Floyd Patterson, the first Olympic gold medalist to become a world heavyweight boxing champion, was born in Waco, North Carolina. Known for his speed... Continue →
On this day, Andrew “Rube” Foster, a former player, manager, and executive, established the Negro National League (NNL), the first successful,... Continue →
Baseball great Willie Lee McCovey was born in Mobile, Alabama. McCovey joined the San Francisco Giants in 1959 and quickly made an impact, earning... Continue →
Jacques Dominique Wilkins, Hall of Fame basketball player, was born in Paris, France. Known for his scoring ability and highlight-reel dunks, Wilkins... Continue →
Joe Frazier, Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight boxing champion, was born in Beaufort, South Carolina. Known for his relentless fighting style and... Continue →
Michael Jordan announces his second retirement from the NBA, stepping away from what was widely regarded as the most illustrious career in... Continue →
On January 13, 1953, Don Barksdale made history as the first Black player to participate in an NBA All-Star Game. A trailblazing athlete and former... Continue →
James Frank, then president of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, was installed as the first African American president of the National... Continue →
On this day, boxing legend Muhammad Ali was honored as the Associated Press Athlete of the Year. Known for his unmatched skill in the ring and his... Continue →
Muhammad Ali(Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr), 57 former heavyweight champion boxer. Born Lousivlle, Ky. Jan,17, 1942.
On January 18, 1981, Grant Fuhr became the first Black player to be drafted in the first round of the National Hockey League (NHL) Draft. Selected by... Continue →
On this day in 1997, former Major League Baseball outfielder Curt Flood passed away at the age of 59. Flood famously challenged baseball’s reserve... Continue →
Josh Gibson, one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history and a Negro League superstar, died on this day in 1947. Known as the "Black Babe... Continue →
On January 21, 1933, the American Bridge Association (ABA) was established by Black bridge players in response to racial segregation in card-playing... Continue →
George Foreman, two-time heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist, was born in Marshall, Texas. Known for his powerful punching and... Continue →
Paul Robeson, a renowned actor, singer, athlete, and civil rights activist, passed away on this day in 1976. Robeson was a multi-talented figure who... Continue →
On January 24, 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first African American to receive the honor.... Continue →
On January 26, 1990, Elaine Weddington Steward was named assistant general manager of the Boston Red Sox, making her the first Black woman to hold an... Continue →
William "Bill" White, born on January 28, 1934, in Lakewood, Ohio, was a standout Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman. Over his... Continue →
On January 29, 1970, tennis champion Arthur Ashe was denied a visa to compete on the U.S. team at the South African Open due to his outspoken... Continue →
John Tate, American heavyweight boxer and former WBA World Heavyweight Champion, was born on January 29, 1955, in Marion, Arkansas. Known for his... Continue →
On January 30, 1965, legendary pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige was named the all-time outstanding player by the National Baseball Congress. Renowned... Continue →
On January 30, 1927, the Harlem Globetrotters played their first game in Hinckley, Illinois. Founded by Abe Saperstein, the team combined... Continue →
On January 31, 1988, Doug Williams, quarterback for the Washington Redskins, made history as the first African American quarterback to play in and... Continue →
Ernie Banks, legendary Major League Baseball player and longtime Chicago Cubs star, was born on January 31, 1931, in Dallas, Texas. Known as "Mr.... Continue →
On January 31, 1919, baseball legend Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia. In 1947, he broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier by joining... Continue →
On January 31, 1914, boxer Jersey Joe Walcott was born as Arnold Raymond Cream in Merchantville, New Jersey. A skilled and resilient fighter, Walcott... Continue →
On February 3, 1989, tennis professional Lori McNeil defeated legendary player Chris Evert in the Pan Pacific Open held in Tokyo, Japan. The win was... Continue →
On February 3, 1989, former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Bill White was named president of the National League, becoming the first African... Continue →
On February 3, 1920, the Negro National League (NNL) was founded in Kansas City, Missouri, by Andrew “Rube” Foster and a group of Black team... Continue →
Henry "Hank" Aaron, one of baseball’s greatest legends, was born on February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama. Nicknamed the “Home Run King,” Aaron... Continue →
