Category Archives: Today in History

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was stabbed at a Harlem book signing in 1958

On September 20, 1958 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was stabbed during a book signing in Harlem. In 1958, Dr. Martin Luther King was hosting a booking at Blumstein’s Department Store in Harlem when he was stabbed by Izola Ware Curry. He was singing copies of his new novel: Strive Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story when the incident occurred. King was immediately rushed to Harlem Hospital where he received medical attention and recovered. After the stabbing, Curry was committed to the Matteawan State Hospital.

Atlanta University, known as Clark Atlanta University, was founded in 1865

On September 19, 1865, Atlanta University was founded by the American Missionary Association. In 1988, Atlanta University and Clark College merged to form Clark Atlanta University. Today, Clark Atlanta University offers a wide range of bachelors and masters programs to more than 4,000 students.

Vanessa Williams became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America in 1983

On September 17, 1983 Vanessa Williams became the first black woman to be crowned Miss America. In 1983, Vanessa Williams made history as the first African American woman to become Miss America. Less than a year after being crowned, Williams gave up her title after nude photos of her surfaced online. She went on to pursue a career as an actress, starring in Ugly Betty, Soul Food and The Johnson Family Vacation.

Legendary blues musician Riley ‘B.B.’ King was born in 1925

On September 16, 1925 B.B. King was born in Mississippi. Riley “B.B.” King was a legendary blues musician, often called the “King of Blues.” The Grammy award winning artist created hits like “Three O’Clock Blues”, “The Thrill is Gone”, “I Like to Live the Love” among others. His talent earned him an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Riley “B.B.” King died in 2015 at the age of 89.

Four Black girls killed during Birmingham church bombing in 1963

On September 15, 1963, four black girls were killed in the Birmingham church bombing. In 1963, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Carole Denise McNair were killed during a church bombing at 16th Street Baptist Church. The church was a known gathering place for prominent civil rights leaders and activists.

Constance Baker Motley, the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge, was born in 1921

On September 14, 1921, Constance Baker Motley was born in Connecticut in 1921.  Constance Baker Motley is an influential civil rights leader who used her judicial experience and expertise to uplift and impact the black community. Motley received higher education from Columbia Law School in 1946, before starting a historic career. For decades, she worked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund architecting key civil rights lawsuits until 1965. In 1966, Motley made history as the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge. In addition to law, she also devoted her time to politics, becoming the first African American woman elected to the New York State Senate.

Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to go to space in 1992

On September 12, 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African American to go to space. In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison traveled to space with 6 other restaurants on the Endeavor space shuttle. 8 days later on September 20, 1992 the Endeavour returned to the Kennedy Space Center. In 1993, Dr. Mae Jemison left NASA, taking her skills and experience to help educate the next generation. Since leaving NASA, Dr. Mae Jemison has served as an educator at several prestigious institutions, in addition to nonprofit work.