1961 - Track star Carl Lewis was born on this date.
Olympic track and field star Carl Lewis was born in Willingboro, New Jersey.
1910 - First Black heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson successfully defended his heavy
First Black heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson successfully defended his heavyweight championship by knocking out Jim "The Great White Hope"... Continue →
1975 - Arthur Ashe wins Wimbledon on this date.
Arthur Ashe makes history by becoming the first African American male to win the men's single title at Wimbledon, defeating Jimmy Connors.
1906 - Baseball great Satchel Paige born on this date.
Baseball legend Satchel Paige was born in Mobile, Alabama.
2001 - Venus Williams wins her second straight Wimbledon
Venus Williams wins her second straight Wimbledon Women's Singles Championship. Venus is the first woman to win consecutive Wimbledon Championships... Continue →
1943 - Arthur Ashe is born on this date.
Arthur Ashe, Born July 10, 1943 in Richmond, Virginia. In 1963, Twenty-year-old Arthur Ashe becomes the first African-American to make the U.S. Davis... Continue →
1963 - Floyd Patterson is defeated by Sony Liston and loses his world heavyweight title
Floyd Patterson is defeated by Sony Liston and loses his world heavyweight title, 1963
1962 - Jackie Robinson inducted into Hall of Fame
Baseball great Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1980 - Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns wins WBA Welterweight Title
Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns wins the WBA Welterweight title. This is one of five weight classes that he has won a boxing title making him the first Black... Continue →
1984 - Evelyn Ashford wins a gold medal in the 100-meter
Evelyn Ashford wins a gold medal in the 100-meter race and Edwin Moses wins a gold medal in the 400 meter hurdles in the Summer Olympic Games in Los... Continue →
1936 - Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics
Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics, 1936
1935 - Rafer Johnson, is born
Rafer Johnson was born August 18, 1935, Hillsboro, Texas One of the greatest all-around track athletes in history. On Sept. 6, 1960, he won the... Continue →
1936 - Wilt Chamberlain born on this date.
Basketball great Wilton "Wilt the Stilt" Chamberlain born in Philadelphia.
1966 - Professional baseball player, Frank Robinson was named MVP of the American League
Professional baseball player, Frank Robinson was named MVP of the American League, 1966
1960 - Rafer Johnson won the Olympic Decathlon
On Sept. 6, 1960 Rafer Johnson won the Olympic Decathlon, the first for an African American.
1957 - Tennis champion, Althea Gibson, wins a US National Tennis Championship
Tennis champion, Althea Gibson, becomes the first Black athlete to win a US national tennis championship, 1957
1968 - Arthur Ashe, the first winner of the U.S.Open
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.
1979 - Lou Brock becomes MLB all-time steals leader.
Lou Brock stole a record of 935th bases and became the all-time major league record holder.
1981 - Tennis sensation Serena Williams born on this date.
Tennis sensation Serena Williams born on this date.
2001 - Figure skating pioneer Mabel Fairbanks dies on this date
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 →
1991 - Mike Powell broke the world long jump world record when he jumped 8.95 meters.
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 →
1971 - Elgin Baylor announces his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers.
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 →
1999 - Basketball legend, Wilt Chamberlain, died at the age 63 on this date
Basketball legend, Wilt Chamberlain, died today at age 63.
1968 - Bob Beamon breaks World long jump record on this date.
World long jump was beat by Bob Beamon, record at 29 ft, 2.5 in at the Mexico City Olympics
1972 - Death of Jack Roosevelt ("Jackie") Robinson on this date.
Death of Jack Roosevelt ("Jackie") Robinson (53), first Black in major leagues in twentieth century, in Stamford, Connecticut.
1990 - Evander Holyfield knocks out James "Buster" Douglas in the third round.
Evander Holyfield knocks out James "Buster" Douglas in the third round to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
1974 - Muhammad Ali regains world heavyweight boxing title.
Muhammad Ali regains world heavyweight boxing title.
1957 - Charlie Sifford became the first Black person to win a major professional golf tournament.
On this date in 1957,Charlie Sifford became the first Black person to win a major professional golf tournament, By winning the Long Beach Open
1985 - Dwight Gooden wins Cy Young Award
New York Mets pitcher, Dwight Gooden won the Cy Young Award making him the youngest pitcher ever to win this prestigious award.
1990 - On this day, the US Golf Association bans racial & gender discrimination.
On this day, the US Golf Association bans racial & gender discrimination.
1953 - Roy Campanella named most valuable player of the National Baseball League
Roy Campanella was named most valuable player of the National Baseball League for the second time, 1953
1976 - Gymnast Dominique Dawes born on this date.
Three-time Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes is born in Siver Spring, Maryland. She will win an Olympic gold medal and two bronze medal. She will also... Continue →
1975 - Ohio State running back Archie Griffin wins second Heisman Trophy.