On February 6, 1993, Arthur Ashe, renowned tennis champion and civil rights activist, passed away at the age of 49. Ashe was the first Black man to... Continue →
On February 6, 1972, Robert L. Douglas, founder and coach of the New York Renaissance (the “Rens”), became the first African American elected to... Continue →
On February 8, 1986, Debi Thomas became the first African American to win the Women's Singles title at the U.S. National Figure Skating... Continue →
On February 8, 1978, Leon Spinks shocked the world by defeating Muhammad Ali in a split decision to win the world heavyweight boxing championship.... Continue →
On February 9, 1971, legendary pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He became the first player from... Continue →
William Felton "Bill" Russell was born in Monroe, Louisiana. A legendary basketball player and civil rights advocate, Russell later became the first... Continue →
Isaac Burns Murphy, one of the greatest jockeys in American horse racing history, died on this day in 1896. Known for his integrity and exceptional... Continue →
On February 13, 1923, the New York Renaissance, commonly known as the “Rens,” became the first all-Black professional basketball team. Founded by... Continue →
Joe Frazier defeated Jimmy Ellis by knockout in the second round at Madison Square Garden, New York, to become the undisputed world heavyweight... Continue →
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, was born in Brooklyn, New York. Known for his legendary career... Continue →
James Nathaniel Brown, known as Jim Brown, was born on this day in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Widely regarded as one of the greatest football... Continue →
Vonetta Flowers made history by becoming the first Black athlete to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympic Games. Competing alongside her partner... Continue →
Charles Wade Barkley, Hall of Fame basketball player and sports analyst, was born in Leeds, Alabama. Known for his dominant rebounding, outspoken... Continue →
Julius Winfield Erving II, famously known as "Dr. J," was born in Roosevelt, New York. A revolutionary figure in professional basketball, Erving was... Continue →
Elston Gene Howard, the first African American to play for the New York Yankees, was born in St. Louis, Missouri. A talented catcher and later coach,... Continue →
Jimmy Ellis, born James Albert Ellis in Louisville, Kentucky, was a prominent heavyweight boxer who became World Boxing Association (WBA) champion in... Continue →
Mike Tyson defended his heavyweight titles and solidified his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Frank Bruno in a fifth-round... Continue →
On this day, 22-year-old Muhammad Ali—then known as Cassius Clay—defeated Sonny Liston in Miami Beach to become the world heavyweight boxing... Continue →
One day after winning the world heavyweight boxing title, Cassius Clay announced his conversion to Islam and adopted the name Muhammad Ali. The... Continue →
Theodore "Tiger" Flowers, known as the "Georgia Deacon" for his devout faith, made history by defeating Harry Greb at Madison Square Garden to become... Continue →
American figure skater Debi Thomas made history by becoming the first Black athlete to win a medal at the Winter Olympics. She earned the bronze in... Continue →
Legendary boxer Joe Louis officially retired as the world heavyweight boxing champion after an unprecedented reign of eleven years and eight months.... Continue →
On this day in 1962, "Wilt the Stilt" Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single basketball game-a professional record that still stands today. He... Continue →
Dr. Reginald Weir became the first Black athlete to compete in the U.S. Indoor Lawn Tennis Association Championship. His participation marked a... Continue →
Darryl Strawberry, a legendary Major League Baseball outfielder, was born on this day in Los Angeles, California. Known for his powerful swing and... Continue →
Jackie Roosevelt Robinson made his professional baseball debut with the Montreal Royals in Daytona Beach, Florida — at the ballpark that would... Continue →
On this day, Maurice Ashley made history by becoming the first Black International Grandmaster in chess. Born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn,... Continue →
Moses Malone, one of the most dominant centers in professional basketball history, was born in Petersburg, Virginia. Nicknamed “The Mailman” for... Continue →
Debi Thomas, who would go on to become the first African American to win a medal at the Winter Olympics, was born on this day in Poughkeepsie, New... Continue →
On this day, Bill Russell was named head coach of the Boston Celtics, making history as the first Black head coach in the NBA and in major American... Continue →
