On January 28, 1986, Ronald McNair died in the Space Shuttle Challenger launch. Ronald McNair was a HBCU graduate and the second African American astronaut to go to space.
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Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson died in 1972
On January 27, 1972, Mahalia Jackson died. Mahalia Jackson was a famous gospel singer. In addition to her musical career, she also participated in the civil rights movement. She worked alongside influential civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Prominent activist, author and educator Angela Davis was born in 1944
On January 26, 1944, Angela Davis was born. Angela Davis is an influential activist, author and educator. She has written several literary works depicting the experiences of black people, black feminism and social justice. She is the author of “Women, Race and Class” and “Abolition. Feminism. Now” among others. Angela Davis has also served as a professor at various prestigious institutions.
Black Entertainment Television (BET) began broadcasting in 1980
On January 25, 1980, Black Entertainment Television (BET) began broadcasting for the first time.
Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, died in 1993
On January 24, 1993, Thurgood Marshall died. Thurgood Marshall became the first African American Supreme Court Justice in 1967. Thurgood Marshall died in 1993.
‘Roots’ first premiered on ABC in 1977
On January 23, 1977, Roots created by Alex Haley first premiered on ABC. The mini television series is based on the novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley. Roots has grown in popularity because of its honest depiction of racism and slavery.
Sam Cooke, known as the Father of Soul Music, was born in 1931
On January 22, 1931, Sam Cooke was born. Sam Cooke was a famous soul singer during the 1950s. In addition to music, Cooke devoted his time to the civil rights movement.
Professional basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon was born in 1963
On January 21, 1963, Hakeem Olajuwon was born. Hakeem Olajuwon was a professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1985-2002. Today, he is honored as a basketball legend.
Barack Obama was inaugurated as the first African American president of the U.S. in 2009
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated in Washington D.C. He became the first African American president of the United States. Barack Obama served as President from 2009-2017.
John H. Johnson, the founder of Ebony and JET magazine, was born in 1918
On January 19, 1918, John H. Johnson was born. John H. Johnson was an influential publisher during the 1900s. He founded Ebony and JET magazine.
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