.
Not a single Black voter voted against the convention.
The total votes cast were 71,046.
This overwhelming support from Black citizens—many voting for the first time—demonstrated a unified push for equal rights and a new political order in the South. The convention would go on to draft a progressive constitution guaranteeing civil rights, public education, and more equitable representation.
Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympian and trailblazing gymnast, is born in Silver Spring, Maryland. Nicknamed “Awesome Dawesome,” she would go on to make history as the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in gymnastics and a member of the “Magnificent Seven” team that won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics—a first for the U.S. women’s team. Dawes also earned three Olympic bronze medals and claimed more national titles than any other American gymnast at the time, male or female. Her success helped pave the way for future generations of Black gymnasts.
President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 11063, prohibiting discrimination in the sale, leasing, or rental of properties owned or operated by the federal government or provided with federal funds. This landmark order was the first major federal action aimed at ending segregation in housing, targeting practices that disproportionately affected African Americans and other minorities. It laid essential groundwork for the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
Robert C. Weaver, an economist, government official, and civil rights advocate, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his leadership in the movement for open housing. A pioneering figure, Weaver played a critical role in advocating for fair housing policies and combating racial segregation in urban planning.
He would later make history in 1966 as the first African American to serve in a U.S. Cabinet position, when President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
On November 20, 1939, Morgan State College officially became a public institution when the state of Maryland purchased it to provide more opportunities for African Americans in higher education. Now known as Morgan State University, it is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Baltimore, Maryland.
Originally founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, the school was renamed Morgan College in 1890 in honor of Reverend Lyttleton Morgan, the first chairman of its Board of Trustees. It became Morgan State College in 1939, and finally gained university status in 1975.
Today, Morgan State is Maryland’s designated public urban university and the largest HBCU in the state, continuing its legacy of academic excellence and empowerment.
On this day, Garrett T. Morgan, a Black American inventor and entrepreneur, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,475,024 for his innovative three-position traffic signal. While not the first traffic light ever invented, Morgan’s design introduced a third “caution” signal — a crucial improvement over earlier two-light systems (Stop and Go). This middle position helped reduce accidents by warning drivers to slow down, and laid the foundation for the modern traffic light system used around the world today.
Morgan is also known for inventing a safety hood (gas mask) used by firefighters and rescuers, notably during the 1916 Lake Erie tunnel rescue.
On November 20, 1922, Louisiana Governor John M. Parker met with President Warren G. Harding to discuss escalating violence perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in Louisiana. This meeting was part of Governor Parker’s broader efforts to seek federal assistance in addressing Klan-related crimes, including the disappearance and suspected murder of two men near Bastrop, Louisiana. Investigative journalist John T. Rogers documented these events, highlighting the severity of the Klan’s activities in the region. ?Wikipedia
During the early 1920s, the KKK experienced a resurgence across the United States, with significant activity in Southern states like Louisiana. The organization’s influence led to numerous acts of intimidation and violence, prompting state officials to seek federal intervention to restore law and order.
Mary Burnett Talbert, a prominent educator, activist, and former president of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), was awarded the Spingarn Medal, the highest honor of the NAACP, on this day.
She was recognized for her tireless service to Black women, her leadership in civil rights advocacy, and her pivotal role in the preservation of Frederick Douglass’s home in Washington, D.C.
Talbert was one of the most influential African American women of the early 20th century, using her voice to fight racism, lynching, and injustice both in the U.S. and abroad.
African Americans in South Carolina held a Colored People’s Convention at Zion Presbyterian Church in Charleston to demand equal rights, universal suffrage, and the repeal of the Black Codes. The convention brought together formerly enslaved people and free Black leaders determined to shape a new future in the aftermath of the Civil War. Their resolutions called for access to education, fair labor rights, and full participation in civil society.
Ten members of the First Congregational Society of Washington, D.C. gathered for a missionary meeting and resolved to establish a seminary to train African American preachers. By early 1867, their vision expanded to include a liberal arts college and university. The institution was named Howard University in honor of Major General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero and Commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau, which was created to assist newly freed African Americans after the Civil War. Today, Howard University stands as one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States.
Jennifer Josephine Hosten of Grenada made history by becoming the first Black woman and the first Caribbean woman to win the Miss World title. She was crowned Miss World 1970 at the competition held in London.
Her victory sparked controversy and headlines around the world, especially amid political tensions and protests surrounding the event, but it also marked a major milestone in representation and global beauty standards.
By this date in 1922, at least 51 African Americans had been reported lynched across the United States during that year alone. These acts of racial terrorism were used to enforce white supremacy and instill fear in Black communities, particularly in the South. The brutality of these extrajudicial killings galvanized anti-lynching activism, including the efforts of leaders like Ida B. Wells and organizations such as the NAACP, which continued to push for federal anti-lynching legislation.