Ronnie Ray Smith, an American track and field sprinter, was born in Los Angeles, California. He rose to prominence in the 1960s as part of the... Continue →
Earl Campbell, one of the greatest power running backs in NFL history, was born in Tyler, Texas. Known as the "Tyler Rose," Campbell won the Heisman... Continue →
Walt Frazier, one of basketball’s most iconic figures, was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for his dazzling style off the court—complete with... Continue →
Jesse Owens, the legendary track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, died at age 66 in Tucson, Arizona. Owens’... Continue →
Jack Johnson, the first Black man to win the world heavyweight boxing title, was born in Galveston, Texas. He became champion in 1908 after defeating... Continue →
Coach John Thompson of Georgetown University made history by becoming the first Black head coach to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship.... Continue →
World-renowned African American cowboy Willie "Bill" Pickett died in Ponca City, Oklahoma, from injuries sustained after being kicked in the head by... Continue →
Charles W. Follis, known as "The Black Cyclone," passed away on this day. He was the first African American to play professional football in the... Continue →
Anthony "Tony" Dorsett, legendary NFL running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer, was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania. A standout at the University... Continue →
In a historic moment at Atlanta Stadium, Henry “Hank” Aaron hit his 715th career home run, surpassing Babe Ruth’s long-standing Major League... Continue →
On this day, Emmett Ashford made history by becoming the first African American to umpire a Major League Baseball game. Officiating the season opener... Continue →
Jackie Robinson signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, officially becoming the first Black player in Major League Baseball’s modern era. His... Continue →
Sugar Ray Robinson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, passed away at the age of 67. A five-time world middleweight champion... Continue →
Joe Louis, one of the greatest heavyweight boxing champions in history, passed away at the age of 66. Known as the “Brown Bomber,” Louis held the... Continue →
Emmett Ashford made history as the first African American umpire in Major League Baseball when he officiated his first game in the American League.... Continue →
On April 13, 1997, Tiger Woods made history by winning the 61st Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. At just 21 years old, he... Continue →
On this day, Tiger Woods captured his third Masters title at Augusta National Golf Club, finishing three strokes ahead of Retief Goosen. This victory... Continue →
Jackie Robinson made his historic debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern... Continue →
Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns won the World Middleweight Title, becoming the first Black boxer in history to claim world titles in five different weight... Continue →
On April 16, 1947, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr. in New York City. A dominant force from high... Continue →
On April 18, 1966, NBA legend Bill Russell was named head coach of the Boston Celtics, making him the first Black head coach in major U.S.... Continue →
On April 21, 1986, in just his second NBA season, Michael Jordan delivered one of the most iconic performances in basketball history by scoring 63... Continue →
On April 21, 1997, Kenyan long-distance runner Lameck Aguta won the 101st running of the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:10:34. His victory... Continue →
On April 21, 1974, Lee Elder made history by becoming the first African American golfer to qualify for the prestigious Masters Tournament. Held... Continue →
On April 23, 1954, rookie outfielder Henry "Hank" Aaron hit... Continue →
On April 25, 1950, Charles “Chuck” Cooper made history as the first African American basketball player ever drafted by a National Basketball... Continue →
On April 25, 1947, Jackie Robinson officially became the first Black player in modern Major League Baseball history when he joined the Brooklyn... Continue →
On April 28, 1967, the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the New York State Athletic Commission stripped Muhammad Ali of his world heavyweight title... Continue →
On April 29, 2015, Calvin Peete, the most successful Black golfer on the PGA Tour before Tiger Woods, passed away at the age of 71. Despite picking... Continue →
On April 30, 1961, Isiah Lord Thomas III was born in Chicago, Illinois. The youngest of nine children raised by a single mother on the city’s West... Continue →
On May 1, 1902, African American jockey Jimmy Winkfield rode Alan-a-Dale to victory, claiming his second straight win at the Kentucky Derby.... Continue →
On May 2, 1920, the first official game of the Negro National League (NNL) was played, marking a historic moment in African American sports history.... Continue →
