On January 31, 1919, Jackie Robinson was born. Jackie Robinson is known for breaking color barriers in professional baseball. In 1947, he broke the baseball color barrier and became the first African American to play in the MLB.
Category Archives: Today in History
The house of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was bombed in 1956
On January 30, 1956, the house of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was bombed.
Philanthropist and businesswoman Oprah Winfrey was born in 1954
On January 29, 1954, Oprah Winfrey was born. Oprah Winfrey is a famous philanthropist and entrepreneur.
Ronald McNair died in the Space Shuttle Challenger launch in 1986
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.
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.
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