S.H. Love, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,936,515 for an improved vending machine. His design allowed for better control of coin-operated mechanisms, improving how goods were dispensed and helping reduce theft and malfunction. This invention contributed to the advancement of automated retail and vending technology in the early 20th century.
Randall Robinson (founder of TransAfrica), Walter Fauntroy (congressional delegate), and Mary Frances Berry (U.S. Civil Rights Commissioner) were arrested during a sit-in at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. The protest was a bold stand against apartheid and marked the beginning of a sustained, high-profile civil disobedience campaign in the United States.
Their arrests helped galvanize public and political pressure, leading to increased U.S. sanctions on South Africa and support for the global anti-apartheid movement.
On November 21, 1918, Henry Beard Delany was consecrated as the Suffragan Bishop for Colored Work in the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, becoming the first African American bishop in North Carolina and only the second in the United States. ?
Born into slavery on February 5, 1858, in St. Marys, Georgia, Delany pursued education after emancipation, attending St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina. After graduating in 1885, he joined the faculty, teaching carpentry and masonry, and later served as vice-principal, chaplain, and musician. He was ordained a deacon in 1889 and a priest in 1892. ?
As Suffragan Bishop, Delany oversaw African American congregations not only in North Carolina but also in the dioceses of East and Western North Carolina, South Carolina, and Upper South Carolina. His role was pivotal in advocating for the inclusion and unity of African American Episcopalians within the church during a period marked by segregationist practices. ?
Delany’s legacy extends beyond his ecclesiastical contributions; two of his daughters, Sarah Louise Delany and Annie Elizabeth Delany, gained national recognition for their memoir, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years, which chronicles their experiences as African American women navigating the 20th century.
Shaw University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, was founded on this day by Henry Martin Tupper, a Union Army chaplain. It holds the distinction of being the first historically Black university (HBCU) in the southern United States.
Shaw played a critical role in the education of African Americans during Reconstruction and beyond. It was a trailblazer in many ways, including founding the first four-year medical school for African Americans in the U.S. (Leonard Medical School, 1881–1918) and training future leaders in education, religion, and civil rights.
On this day in 1654, Richard Johnson, a free Black man, was granted 100 acres of land in Northampton County, Virginia, as a reward for importing two individuals (a common colonial practice under the “headright” system). Johnson’s land grant is a rare example of Black land ownership in 17th-century colonial America, during a period when slavery and racial discrimination were rapidly expanding.
His case reflects the complex and shifting status of Africans in early America—where, for a brief time, some free Black individuals could own land, import labor, and participate in colonial economic systems before the codification of racial slavery.
On this date, Wallace D. Fard Muhammad began teaching in Detroit, Michigan, marking the founding of the Nation of Islam (NOI). He taught a unique interpretation of Islam focused on Black empowerment, self-sufficiency, and liberation from systemic racism.
Elijah Muhammad became one of his early followers and was appointed by Fard as his successor. After Fard’s mysterious disappearance in 1934, Elijah Muhammad took leadership and transformed the NOI into a major religious and political movement, especially influential during the Civil Rights era.
Under Elijah Muhammad’s leadership, the NOI grew rapidly and influenced prominent figures like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Louis Farrakhan.
Colonel Frederick D. Gregory, a U.S. Air Force pilot and NASA astronaut, became the first African American to command a space mission when he led Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-33). The shuttle launched on November 22, 1989, from Kennedy Space Center. His historic leadership role marked a significant milestone in both space exploration and African American achievement in the sciences.
On this day, George Branham III made history by becoming the first African American to win a title on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour. He claimed victory at the Brunswick Memorial World Open, breaking racial barriers in a sport where few Black athletes had found visibility or success at the professional level.
Branham would go on to win five PBA titles in his career and later became the first African American to win a PBA major, the 1993 Tournament of Champions.
President John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was assassinated at age 46. While not African American himself, JFK played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights during his presidency. He supported desegregation, protected the Freedom Riders, and in June 1963, gave a landmark speech calling civil rights a “moral issue,” laying groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was passed posthumously under President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Guion S. Bluford Jr. was born on November 22, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A decorated Air Force pilot, aerospace engineer, and NASA astronaut, Bluford made history on August 30, 1983, when he became the first African American to travel into space, serving as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-8). Over the course of his NASA career, he flew on four space missions, logging over 688 hours in space.
Bluford’s legacy continues to inspire generations in the fields of STEM, aviation, and space exploration.
Alrutheus Ambush Taylor, a pioneering African American historian and educator, was born on this day in Washington, D.C. Taylor was instrumental in documenting Black experiences during the Reconstruction era, particularly the role of African Americans in the South after the Civil War.
He earned degrees from Harvard University and later taught at Fisk University and Howard University, where he worked to establish a robust archive of African American history. His scholarship helped lay the foundation for the study of Black history as an academic discipline.