On May 3, 1896, African American cowboy Bill Pickett became widely recognized as the inventor of bulldogging—a daring rodeo technique where a rider... Continue →
Born on May 4, 1948, in Monrovia, Liberia, George Weah rose from humble beginnings to become one of Africa’s greatest footballers and later the... Continue →
On May 5, 1975, Hank Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth’s long-standing record for career runs batted in (RBIs), marking another historic milestone in his... Continue →
On May 6, 1931, baseball icon Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born in Westfield, Alabama. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-around players in... Continue →
On May 6, 1940, Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born in Westfield, Alabama. Mays would become one of the greatest baseball players in history, combining... Continue →
On May 6, 1984, Carl Lewis showcased his dominance at a U.S. track and field national championship, winning the 100-meter sprint. That year, Lewis... Continue →
On May 6, 1989, Alton Byrd, one of the United Kingdom’s top basketball talents, signed with the Sacramento Kings, marking a rare British addition... Continue →
On May 8, 1932, heavyweight boxing legend Charles "Sonny" Liston was born in St. Francis County, Arkansas. Known for his intimidating presence and... Continue →
On May 8, 1967, Muhammad Ali was formally indicted for refusing induction into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Ali cited religious reasons... Continue →
On May 8, 1884, Moses Fleetwood Walker made history as the first African American to play Major League Baseball, appearing for the Toledo Blue... Continue →
On May 10, 1950, baseball legend Jackie Robinson made history once again — this time off the field — by becoming the first African American to... Continue →
On May 11, 1950, Jackie Robinson, the first Black Major League Baseball player of the modern era, testified before the House Un-American Activities... Continue →
On May 13, 1914, Joseph Louis Barrow—later known to the world as Joe Louis—was born in Lafayette, Alabama. Rising from humble beginnings, Louis... Continue →
On May 14, 1963, 22-year-old Arthur Ashe made history as the first African American selected for the U.S. Davis Cup tennis team. His groundbreaking... Continue →
On May 14, 1885, African American jockey Erskine Henderson claimed victory at the 11th Kentucky Derby, riding a horse named Joe Cotton. The horse was... Continue →
Equipped with speed, skill, and charisma, Sugar Ray Leonard would become one of the most celebrated boxers in history. Rising to prominence after... Continue →
On this day, African American jockey Oliver Lewis won the first-ever Kentucky Derby riding the horse Aristides. Out of the 15 jockeys who competed,... Continue →
Ernie Davis, the star running back from Syracuse University and the first Black player to win the Heisman Trophy (1961), tragically passed away from... Continue →
On May 18, 1960, Yannick Noah was born in Sedan, France. He would go on to become one of France’s greatest tennis players, winning 39 professional... Continue →
Reginald Martinez Jackson is born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. Known to the world as Reggie Jackson, he will rise to fame as a legendary Major League... Continue →
On this day, Willy T. Ribbs made history as the first African American driver to qualify for the prestigious Indianapolis 500. Ribbs' achievement... Continue →
On this day, Marvelous Marvin Hagler was born in Newark, New Jersey. Hagler rose to become the undisputed middleweight boxing champion of the world... Continue →
On this day in 1991, Hal McRae was named manager of the Kansas City Royals, becoming one of only two African-American managers in Major League... Continue →
On May 25, 1986, approximately 30 million people across 76 countries participated in pop singer Bob Geldof's "Race Against Time." This global relay... Continue →
On this day, James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens, while representing Ohio State University in a Big Ten track-and-field meet held at the University of... Continue →
On this day in 1975, Ezzard Charles, former world heavyweight boxing champion, died at the age of 53 in Chicago. Known as the "Cincinnati Cobra,"... Continue →
On this day in 1943, Gale Eugene Sayers was born in Wichita, Kansas. Nicknamed "The Kansas Comet", Sayers would go on to become one of the most... Continue →
On May 30, 1971, baseball legend Willie Mays scored his 1,950th career run, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Major... Continue →
ON this date in 1904, Negro Baseball League player, William Hendrick "Bill" Foster was born. was an American left-handed pitcher in baseball's Negro... Continue →
ON this day in 1991, Michael Jordan lead Chicago Bulls in win over L.A. Lakers in five games to capture his first NBA Championship.
