Inmates seized Attica State Correctional Facility (N.Y.) and held several guards hostage. They issued a list of demands which included coverage by the state minimum wage law, better food and no reprisals.

On this date in 1987, the famous boxer Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns becomes the first Black man to win boxing titles in five different weight classes.

On this date in 1978, Muhammad Ali, was the first black prizefight to gross more than a five-million dollars gate in the bout at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Muhammad Ali won in a 13-round unanimous decision and became the first to win the heavyweight title three times.

On this date in 1969, Large-scale racial disorders were reported in Hartford, Connecticut. Five hundred were arrested and scores were injured.

On this date in 1964, Rev. K.L. Buford and Dr. Stanley Smith were elected to Tuskegee City Council and became first Black elected officials in Alabama in twentieth century.

On this date in 1963, Four Black girls killed in bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.

ON this date in 1945, Jessye Norman, one the worlds most respected opera singers was born. Jessye was known for her stage presence, vocal range, and her ability to convey emotion.

ON this date in 1943, Actor and activist, Paul Robeson, portrays Othello for the 296th time at New York City’s Shubert Theater.

On this date in 1923, Governor said Oklahoma was in a “state of Virtual rebellion and insurrection” because of KKK activities. Martial Law was declared.

On this date in 1898, the National Afro-American Council was founded in Rochester, New York. Bishop Alexander Walters of the AME Zion Church was elected president. The organization proposed a program of assertion and protest.