Timothy Thomas Fortune, a pioneering African American journalist and civil rights leader, founded the New York Freeman on this day. The publication would later become the New York Age, one of the most influential Black newspapers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Under Fortune’s leadership, the Freeman became a powerful voice advocating for racial equality, labor rights, and anti-lynching legislation. The paper later came under the editorial leadership of Fred R. Moore, continuing its legacy of Black activism and journalism.
Christopher J. Perry founded The Philadelphia Tribune, which would become the oldest continuously published African American newspaper in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Tribune has played a critical role in informing and empowering the Black community, advocating for civil rights, education, and economic progress for over a century.
Oscar J. Dunn, the first African American elected as Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana (and the highest-ranking Black elected official in U.S. history at the time), died suddenly in New Orleans during a political power struggle. His unexpected death at age 49 led to suspicions of poisoning, particularly from his aides and supporters, although no official cause was ever confirmed.
Dunn had been a strong advocate for Black civil rights, public education, and Radical Republican Reconstruction policies. His leadership threatened both white supremacists and conservative factions, and his death marked a turning point in the political instability of post-Civil War Louisiana.
On November 22, 1865, the Mississippi legislature passed one of the first sets of Black Codes in the post-Civil War South. These laws severely restricted the rights, freedom of movement, and economic independence of freedmen—African Americans who had recently been emancipated from slavery.
The Mississippi Black Codes:
Compelled freedmen to sign labor contracts with white employers or face punishment.
Criminalized vagrancy, allowing authorities (often white citizens) to arrest Black individuals for being unemployed or “idle.”
Restricted land ownership and mobility.
Denied Black people the right to serve on juries or testify against whites.
These laws aimed to maintain white supremacy and reestablish a system of racial control resembling slavery. Other Southern states quickly followed Mississippi’s lead, prompting strong opposition from the federal government and eventually leading to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th Amendment.
On this day, 1,000 Black activists from 25 states gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to officially establish the National Black Independent Political Party (NBIPP). The party was created in response to frustrations with the Democratic and Republican parties’ failure to address the political and economic needs of Black communities.
Led by figures like Ron Daniels, NBIPP sought to promote Black self-determination, economic justice, and grassroots organizing. Though it never became a major political force, it marked a pivotal moment in the history of independent Black political organizing in the United States.
On this day, the Alice Freeman Palmer Institute in Sedalia, North Carolina, founded by educator and activist Charlotte Hawkins Brown, was officially renamed and incorporated as the Palmer Memorial Institute. Named in honor of Brown’s mentor, Alice Freeman Palmer, the school became a prestigious African American preparatory school for students across the U.S.
Brown, one of the first Black women to establish and lead such an institution, emphasized academic excellence, character development, and cultural refinement, challenging the limited educational options available to Black youth in the Jim Crow South. The school operated for over 60 years and became a symbol of Black educational achievement.
On this day, Henry Watson Furniss, a respected African American physician from Indiana, was appointed U.S. Minister to Haiti, becoming one of the last Black diplomats to hold that post during the early 20th century. Furniss served with distinction during a time when Haiti was one of the few nations open to Black U.S. envoys due to prevailing racial attitudes in American foreign policy.
His tenure ended before President Woodrow Wilson took office in 1913, after which a white minister was appointed—marking a shift away from the inclusion of African Americans in key diplomatic roles, especially in predominantly Black nations like Haiti.
On this date, reports indicated that 57 African Americans had been lynched in 1905 in the United States. Lynching was a brutal and widespread form of racial terror used to enforce white supremacy and instill fear in Black communities, especially in the American South. These extrajudicial killings often occurred without trial and were used to punish perceived violations of the racial status quo.
This statistic was part of a broader national awareness, as civil rights advocates like Ida B. Wells worked tirelessly to document lynchings and push for anti-lynching legislation, though such laws were continually blocked in Congress for decades.
Andrew Jackson Beard, an African American inventor and former slave, was granted a patent on November 23, 1897, for an improved version of the railroad coupler, often referred to as the “Jenny Coupler.”
His invention automated the dangerous process of coupling train cars, saving countless workers from injury and death. The coupler allowed cars to connect automatically when they bumped together—eliminating the need for a worker to manually insert a pin between cars, which often resulted in crushed limbs.
Beard’s innovation is a foundational element in railroad safety and remains influential in modern rail systems today.
John Lee Love, an African American inventor, received U.S. Patent No. 594,114 for his design of a portable pencil sharpener. Known as the “Love Sharpener,” his invention was simple, effective, and could also serve as a paperweight. This innovation improved on existing designs by making the sharpener more compact and user-friendly.
Love’s contribution reflects the long-standing legacy of Black inventors whose creativity helped shape everyday tools we still use today.
The Louisiana Constitutional Convention of 1867 convened at the Mechanics Institute in New Orleans, with a groundbreaking delegation of forty-nine Black and forty-nine white delegates. This was one of the most racially balanced political gatherings of the Reconstruction era. The convention aimed to rewrite Louisiana’s state constitution to guarantee civil rights for African Americans, including voting rights, public education, and equal protection under the law.