Ohio State running back Archie Griffin becomes the first person ever to win the Heisman Trophy twice. He will play for the Cincinnati Bengals and be... Continue →
1981 - Marcus Allen, wins the Heisman Trophy
Marcus Allen, tailback for the Univ of Southern California, wins the Heisman Trophy
1980 - George Rogers is awarded the Heisman Trophy
George Rogers is awarded the Heisman Trophy
1972 - Johnny Rodgers is awarded the Heisman Trophy
Johnny Rodgers is awarded the Heisman Trophy
1973 - OJ Simpson sets NFL Record for Rushing Yards
O.J. Simpson set an NFL record of 2003 rushing yards in one season.
1991 - Michael Jordan named Sportsman of the Year
Michael Jordan is named 1991 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year
1983 - Julius Erving (Dr. J.) scores his 25,000th career point.
Julius Erving scores his 25,000th career point, becoming the ninth professional basketball player to achieve this mark.
1999 - Michael Jordan announces his second retirement from the NBA.
Michael Jordan announce his second retirement from the NBA and the most illustrious career of any professional sports figure to date.
1942 - Birthday Muhammad Ali(Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr) was born on this date
Muhammad Ali(Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr), 57 former heavyweight champion boxer. Born Lousivlle, Ky. Jan,17, 1942.
1981 - First Black professional hockey player
Grant Fuhr, goalie for the world champion Edmonton Oilers, is picked in the first round of the National Hockey League draft to become the first Black... Continue →
1962 - Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1970 - Arthur Ashe, first Black male to win Wimbledon, is denied entry
Arthur Ashe, first Black male to win Wimbledon, is denied entry to compete on the US Team for the South African Open tennis championships due to... Continue →
1965 - Leroy "Satchel" Paige, named all-time outstanding player
Leroy "Satchel" Paige, major league baseball player, named all-time outstanding player by National Baseball Congress
1988 - Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams Super Bowl MVP
Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams, the first African American quarterback to play in a Super Bowl game, is named MVP in Super Bowl XXII.
1986 - Figure Skater Debi Thomas wins Woman's Singles
Figure skater Debi Thomas became the first African American to win the Women's Singles of the U.S. National Figure Skating Championship competition,... Continue →
1970 - Joe Frazier knocks out Jimmy Ellis
Joe Frazier knocked out Jimmy Ellis in the second round of their New York fight and became the world heavyweight boxing champion.
2002 - Vonetta Flowers
Vonetta Flowers became the first black gold medalist in the history of the Winter Olympic Games. She and partner Jill Brakken won the inaugural... Continue →
1964 - Cassius Clay Becomes Muhammad Ali
On this day, the Kentucky boxer known to all as Cassius Clay, changed his name to Muhammad Ali as he accepted Islam and rejected Christianity. "I... Continue →
1962 - Wilt The Stilt Chamberlain scores 100 points on this day
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 →
1946 - Jackie Roosevelt Robinson's professional debut
Jackie Roosevelt Robinson made his professional debut as a member of the Montreal Royals in the Daytona Beach ballpark that now bears his name. One... Continue →
1966 - Bill Russell named head coach of the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell named head coach of the Boston Celtics, becoming the first African American to coach an NBA team.
1955 - Football star Earl Campbell born
Football star Earl Campbell was born in Tyler, Texas.
1974 - Hank Aaron Breaks Babe Ruth's Record
Henry ("Hank") Aaron broke Babe Ruth's major league baseball record, by hitting his 715th home run in a game at Atlanta stadium.
1989 - Sugar Ray Robinson dies
Sugar Ray Robinson, five-time winner of the world middleweight boxing championship and unbeaten welterweight champion, dies.
1997 - Eldrick Tiger Woods wins the 61st Masters Tournament in Augustus,Georgia.
Eldrick Tiger Woods wins the 61st Masters Tournament in Augustus,Georgia at the age of 21 becoming the youngest person to ever win this tournament.
2002 - Tiger Woods wins Third Masters Golf Tournament
Tiger Woods wins his third Masters Golf title and becomes only the second person ever to win two of the titles in a row.
1986 - Michael Jordan set NBA playoff scoring record
Jordan scores 63 points against Boston Celtics.
1967 - Muhammad Ali Loses Boxing Championship Recognition
World Boxing Association and New York State Athletic Commission withdrew recognition of Muhammad Ali as world heavyweight boxing champion because of... Continue →
1892 - George "Little Chocolate" Dixon defeats Jack Skelly
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 →
1952 - Floyd Patterson first professional fight takes place.
On this date in 1952, Floyd Patterson's first professional fight took place. He was the first to hold the world heavyweight championship twice.
1947 - Jackie Robinson, named National League Rookie of the Year.
On this date in 1947, First Black baseball player in the major leagues, Jackie Robinson, named National League Rookie of the Year.