On thus day in 1990, Bernadette Locke becomes the first female on-court coach when she is named assistant coach of the University of Kentucky men's... Continue →
Olympic track and field star Carl Lewis was born in Willingboro, New Jersey.
On this date in 1983, Calvin Smith of the United States became the fastest man alive, setting a new 100m world record with a time of 9.93 seconds... Continue →
On this date in 1966, Moises Alou was born. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder, known for his successful career playing for teams... Continue →
On this date in 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in... Continue →
On this date in 1910, Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, made history by successfully defending his title against Jim "The... Continue →
On this date in 1975, Arthur Ashe made history by winning Wimbledon in an unforgettable moment for tennis and sports history. Ashe defeated Jimmy... Continue →
On this date in 2002, Serena Williams made history by defeating her sister Venus Williams in the Wimbledon Women's Singles Final. Serena won the... Continue →
On this date in 1957, Althea Gibson made history by becoming the first African American to win a Wimbledon singles title. She defeated Darlene Hard... Continue →
On this date in 1906, Satchel Paige, one of baseball's greatest pitchers, was born. His incredible talent and career in the Negro Leagues made him a... Continue →
On this date in 1972, Lisa Leslie was born in Compton, California. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all... Continue →
On this date in 2001, Venus Williams defended her Wimbledon title, winning her second consecutive championship by defeating Justine Henin in the... Continue →
On this date in 1805, Bill Richmond, the son of formerly enslaved parents, made history as the first African American to gain recognition as a... Continue →
On this date in 1910, First Black heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson successfully defended his heavy weight title against former champion James "The... Continue →
ON this date in 1943, Arthur Ashe was born in Richmond, Virginia. He became a legendary tennis player, known for being the first Black man to win... Continue →
On this date in 1891, African American jockey William "Monk" Overton achieved a remarkable feat by winning six consecutive horse races at Washington... Continue →
Arthur Ashe was born on July 10, 1943, in Richmond, Virginia. He broke numerous racial barriers in tennis, becoming the first Black man to win the... Continue →
On this date in 1942, Muhammad Ali, originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was born, in Louisville, Kentucky. He became one of the most famous... Continue →
On July 22, 1963, Floyd Patterson faced Sonny Liston in a highly anticipated rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship. Patterson, who had... Continue →
Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 23, 1962. He was the first African American player to be honored with this... Continue →
George Dixon, the Canadian-born boxer, was indeed born on July 29, 1870. He was a notable figure in the history of boxing, especially famous for his... Continue →
On August 1, 1964, Arthur Ashe made history by becoming the first Black player selected for the U.S. Davis Cup team. His achievement was a... Continue →
Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns made history on August 2, 1980, when he won the WBA Welterweight title by defeating Pipino Cuevas. This victory was a... Continue →
On August 4, 1936, John "Long John" Woodruff won the Olympic gold medal in the 800-meter run at the Berlin Olympics. He was just 21 years old and a... Continue →
On August 5, 1984, Evelyn Ashford won the gold medal in the women’s 100-meter sprint at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She clocked an impressive... Continue →
Patrick Ewing, one of the greatest basketball players of his era, was born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica. Ewing is best known for his... Continue →
On August 7, 1948, Alice Coachman made history by becoming the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. She achieved this feat in... Continue →