This effort marked a significant moment in U.S. history, showcasing early strides toward racial equality in governance during Reconstruction.
August Wilson’s powerful play, The Piano Lesson, was awarded the 1990 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play, part of Wilson’s acclaimed Pittsburgh Cycle, explores themes of legacy, family, and identity through the story of a family’s struggle over a treasured heirloom piano carved with the faces of their enslaved ancestors.
Although sometimes cited in retrospectives in November due to staging or broadcasting dates, the Pulitzer was officially awarded in April 1990.
Shortly after the Civil War, on November 24, 1865, Mississippi became the first former Confederate state to pass the so-called Black Codes. These laws severely restricted the rights and freedoms of newly emancipated African Americans. The codes:
Barred Black people from serving on juries
Prohibited them from testifying against white people in court
Forbade Black ownership or possession of firearms
Banned Black children from attending schools with white children
These codes were designed to maintain white supremacy and control over Black labor, effectively continuing the oppression of slavery under a different name. They sparked outrage in the North and were a major factor that led to Radical Reconstruction and the passage of the 14th and 15th Amendments.
On November 24, 1971, a significant prison rebellion erupted at Rahway State Prison (now known as East Jersey State Prison) in New Jersey. The unrest began when inmates violently assaulted Superintendent U. Samuel Vukcevich during an attempt to address their grievances in the prison auditorium. Vukcevich, along with three correction officers, was seized and held hostage in a cell for approximately 24 hours while negotiations took place. ?Justia Law
The inmates’ demands included improvements in their diet, regulation of commissary prices, enhanced educational and vocational training programs, better discipline among officers, and increased medical supplies. The situation was resolved without loss of life, and the hostages were released without the use of firearms. ?Wikipedia
This rebellion at Rahway State Prison occurred in the same year as the more widely known Attica Prison uprising in New York, highlighting a period of significant unrest and calls for reform within the U.S. prison system. ?American Friends Service Committee
Southern University was officially established in Louisiana on November 24, 1880, by the state legislature as a public institution for the education of African Americans. Initially located in New Orleans, the university later moved to Baton Rouge in 1914. It became the flagship of the Southern University System, the only historically Black university system in the United States.
Southern University has played a critical role in advancing higher education and civil rights for Black Americans, producing generations of educators, professionals, and leaders.
On this day, more than 150 delegates from Baptist churches across eleven U.S. states gathered in Montgomery, Alabama, to organize the Baptist Foreign Mission Convention of the United States. This historic gathering marked a major step in the development of independent Black religious institutions after Reconstruction.
Rev. William H. McAlphine, a prominent Alabama Baptist leader and educator, was elected as the first president. The convention focused on supporting foreign missionary work and strengthening the global outreach of African American Baptists.
This organization later became part of what is now the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., one of the largest African American religious organizations in the world.
Stephen Atkins Swails (1832–1900) was a notable African American figure during the Reconstruction era. After serving with distinction in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, becoming the first African American commissioned as a combat officer in the U.S. military, Swails transitioned into politics in South Carolina. He served as a state senator from 1868 to 1878, during which he held the influential position of president pro tempore for three terms. While specific records of his re-election date as president pro tempore are limited, his decade-long tenure underscores his significant role in South Carolina’s legislative leadership during Reconstruction.
On November 24, 1874, Robert Brown Elliott, a distinguished African American politician and orator, was elected Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives. This achievement marked a significant milestone during the Reconstruction era, reflecting Elliott’s leadership and the increasing political engagement of African Americans in the post-Civil War South. ?House History Archives
Born on August 11, 1842, in Liverpool, England, Elliott moved to South Carolina in 1867. He quickly became an influential figure in state politics, serving as a delegate to the 1868 constitutional convention and as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1868 to 1870. Elliott was also elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1870, serving until his resignation on November 1, 1874, when he returned to state politics. ?
As Speaker from 1874 to 1876, Elliott played a pivotal role in advocating for civil rights and combating the pervasive influence of groups like the Ku Klux Klan. His tenure exemplified the strides African Americans were making in political representation during Reconstruction. However, with the end of Reconstruction and the resurgence of white Democratic control in South Carolina, Elliott’s political career waned. He passed away on August 9, 1884, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Scott Joplin, a pioneering African American composer and pianist, was born in Texarkana, Texas. Widely known as the “King of Ragtime,” Joplin helped popularize the genre with his groundbreaking 1899 composition “Maple Leaf Rag” (published in 1899, though composed earlier), which ignited a ragtime music craze across America during the Gay Nineties and early 20th century.
His music laid the groundwork for jazz and American popular music. Joplin composed over 40 ragtime pieces, two operas, and a ballet, including the celebrated opera Treemonisha.
