The Black Blog

Coleman Young, the first African American mayor of Detroit, was born in 1918

Coleman Young was born in 1918. Coleman Young was the first African American mayor of Detroit, Michigan. He served as mayor from 1974-1994.

Army Sgt. William Carney became the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor in 1900

Army Sgt. William Carney became the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor in 1900. Army Sgt. William Carney earned the Medal of Honor for his efforts to protect the American flag during the Civil War.

Prominent poet and writer Langston Hughes died in 1967

Prominent poet and writer Langston Hughes died in 1967. Langston Hughes used his gift of poetry and writing to highlight key aspects of African American history. He was a leading figure during the Harlem Renaissance.

Biggie Smalls aka Notorious B.I.G. was born in 1972

Iconic rapper Biggie Smalls was born in 1972. Biggie Smalls aka Notorious B.I.G. is known for hits like “Big Poppa” and “Get Money.” Biggie Smalls tragically passed away in 1997 at the age of 24.

Feminist and civil rights activist Nannie Helen Burroughs died in 1961

Feminist and civil rights activist Nannie Helen Burroughs died in 1961.

Civil rights leader Malcolm X was born in 1925

Influential civil rights leader Malcolm X was born in 1925.

A decision was made in the Plessy vs. Ferguson case in 1896

A decision was made in the Plessy vs. Ferguson case in 1896. The ruling upheld the “separate but equal” doctrine.

A historic ruling made in Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954

On May 17, 1954, a ruling was made in the historic civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education. The ruling found that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.

Singer and actress Janet Jackson was born in 1966

On May 16, 1966, Janet Jackson was born. Janet Jackson is a legendary singer and actress.

Camilla Williams became the first African American woman to appear with a major American opera company in 1946

On May 15, 1946, Camilla Williams became the first African American woman to appear with a major American opera company.