Abebe Bikila was actually born on August 7, 1932. He became famous for winning the 1960 Olympic marathon in Rome while running barefoot, becoming the... Continue →
On August 8, 1936, Jesse Owens made history at the Berlin Olympics by winning four gold medals in track and field. This remarkable achievement... Continue →
Magic Johnson, born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Known for his... Continue →
On August 17, 1984, Roberto Clemente became the second baseball player to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp. The stamp was part of the U.S. Postal... Continue →
Rafer Johnson, the American decathlete, was born on August 18, 1935, in Hillsboro, Texas. He is best known for his remarkable career in track and... Continue →
On August 18, 1964, South Africa was officially banned from the Olympic Games. This decision came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC)... Continue →
Roberto Clemente, one of baseball's most legendary players, was indeed born on August 18, 1934, in Carolina, Puerto Rico. He became an iconic figure... Continue →
On August 19, 1926, Theodore "Tiger" Flowers successfully defended his world middleweight title by defeating former champion Harry Greb in a 15-round... Continue →
On August 20, 1939, the National Negro Bowling Association (NNBA) was officially organized in Detroit, Michigan, as a response to racial segregation... Continue →
Wilt Chamberlain, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was born on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is widely known... Continue →
Althea Gibson, the groundbreaking tennis player who became the first African American to win a Wimbledon singles title, was born on August 25, 1927.... Continue →
Frank Robinson was indeed born on August 31, 1935, in Beaumont, Texas. He made a huge impact on the sport of baseball, both as a player and as a... Continue →
On September 2, 1966, Frank Robinson was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American League. Robinson had an incredible season that year,... Continue →
Rafer Johnson won the Olympic decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics on September 6, 1960. This victory was a major achievement in his career, as he... Continue →
On this date in 1892, George "Little Chocolate" Dixon defeats Jack Skelly in New Orleans to win the world featherweight title. While some African... Continue →
Tennis champion, Althea Gibson, becomes the first Black athlete to win a US national tennis championship, 1957
Arthur Ashe became the first winner of the U.S. Open Tennis Championship, defeating Tom Okker of the Netherlands at Forest Hills Stadium, New York.
On this date in 1952, Floyd Patterson's first professional fight took place. He was the first to hold the world heavyweight championship twice.
On this date in 1947, First Black baseball player in the major leagues, Jackie Robinson, named National League Rookie of the Year.
On this date in 1913, James Cleveland Owens, better known as Jesse Owens, winner of four gold medals at the Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, was born
On this date in 1967, Track star Michael Johnson was born today
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... Continue →
ON this date in 1937, Negro Baseball League player, Orlando Cepeda was born.
On this date in 1990, Atlanta, Ga., led by Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, is selected as the site of the XXV Olympiad Summer Games.
On this date in 1919, Fritz Pollard becomes the first black to play Professional football for a major team, the Akron Indians. Pollard was also the... Continue →
Lou Brock stole a record of 935th bases and became the all-time major league record holder.
On this date in 1935, World Heavyweight Champion, Joe Louis, becomes the first Black boxer to draw a million dollar gate. 88,000 fans paid out... Continue →
On this date in 1962, Sonny Liston knocks out Floyd Patterson in the first round to become the world heavyweight boxing champion
ON this date in 1886, Peter "The Black Prince" Jackson wins the Australian heavyweight title, becoming the very first Black man to win a national... Continue →
Tennis sensation Serena Williams born on this date.
On this date in 1950, Ezzard Charles defeated Joe Louis in heavyweight championship fight in New York City.