Melanie Thornton, an American pop and Eurodance singer best known as the lead vocalist of the group La Bouche, tragically died in a plane crash on November 25, 2001, near Zurich, Switzerland. She was 34 years old. Thornton had recently launched a solo career and was promoting her single “Wonderful Dream (Holidays Are Coming)” at the time of her death. Her powerful voice and international success made her a beloved figure, especially in Europe.
On November 25, 1955, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) issued an order banning racial segregation on interstate buses and in bus terminals, following a complaint filed by Sarah Keys, a Black Army private who had been forced to give up her seat on a bus in 1952. The case, Sarah Keys v. Carolina Coach Company, challenged the “separate but equal” doctrine in interstate travel.
This landmark decision was influenced by the legal strategy of the NAACP and was a precursor to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began just days later in December 1955. The ruling represented a significant legal victory in the struggle against Jim Crow laws and segregation in public transportation.
Ralph J. Bunche, diplomat and scholar, received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP for his distinguished service as a United Nations mediator in the Palestine conflict, where he successfully negotiated the 1949 Armistice Agreements between Israel and neighboring Arab states. He was also recognized for his contributions to the Gunnar Myrdal study, An American Dilemma, a groundbreaking examination of race relations in the U.S.
Bunche went on to become the first African American awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950.
On this day, the St. Louis chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) initiated a sit-in campaign to challenge and end racial segregation in downtown St. Louis facilities, including lunch counters and restaurants. Inspired by the principles of nonviolent direct action, the campaign marked one of the early uses of sit-ins in the civil rights movement, preceding the more widely known Greensboro sit-ins by over a decade.
This action helped lay the groundwork for future civil rights activism and demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing.
Luther “Bill” Robinson, famously known as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, passed away at the age of 71. A pioneering African American tap dancer, Robinson broke racial barriers in entertainment during the early 20th century. He was known for his smooth style, signature stair dance, and for being one of the first Black performers to appear in Hollywood films alongside white actors—most notably, Shirley Temple.
Robinson’s legacy endures as a foundational figure in American dance and Black performance history.
After a landmark legal battle in the United States, 35 survivors of the Amistad revolt departed from New York aboard the ship Gentleman to return to Africa. These individuals had been kidnapped from present-day Sierra Leone and sold into slavery, but they famously seized control of the slave ship La Amistad in 1839. Their case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in their favor, declaring them free persons. Their return marked a powerful moment of justice and resistance against the transatlantic slave trade.
Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, was born on November 26, 1939 (not November 25, 1941). Known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Turner rose to fame in the 1960s alongside Ike Turner before launching a hugely successful solo career.
Her powerful voice, electrifying performances, and resilience made her a global icon. She won multiple Grammy Awards, sold over 100 million records worldwide, and inspired generations with both her artistry and her story of personal strength.
On this day, the National Negro Medical Association of Physicians, Dentists, and Pharmacists was established in Atlanta, Georgia, during the Cotton States and International Exposition. The organization was created to support African American healthcare professionals who were excluded from white medical societies.
Led by pioneers like Dr. Robert F. Boyd, the association aimed to promote medical education, improve public health in Black communities, and advocate for the rights of Black healthcare workers.
This organization would later evolve into what is known today as the National Medical Association (NMA), the largest and oldest national organization representing African American physicians and their patients in the United States.
Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the first African American to achieve the rank of general in the U.S. Army, died at age 93 in Chicago. Commissioned as an officer in 1901, Davis had a distinguished military career spanning over 50 years. He broke racial barriers in a segregated military and served as an advisor on race relations within the armed forces. His legacy paved the way for future generations, including his son, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., who became the commander of the Tuskegee Airmen and the first Black general in the U.S. Air Force.
Charles Gordone became the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play No Place to Be Somebody, a powerful work about race, identity, and survival in America. The award marked a historic milestone in American theater, breaking barriers for Black playwrights.
That same year, renowned painter Jacob Lawrence was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP. The award recognized “the compelling power of his work which has opened to the world…a window on the Negro’s condition in the United States,” and “his unswerving commitment to the Black struggle.” Lawrence was best known for his vivid visual storytelling in works like The Migration Series.
On this day, William Henry Lewis was appointed Assistant Attorney General of the United States by President William Howard Taft, becoming the first African American to hold a sub-cabinet level position in the U.S. federal government. A Harvard-educated lawyer and former All-American football player, Lewis was a respected legal mind and a symbol of Black excellence in public service during the Jim Crow era. Despite facing racial discrimination, his appointment broke significant ground in the legal and political arenas.
Sojourner Truth, renowned abolitionist, women’s rights advocate, and powerful orator, died on this day in Battle Creek, Michigan, at approximately 86 years old. Born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree in New York around 1797, she escaped bondage and dedicated her life to fighting for the freedom and equality of both African Americans and women. Her most famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?”, delivered in 1851, remains one of the most iconic declarations of intersectional activism in American history. Truth left a profound legacy as a courageous voice for justice and human dignity.
