On March 19, 1968, students at Howard University conducted a sit-in at Douglass Hall. In 1968, more than 1000 students participated in a four day protest at Howard University. The students demanded a change in administration and an increase in African American studies in the curriculum. The sit-in lasted until March 23, 1968.
Author Archives: The Black Blog
Unita Zelma Blackwell, the first black woman to be elected mayor in Mississippi, was born in 1933
On March 18, 1933, Civil rights leader and activist Unita Zelma Blackwell was born. Unita Blackwell was an influential figure in Mississippi who helped to create institutions and policies that sought to uplift the black community. She founded the Mississippi Democratic Freedom Party (1964) and co-founded the Mississippi Action Community Education (1964).
Bayard Rustin, the lead organizer of the March on Washington, was born in 1912
On March 17, 1912, Bayard Rustin was born. Bayard Rustin was an influential civil rights activist and organizer in the 1900s. He was involved in key global civil and gay rights movements but often didn’t receive credit due to his sexuality. Despite being left out of the spotlight, Rustin remained dedicated to activism. He was the lead organizer of the 1963 “March on Washington.”
The Freedom’s Journal, the first newspaper owned and operated by African Americans, was published in 1827
On March 16, 1827, The Freedom’s Journal was published. The Freedom’s Journal was the first newspaper owned and operated by African Americans. The newspaper served as a voice for the black community by advocating against racism and discrimination.
John Wesley Lee Jr. became the first African American to be commissioned to the regular U.S. Navy in 1947
On March 15, 1947, John Wesley Lee Jr. became the first African American to be commissioned to the regular U.S. Navy. John Wesley Lee Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944. In 1947, he became the first African American to be commissioned to the regular U.S. Navy. He retired from active duty in 1966.
Fannie Lou Hamer, the co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, died in 1977
On March 14, 1977, Fannie Lou Hamer died at the age of 59 from breast cancer. Fannie Lou Hamer was an impactful civil and voting rights advocate. She co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) and was an active organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
Breonna Taylor was killed during a botched police raid in Louisville in 2020
On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor was killed during a botched police raid in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2020, 26-year-old EMT Breonna Taylor was shot and killed during a botched police raid. None of the officers involved in the shooting have yet to face charges associated with her death.
Jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker died in 1955
On March 12, 1955, Charlie Parker died at the age of 34. Charlie Parker was a talented saxophonist who helped to pave the way for jazz music.
10-time GRAMMY winner Bobby McFerrin was born in 1950
On March 11, 1950, Bobby McFerrin was born in New York. Bobby McFerrin is an influential musician and 10-time GRAMMY award winner.
Civil rights leader and community organizer Daisy Lampkin died in 1965
On March 10, 1965, Daisy Lampkin died at the age of 81. Daisy Lampkin was an influential civil rights leader and community organizer. Lampkin devoted her time to several prestigious black empowerment groups and organizations including the NAACP, the NACW, and the Lucy Stone Woman Suffrage League.
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