Mabel Fairbanks, 85, the first black women to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame died following a long illness. Fairbanks coached... Continue →
Mike Powell broke the world long jump world record when he jumped 8.95 meters at a meet in Tokyo. The previous mark-8.90 meters-was set by Bob Beamon... Continue →
On this date in 1962, Joe Black becomes the first black pitcher to win a World Series game. The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4-2. Black was... Continue →
On this date in 1974, Frank Robinson named manager of the Cleveland Indians and became the first Black manager in the major leagues.
On this date in 1974, Professional baseball player, Frank Robinson,becomes the manager of the Cleveland Indians and the first Black manager of a... Continue →
Elgin Baylor announces his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers. After 14 years in the NBA, Baylor had scored 23,149 points, the third highest in... Continue →
Basketball legend, Wilt Chamberlain, died today at age 63.
On this date in 1916, Sophomore tackle Paul Robeson is excluded from the Rutgers football team when Washington and Lee University refused to play... Continue →
On this date in 1969, Wyomia Tyus becomes the first person to win a gold medal in the 100 meter race in two consecutive Olympic games.
ON this date in 1968, John Carlos and Tommie Smith staged Black Power demonstration on victory stand after winning 200-meter event at Olympics in... Continue →
World long jump was beat by Bob Beamon, record at 29 ft, 2.5 in at the Mexico City Olympics
ON this date in 1945, Actor, singer, athlete and activist, Paul Robeson, receives Spingarn Medal, 1945
On this date in 1989, Bertram M. Lee and Peter C.B. Bynoe sign an agreement to purchase the National Basketball Association's Denver Nuggets for $54... Continue →
On this date in 1950, The first NBA Black Assistant Coach and first Black chief scout, Earl Lloyd, becomes the first Black person to play in an NBA... Continue →
On this date in 1950, Charles Cooper joins the NBA and becomes one of the first Blacks to play in an NBA game.
On this date in 1950, Nat Clifton joins the NBA and becomes one of the first Blacks to play in an NBA game.
ON this date in 1940, in Tres Coracoes, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, generally known as Pelé, is born.
Death of Jack Roosevelt ("Jackie") Robinson (53), first Black in major leagues in twentieth century, in Stamford, Connecticut.
Evander Holyfield knocks out James "Buster" Douglas in the third round to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
Muhammad Ali regains world heavyweight boxing title.
On this dated in 1974, Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman for heavyweight boxing title in Zaire.
On this date in 1893, Football player, William Henry Lewis, named All-American.
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... Continue →
On this date in 1981, Zena Garrison becomes the 1st African American player to win the junior singles tennis championship at Wimbledon, England
On November 7, 1963, Elston Howard made history by becoming the first African American player to win the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP)... Continue →
On November 8, 1878, Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He became the first African American world cycling... Continue →
On this day, Charlie Sifford made history by winning the Long Beach Open, becoming the first African American golfer to win a significant... Continue →
Wilma Glodean Rudolph, Olympic gold medalist and trailblazing sprinter, died at the age of 54 in her home in Nashville, Tennessee. Overcoming... Continue →
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... Continue →
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... Continue →
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... Continue →
Arthur Dorrington became the first Black athlete to sign a professional hockey contract when he joined the Atlantic City Sea Gulls of the Eastern... Continue →
On this day, Dwight Gooden, one of baseball’s most electrifying pitchers, was born in Tampa, Florida. Known as “Doc” or “Dr. K,” Gooden... Continue →
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... Continue →
On this day, Paul Cuffe, a wealthy African American and Wampanoag businessman, along with other free Black men in Massachusetts, petitioned the state... Continue →
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... Continue →
Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympian and trailblazing gymnast, is born in Silver Spring, Maryland. Nicknamed "Awesome Dawesome," she would go on to... Continue →
On this day, George Branham III made history by becoming the first African American to win a title on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)... Continue →
Ernie Davis, a standout running back from Syracuse University, made history by becoming the first African American to win the prestigious Heisman... Continue →