On this day, the South Carolina General Assembly convened in Columbia and marked a major milestone during the Reconstruction era:
Stephen A. Swails, a Civil War veteran and lawyer, was elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate—the first African American to hold that position.
Samuel J. Lee, a prominent African American legislator and lawyer, was elected Speaker of the House.
In a groundbreaking move, the Assembly appointed four Black men to the seven-member Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina, making it one of the first major universities in the U.S. to be governed in part by African Americans.
These appointments reflected the political gains made by African Americans during Reconstruction and symbolized efforts to integrate leadership and education in the South—though many of these advances would be rolled back in the decades that followed.
On this day, Macon B. Allen was elected judge of the Inferior Court of Charleston, becoming the first African American to hold a major judicial position at the municipal level. Previously, Allen had already made history as the first Black licensed lawyer in the United States (1844, Maine). His 1872 election made him the second African American to hold a significant judicial role in U.S. history and a trailblazer in municipal justice.
Jaleel White, American actor and writer, was born in Culver City, California. He rose to fame portraying the beloved and iconic character Steve Urkel on the hit sitcom Family Matters, which aired from 1989 to 1998. Originally intended as a one-time guest role, Urkel became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most recognizable characters in American television history. White’s portrayal broke barriers for young Black actors in mainstream media and remains a lasting part of pop culture.
Robin Givens, an American actress and model, was born on this day in New York City. She rose to fame in the late 1980s for her role as Darlene Merriman on the sitcom Head of the Class (1986–1991). Givens also became a prominent figure in pop culture during the 1980s and 1990s, known for her poise, talent, and high-profile personal life—including a brief, widely publicized marriage to boxer Mike Tyson.
She later became an advocate for victims of domestic violence and has continued working in television, film, and theater.
On this day, federal troops withdrew from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, after nearly two months of protecting the Little Rock Nine — a group of nine Black students who had enrolled in the previously all-white school.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower had sent the 101st Airborne Division to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which declared school segregation unconstitutional.
The presence of troops helped ensure the students’ safety against violent mobs and resistance from the Arkansas governor. Their withdrawal marked a turning point, symbolizing the beginning of federal enforcement of civil rights in education — but the students continued to face harassment throughout the year.
Dorothy Height was elected as the fourth national president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in November 1957. She served in this role for 40 years, until 1997, providing steadfast leadership during pivotal moments in the American civil rights movement.
Prior to her presidency at NCNW, Height was deeply involved with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). She began her tenure there in 1937 and played a significant role in integrating its facilities nationwide. Additionally, from 1947 to 1956, she served as the national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she developed leadership training and educational programs.
Under Height’s leadership, the NCNW focused on issues such as voter registration in the South, education in the North, and scholarship programs for student civil rights workers. She also coordinated “Wednesdays in Mississippi,” bringing together black and white women to foster dialogue and understanding during the civil rights era.
Height’s dedication to civil and women’s rights earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. She continued her advocacy until her passing on April 20, 2010, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for equality and justice.
Mickey Leland, a Democratic Representative from Texas, was born on this day in Lubbock, Texas. A passionate advocate for the poor and underrepresented, Leland was known for his work in fighting hunger, both domestically and globally. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 until his death in 1989.
Tragically, on August 7, 1989, Leland died in a plane crash in southwestern Ethiopia while on a humanitarian mission to deliver food and aid to famine-stricken areas. His legacy lives on through the Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowship and numerous initiatives focused on global food security and social justice.
Jimi Hendrix, one of the most influential and celebrated rock musicians of all time, was born in Seattle, Washington. Known for his groundbreaking guitar skills, electrifying performances, and genre-defying sound, Hendrix transformed rock music in the 1960s with hits like Purple Haze, Hey Joe, and his iconic rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock. Though his mainstream career lasted only four years, his legacy continues to inspire musicians across genres worldwide.
Marjorie Joyner, an African American inventor and businesswoman, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,693,515 for her invention of the permanent wave machine, a device designed to curl or straighten hair for both Black and white clients. Joyner was a key figure in the beauty industry and worked for the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, where she served as national supervisor for over 200 beauty schools. She assigned her patent rights to the company, as was customary at the time.
Her invention revolutionized hair care and laid the foundation for later advancements in hair styling technology.
After a landmark legal battle in the United States, the formerly enslaved Africans who had taken control of the Spanish schooner La Amistad set sail for Sierra Leone aboard the ship Gentleman on November 27, 1841.
These individuals, mostly Mende people from present-day Sierra Leone, had been illegally kidnapped and sold into slavery. In 1839, they revolted aboard the Amistad, killing the captain and taking control of the ship. After being captured near Long Island, New York, they faced a legal trial that became a national and international cause célèbre.
