Author Archives: The Black Blog

On July 12, 1887, two former slaves, Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin T. Green established Mound Bayou. Mound Bayou is one of the largest African American communities in the nation with a population of 98% African American, according to the 2010 census.

On July 11, 1905, the Niagara Movement, led by W.E.B Du Bois met for the first time. W.E.B Du Bois created the Niagara Movement in the early 1900s. The Niagara Movement was a group of black elites who advocated for civil and political rights for all. The group met for the first time July 11-14, 1905 near Niagara Falls. After quickly losing momentum, members of the Niagara Movement joined the NAACP after it was founded in 1909.

On July 10, 1875, Mary McLeod Bethune was born. Mary McLeod Bethune was an influential educator and civil rights activist. Mary McLeod Bethune played an integral part in founding many Black prestigious institutions and organizations including Bethune-Cookman University and the National Council of Negro Women. Today her legacy remains instilled in the history of America with several national parks, monuments, statues, and educational institutions created in her honor.

On July 9, 2000, Venus Williams won Wimbledon for the first time. Venus Williams is a legend in her own right. She has made history throughout her career, with most of her success happening at Wimbledon. In 2000, she won at Wimbledon making her the first Black female Wimbledon champion since Althea Gibson in 1958.

On July 8, 1914, Billy “Mr. B” Eckstine was born. Billy “Mr. B” Eckstine was a famous jazz musician and bandleader. Eckstine attended Howard University before pursuing a music career. He is known for musical hits like “I Apologize” and “Jelly” among others. Billy “Mr. B” Eckstine died in 1993.

On July 7, 1906, Leroy “Satchel” Paige was born in Mobile, Alabama. Leroy “Satchel” Paige was a professional pitcher. Paige dominated the Negro Leagues and the American League from the 1920-1970’s. During his baseball career, Paige made history as the first African American pitcher to pitch in a World Series game.

On July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson became the first African American to win Wimbledon. Althea Gibson is a legend, to say the least. She made history throughout her career, breaking through color barriers and switching sports. With a passion for both tennis and golf, Gibson joined the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour in 1964. She was the first Black woman to join. After retiring from competitive sports, Gibson was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971.

On July 5, 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win Wimbledon. Arthur Ashe made history in 1975 when he defeated Jimmy Connors, becoming the first Black man to ever win at Wimbledon. That’s not his only achievement. Arthur Ashe was the first Black man to win the U.S Open in 1968. Today his legacy and name lives on with the main U.S Open Stadium being named in his honor.

On July 4, 2002, General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. died. General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was the first Black general in the U.S. Air Force.

Calvin Smith set the 100m record in 1983, becoming the “fastest man alive.” Calvin Smith is a retired track and field athlete. Smith held the title of “fastest man alive” before the likes of Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin and others. After breaking the 100m record that previously stood for 15 years, Smith’s legacy was solidified. Calvin Smith was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2007.