On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill in the White House Rose Garden that declared Martin Luther King Day a federal holiday. MLK Day was first observed on January 20, 1986. Despite it being declared a federal holiday, Martin Luther King Day wasn’t observed by all 50 states until 2000.
Category Archives: Today in History
EBONY Magazine published its first issue in 1945
EBONY magazine published its first issue in 1945. The Black magazine was founded by John H. Johnson.
Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in a NBA game in 1950
On October 31 1950, Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in the NBA. In 1950, Washington Capitols player Earl Lloyd stepped onto the court against the Rochester Royals, becoming the first African American to play in the NBA.
Richard Arrington was elected the first African American mayor of Birmingham, Alabama in 1979
On October 30, 1979, Richard Arrington was elected the first African American mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. Richard Arrington served as mayor from 1979-1999.
LeBron James made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003
On October 29, 2003, LeBron James made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Marie Maynard Daly, the first African American woman in the U.S. to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry, died in 2003
On October 28, 2003, Biochemist Marie Maynard Daly died in 2003. Marie Maynard Daly was an influential biochemist and educator. Her accomplishments include being the first African American woman in the U.S. to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry and the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Columbia University.
Actress, poet and civil right activist Ruby Dee was born in 1922
On October 27, 1922, Ruby Dee was born. Ruby Dee was a famous actress, poet and civil right activist. She played the role of Jackie Robinson’s wife in the film “The Jackie Robinson Story.”
Mahalia Jackson, known as the “Queen of Gospel,” was born in 1911
On October 26, 1911, Mahalia Jackson was born. Mahalia Jackson was a pioneer gospel singer. She is known as the “Queen of Gospel.”
Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr. became the first Black general in the Army in 1940
On October 25, 1940, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. became the first black general in the Army. In 1940, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. was promoted to brigadier general, making him the first Black general in the U.S. Army. Davis served in the Army for 50 years before retiring.
Rosa Parks, the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” died in 2005
On October 24, 2005, Rosa Parks died. Rosa Parks is famously known for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery bus. She is known as the “mother of the civil rights movement.”
TheBlack.Blog 