1913 - Gold Medalist James Cleveland Owens was born
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
1967 - Track star Michael Johnson was born.
On this date in 1967, Track star Michael Johnson was born today
1987 - Boxer Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns wins title in five different weight classes
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.
1978 - Muhammad Ali wins heavyweight title for third time
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 →
1937 - Negro Baseball League player, Orlando Cepeda was born.
ON this date in 1937, Negro Baseball League player, Orlando Cepeda was born.
1904 - Negro Baseball League player, William Hendrick "Bill" Foster was born.
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 →
1990 - Atlanta, Ga., is selected as the site of the XXV Olympiad Summer Games.
On this date in 1990, Atlanta, Ga., led by Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, is selected as the site of the XXV Olympiad Summer Games.
1919 - Fritz Pollard becomes the first black to play Professional football
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 →
1935 - Joe Louis draws million dollar gate
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 →
1962 - Sonny Liston knocks out Floyd Patterson
On this date in 1962, Sonny Liston knocks out Floyd Patterson in the first round to become the world heavyweight boxing champion
1886 - Peter "The Black Prince" Jackson wins Australian heavyweight title
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 →
1950 - Ezzard Charles defeated Joe Louis
On this date in 1950, Ezzard Charles defeated Joe Louis in heavyweight championship fight in New York City.
1991 - Michael Jordan leads Chicago to 1st NBA Title
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.
1990 - Bernadette Locke becomes the first female on-court coach
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 →
1964 - Arthur Ashe becomes first Black person named to the US Davis Cup team
On this date in 1964, Arthur Ashe, first Black male to win Wimbledon, becomes first Black person named to the US Davis Cup team.
1952 - Joe Black become first Black Pitcher to Win a World Series Game
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 →
1974 - Frank Robinson named manager of the Cleveland
On this date in 1974, Frank Robinson named manager of the Cleveland Indians and became the first Black manager in the major leagues.
1974 - Frank Robinson,becomes the manager of the Cleveland Indians
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 →
1916 - Sophomore tackle Paul Robeson is excluded from the Rutgers football team.
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 →
1968 - Wyomia Tyus wins two consecutive gold medals.
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.
1968 - John Carlos and Tommie Smith staged Black Power demonstration.
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 →
1945 - Actor, singer, athlete and activist, Paul Robeson, receives Spingarn Medal.
ON this date in 1945, Actor, singer, athlete and activist, Paul Robeson, receives Spingarn Medal, 1945
1989 - Bertram M. Lee and Peter C.B. Bynoe purchase the Denver Nuggets
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 →
1950 - Earl Lloyd, First to play in NBA game.
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 →
1950 - Charles Cooper joins the NBA and becomes one of the first Blacks to play in NBA.
On this date in 1950, Charles Cooper joins the NBA and becomes one of the first Blacks to play in an NBA game.
1950 - Nat Clifton joins the NBA and becomes one of the first Blacks to play in NBA.
On this date in 1950, Nat Clifton joins the NBA and becomes one of the first Blacks to play in an NBA game.
1940 - Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) was born
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.
1974 - Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman in Zaire
On this dated in 1974, Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman for heavyweight boxing title in Zaire.
1893 - Football player, William Henry Lewis, named All-American.
On this date in 1893, Football player, William Henry Lewis, named All-American.
1949 - Boxer Larry Holmes born
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 →
1981 - Zena Garrison becomes the 1st African American player to win the junior singles
On this date in 1981, Zena Garrison becomes the 1st African American player to win the junior singles tennis championship at Wimbledon, England
1961 - Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy.
On this date in 1961, Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy.
1989 - Andre Ware of the University of Houston becomes the first African American quart
On this date in 1989, Andre Ware of the University of Houston becomes the first African American quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy.
1912 - Henry Armstrong, the only boxer to hold three boxing titles simultaneously, born
On this date in 1912, Henry Armstrong, the only boxer to hold three boxing titles simultaneously, is born in Columbus, Ohio
1982 - Hearns wins WBC Junior Middleweight Title
On this date in 1982, Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns wins the WBC Junior Middleweight title. This is one of five weight classes that he has won a boxing... Continue →
1997 - Grambling coach,Eddie Robinson who is the winningest coach in college football
On this date in 1997, Grambling coach,Eddie Robinson who is the winningest coach in college football history, coaches his last game.
1956 - Spingarn Medal awarded to Jackie Robinson
On this date in 1956, the Spingarn Medal awarded Jack Roosevelt ("Jackie") Robinson, first Black in the major leagues, for his conduct on and off the... Continue →
1892 - First African American Intercollegiate football
On this date in 1892, Livingstone and Biddle College (now Johnson C. Smith) play the first African American intercollegiate football game.
1908 - Jackson Johnson defeated Tommy Burns
On this date in 1908, Jackson Johnson defeated Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia, for the heavyweight Championship. Burns will later say of his loss,... Continue →