The U.S. Supreme Court, with former President John Quincy Adams arguing on their behalf, ruled in 1841 that the Africans had been illegally enslaved and had the right to fight for their freedom. The decision led to their release and eventual return to Africa.
Coleman A. Young, the first African American mayor of Detroit, passed away on this day at age 79 due to respiratory failure caused by advanced emphysema. Elected in 1973, Young served five consecutive terms (1974–1994), becoming a defining political figure in the city’s modern history.
During his tenure, he worked to integrate city departments, improve labor relations, and invest in urban infrastructure amid significant racial and economic challenges. Young was known for his outspokenness, political savvy, and unwavering advocacy for Detroit’s Black community.
His legacy remains deeply intertwined with the story of Detroit’s transformation in the late 20th century.
Ernie Davis, a standout running back from Syracuse University, made history by becoming the first African American to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Nicknamed “The Elmira Express,” Davis broke racial barriers in sports and inspired a generation of Black athletes.
Although he was later drafted by the NFL, Davis tragically passed away from leukemia in 1963 at the age of 23, before playing a professional game. His legacy lives on as a symbol of excellence, dignity, and perseverance.
Richard Nathaniel Wright, acclaimed American author of Native Son and Black Boy, died in Paris, France, at the age of 52. Wright was a trailblazing literary figure whose powerful and sometimes controversial works exposed the harsh realities of racism, poverty, and identity in 20th-century America.
He was one of the first African American writers to gain international fame and critical acclaim, influencing generations of Black writers and thinkers. Wright spent his later years in exile in France, continuing to write and speak out against injustice around the world.
Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, one of the most influential tap dancers in American history, passed away on this day in New York City at the age of 71. Renowned for his graceful, light-footed style and signature stair dance, Robinson broke numerous racial barriers in entertainment. He was among the first Black performers to headline vaudeville shows and had a trailblazing Hollywood career, including iconic dance duets with Shirley Temple.
Despite facing racial segregation, Robinson’s talent and charisma earned him widespread acclaim, and he is celebrated as a pioneer who elevated tap dance to a high art form.
Berry Gordy Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 28, 1929. He would go on to found Motown Records in 1959, a groundbreaking Black-owned record label that played a pivotal role in bringing Black music into the mainstream. Under his leadership, Motown launched the careers of music legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and The Jackson 5. Gordy’s visionary business acumen and focus on artist development helped shape the “Motown Sound”, which bridged racial divides and transformed popular music globally.
The Ku Klux Klan trials began in the Federal District Court in Columbia, South Carolina, marking one of the earliest large-scale federal attempts to protect the civil rights of African Americans after the Civil War. These trials were part of President Ulysses S. Grant’s Enforcement Acts, also known as the Ku Klux Klan Acts, designed to curb racial terrorism by white supremacist groups in the South.
Hundreds of Klansmen were indicted for crimes including murder, assault, intimidation, and conspiracy to deny Black citizens their right to vote and participate in civic life. The trials exposed the widespread, violent backlash against Black political and social progress during Reconstruction and underscored the federal government’s willingness—at least temporarily—to intervene.
James Robinson, an enslaved African American who became a decorated soldier in the Revolutionary War, was born on this day in 1753. He fought heroically at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, where he was awarded a medal for bravery by the Marquis de Lafayette. Robinson had been promised his freedom for his service, but instead, after the war, he was sold back into slavery.
Robinson later regained his freedom and lived into his 100s, becoming one of the last living Black veterans of the American Revolution. His life reflects both the courage and the injustices faced by African Americans in the founding of the United States.
Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a groundbreaking politician, minister, and civil rights activist, was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He became the first African American from New York elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1945 to 1971.
As chairman of the powerful House Education and Labor Committee, Powell was instrumental in passing key social legislation under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, including minimum wage increases, education funding, and civil rights laws. He was also pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem and a powerful voice for racial justice and economic equality.
During a wave of civil rights activism across the South, Freedom Riders were violently attacked by a white mob at the bus station in McComb, Mississippi, beginning on November 29, 1961. The violence extended over several days through December 2, highlighting the extreme resistance faced by activists challenging segregation in interstate travel.
McComb had already been a hotbed of racial tension and activism earlier in the year, and this attack became another example of the violent backlash against the civil rights movement. Despite the danger, the Freedom Riders—organized by groups like CORE (Congress of Racial Equality)—remained committed to nonviolence and justice.
Alice Childress, a pioneering playwright, actress, and novelist, became the first African American woman to win an Obie Award for Off-Broadway theater. She earned the honor for her play “Trouble in Mind,” a bold and ahead-of-its-time critique of racism in the American theater world.
“Trouble in Mind” was later revived on Broadway in 2021 — decades after its original run — reaffirming Childress’s lasting influence on American theater and social commentary through art.
