Monthly Archives: September 2024

On September 30, 1962 riots broke out at the University of Mississippi after James Meredith tried to enroll.
White students were looking to prohibit Meredith from enrolling, leading to riots. In August 1963, Meredith graduated becoming the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi.

On September 29, 1926, Charles “Chuck” Henry Cooper was born. Charles Henry Cooper was the first African American selected in a NBA draft in 1950.

On September 28, 2003 Althea Gibson died at the age of 76. Althea Gibson was a superstar athlete in the 1900’s. During her professional athletic career, she played both tennis and golf breaking color barriers along the way. Her accomplishments include being the first African American to win the Wimbledon and the U.S Open. In 2003, Althea Gibson died at the age of 76.

On September 27, 1950, Gwendolyn Brooks was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for “Annie Allen.” Gwendolyn Brooks was a famous poet and author during the 1900s. Brooks used literature to detail black stories and experiences. In 1950, Gwendolyn Brooks won a Pulitzer Prize for her literacy work “Annie Allen.” She became the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize.

On September 26, 1981, tennis legend Serena Williams was born in 1981. Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes of all time. She is known for her dominance on the tennis court. Serena began her professional tennis career at the age of 14. During her career, Serena captured 23 Grand Slam titles. Today, her legacy is cemented as a trailblazer on the tennis court and in the sports world.

On September 25, 1957, the Little Rock Nine officially had their first day of class. In 1957, the Little Rock Nine finally had their first day of class after weeks of chaos, including protests, riots and the use of law enforcement. The saga began on September 4,1957 when Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus called the Arkansas National Guard to prohibit the Little Rock Nine from entering Central High School. Weeks later, President Eisenhower ordered federal troops to escort the students to class.

On September 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture officially opened. In 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture finally opened for guests after 15 long years. The project started in 1929 under the Hoover administration but was never completed due to lack of funding. In 2003, Congress approved funding which finally started the journey of creating the historic museum. The museum was finally opened in 2016 during the Obama administration. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

On September 23, 1980, Bob Marley performed his last concert at the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh. At the time, Marley was suffering from cancer, which had spread to several parts of his body. Less than a year later, he passed away from cancer at the age of 36. Today, his legacy remains as one of the best reggae artists in music history.

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation that announced his plan to free all slaves. Lincoln’s draft of the Emancipation Proclamation put a 100 day timeline on when he anticipated all slaves to be freed. The official Emancipation proclamation wasn’t drafted until January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation, which ultimately led to the freeing of all slaves, is one of the most historic documents in U.S history.

On September 21, 1998, olympic sprinter Florence Griffith-Joyner suddenly passed away at the age of 38. Florence Griffith-Joyner was an Olympic sprinter who became known as “Flo-Jo” for her athletic talent. During her professional career, “Flo-Jo” earned five Olympic medals, including three gold medals and two silver medals. Florence Griffith-Joyner died in her sleep in 1998.