On December 2, 1975, Archie Griffin, the standout running back from Ohio State University, made history by becoming the first—and so far... Continue →
Andre Ware, quarterback for the University of Houston, made history by becoming the first African American quarterback to win the prestigious Heisman... Continue →
Henry Armstrong, born Henry Jackson Jr., would go on to become the only boxer in history to simultaneously hold world titles in three weight... Continue →
On this day, Thomas "Hitman" Hearns defeated Wilfred Benítez to win the WBC Junior Middleweight (Super Welterweight) title. With this victory,... Continue →
Marcus Allen, a standout running back from the University of Southern California (USC), won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in NCAA... Continue →
Johnny Rodgers, a standout wingback for the University of Nebraska, was awarded the Heisman Trophy on December 5, 1972, becoming the first wide... Continue →
Eddie Robinson, legendary head coach of Grambling State University, coached his final football game on this day. Over a remarkable 57-year career... Continue →
Billy Sims, star running back for the University of Oklahoma, was awarded the Heisman Trophy on this day, becoming one of the few African American... Continue →
Tony Dorsett, star running back for the University of Pittsburgh, was awarded the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding player in college football.... Continue →
Bill Pickett, a legendary African American cowboy, was posthumously inducted into the National Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame on December 9, 1971. Born in... Continue →
Andrew “Rube” Foster, founder of the Negro National League (NNL) and a legendary figure in Black baseball, died on this day in 1930. Foster was... Continue →
On this day, legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson officially retired from boxing, ending a storied career that redefined the sport. Robinson amassed... Continue →
George Rogers, star running back from the University of South Carolina, was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the second Black athlete to win the... Continue →
Boxing legend Henry Armstrong was born on this day in 1912. In 1938, Armstrong made history by becoming the first boxer to simultaneously hold world... Continue →
Josh Gibson, one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history, was born on this day in Buena Vista, Georgia. Known as the "Black Babe Ruth,"... Continue →
Dr. George F. Grant, an African American dentist, professor, and inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 638,920 for a wooden golf tee. A... Continue →
On this day, Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era, was traded from the Brooklyn Dodgers to... Continue →
Larry Doby, born on this day in Camden, South Carolina, would go on to become a trailblazer in Major League Baseball. On July 5, 1947, he became the... Continue →
Archibald Lee Wright, later known as Archie Moore, was born in Benoit, Mississippi. A legendary figure in boxing, Moore would go on to win the World... Continue →
Elston Howard, the first Black player to join the New York Yankees, passed away on this day in 1980. A standout catcher during the 1950s and 1960s,... Continue →
On December 14, 1939, Ernie Davis was born in New Salem, Pennsylvania. He would go on to become a trailblazing figure in American football,... Continue →
On December 16, 1973, during the final game of the regular season, Buffalo Bills running back O.J. Simpson made NFL history by becoming the first... Continue →
In December 1991, Michael Jordan was honored as Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year, recognizing his exceptional achievements during the year.... Continue →
On December 17, 1975, baseball legend Henry "Hank" Aaron was honored with the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP. This prestigious award recognized his... Continue →
Lori McNeil, born on December 18, 1963, in San Diego, California, is a former professional tennis player renowned for her achievements in both... Continue →
On December 20, 1983, Julius "Dr. J" Erving scored his 25,000th career point, becoming the ninth professional basketball player to reach this... Continue →
Florence Griffith Joyner, legendary American track and field athlete, was born in Los Angeles, California. Known as "Flo-Jo," she became iconic for... Continue →
Josh Gibson, born in Buena Vista, Georgia, was one of the most powerful and legendary baseball players of his era. Often referred to as the "Black... Continue →
In Sydney, Australia, Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns to win the world heavyweight championship, becoming the first Black man to hold the title.... Continue →
On this day, Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding conduct both on and off the baseball... Continue →
Livingstone College and Biddle College (now Johnson C. Smith University) played the first recorded football game between African American colleges.... Continue →
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