Pearl Primus, born in Trinidad and raised in New York City, was a groundbreaking dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist. She is celebrated for blending African and Caribbean dance traditions with American forms like blues, jazz, and jitterbug, creating powerful and expressive modern dance works.
Primus used dance as a tool for social justice, often addressing issues like racism and inequality. Her work helped elevate African dance in American performance and academic spaces. She also conducted extensive field research in Africa, bringing authenticity and deep cultural respect to her choreography.
On this date, the Continental Congress moved to officially allow the enlistment of Black men—both free and enslaved—into the American Army during the Revolutionary War. Though Black soldiers had already served earlier in the war, especially in Northern militias, this formal acknowledgment marked a broader shift in military policy following the harsh winter at Valley Forge.
Black men served in integrated units, an early example of racial integration in the U.S. military, and they fought in key battles from Bunker Hill to Yorktown. Every one of the original thirteen colonies saw Black soldiers fighting for the cause of American independence.
On this day, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement in England, baptized the first two known Black converts to Methodism. This event marked a significant early step in the inclusion of African-descended people in the growing Methodist tradition. Wesley, a strong advocate against slavery, believed in the spiritual equality of all people, and his movement would later become deeply influential among Black communities worldwide, especially in the Americas and the Caribbean.
Robert Tools, the first human to receive the AbioCor fully self-contained artificial heart, died at age 59 due to multiple organ failure after suffering a stroke. The landmark surgery, performed in July 2001, made history in the field of biomedical engineering. Tools, an African American man, became a symbol of hope and scientific progress as he lived 151 days with the groundbreaking device. His case marked a significant moment in the advancement of artificial organ technology.
Coleman A. Young, the first African American mayor of Detroit, was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP “in recognition of his singular accomplishments as mayor of the City of Detroit.” Elected in 1973, Young broke racial barriers and served five terms, leading the city through significant social and economic change while advocating for racial equity, labor rights, and urban development.
Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, students at Merritt College in Oakland, California, founded the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. The organization was established in response to systemic police brutality and racial injustice faced by Black communities in the U.S.
The Panthers promoted community empowerment, launched free breakfast programs, health clinics, and education initiatives, and were known for monitoring police behavior while advocating for self-determination. Their iconic uniform—black berets and leather jackets—became a symbol of resistance and pride.
On this day, Judith Jamison made her debut with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, marking the beginning of a legendary career in modern dance. Her powerful presence and artistry quickly made her one of the most celebrated dancers in the world. Jamison gained international acclaim for her performance in Alvin Ailey’s iconic solo piece, “Cry,” which he created specifically for her in 1971.
She later became artistic director of the company in 1989, continuing Ailey’s legacy and further elevating the company’s global status. Jamison remains a towering figure in American dance and a trailblazer for Black artists in the performing arts.
Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, was born in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from Barbados and Guyana. Elected in 1968, she represented New York’s 12th Congressional District and was a fierce advocate for education, civil rights, and social justice. In 1972, she made history again as the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for President of the United States, running under the slogan “Unbought and Unbossed.”
Her legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders and changemakers.
Gordon Parks, born on this day in Fort Scott, Kansas, became a groundbreaking photographer, filmmaker, writer, and humanitarian. He was the first African American to work as a staff photographer for Life magazine and broke barriers in Hollywood as the first major Black director of a studio film, The Learning Tree (1969), based on his semi-autobiographical novel. He also directed the iconic 1971 film Shaft, helping to launch the blaxploitation genre.
Parks used his lens and storytelling to confront issues of race, poverty, and social justice, becoming a powerful voice in American art and culture.
Samuel Raymond Scottron, an African American inventor and businessman, received a U.S. patent for a curtain rod (Patent No. 481,720). Scottron held several patents, many of which improved household items and furnishings. He is also known for inventing an improved version of the barber’s mirror that allowed customers to see the back of their heads.
In addition to his inventions, Scottron was active in civil rights and served on the Brooklyn Board of Education, making significant contributions to both innovation and social progress.
Alexander P. Ashbourne, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 170,460 for a biscuit cutter. His invention automated the process of cutting and forming biscuits, which previously had to be shaped by hand—an innovation that contributed to efficiency in food preparation during the 19th century.
Ashbourne was also a pioneer in other culinary innovations, including early methods of food processing and packaging. His contributions are part of the rich legacy of Black inventors whose work quietly shaped everyday life.
?James D. Lynch was elected as Mississippi’s Secretary of State in 1869, becoming the first African American to hold this position in the state. He served from 1869 until his death on December 18, 1872. ?
Before his political career, Lynch was a dedicated missionary and minister. He worked to establish churches and schools for African American communities in South Carolina and Georgia during the Civil War. In 1868, he moved to Mississippi, where he became a prominent figure in organizing the Republican Party and advocating for the political rights of freedmen. ?
Lynch’s election as Secretary of State marked a significant milestone during the Reconstruction era, reflecting the increasing political involvement of African Americans in the South during that period.
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