On October 23, 1955, Charles “Charlie” Brackins became the first HBCU graduate to play quarterback in the NFL. In 1955, Charlie Brackins made his NFL debut with the Green Bay Packers, becoming the first HBCU alumni to play quarterback in the NFL. Brackins attended Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) where he had a historical collegiate football career.
Category Archives: Today in History
Black Panther Party co-founder and activist Bobby Seale was born in 1936
On October 22, 1936, Robert “Bobby” Seale was born in Texas. Bobby Seale is famously known for co-founding the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. Seale gained higher education from Merritt College, where he met his co-founder Huey P. Newton.
Astronaut Ronald E. McNair was born in 1950
On October 21, 1950, Astronaut and physicist Ronald E. McNair was born in South Carolina. Ronald E. McNair gained higher education at North Carolina A&T University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1971. After schooling, McNair started his career as a respected and esteemed physicist and astronaut. McNair went on to become the second African American to go to space.
Enolia McMillan, the first female president of the NAACP, was born in 1904
On October 20, 1904, Enolia McMillan was born. Enolia McMillan was an influential educator and civil rights leader during the 1900’s. Early on in her life, McMillan developed a passion for education after she saw first hand the inadequacies in public education systems. Her accomplishments include being the first female president of the NAACP and the first female chair of the Board of Regents at Morgan State University. She also served as President of the Maryland State Colored Teachers Association.
The U.S. Navy formally admitted African American women in 1944
On October 19, 1944, President Roosevelt and the Navy formally admitted African Americans into the Navy. In 1944, President Roosevelt and the Navy announced the decision to allow African American women into the Navy. Shortly thereafter WAVES selected two Black recruits Harriet Ida Pickens and Frances Eliza Willis to enlist in the Navy. On December 26, 1944, Harriet Ida Pickens and Frances Eliza Willis earned communion becoming the first African American Navy officers.
Novelist Terry McMillan was born in 1951
On October 18, 1951, Terry McMillan was born in Michigan. Terry McMillian is a renowned novelist and author. She is the author of “Waiting to Exhale” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” Both of these novels were turned into films. The popular film “Waiting to Exhale” starred Angela Bassett and Whitney Houston.
Capital Savings Bank, the first bank organized and operated by African Americans, was founded in 1888
On October 17, 1888, Capital Savings Bank was founded in 1888. Capital Savings Bank was the first bank organized and operated by African Americans. Capital Savings Bank grew in popularity among the Black community because it was one of the only banks that offered loans and capital to Black people.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists at the 1968 Olympics
On October 16, 1968, American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. During a time in history, where Black people were fighting for basic rights and liberties, a “raised fist” became a symbol and salute to Black power.
The Black Panther Party was formed in Oakland in 1966
On October 15, 1966, the Black Panther Party was formed in Oakland, California. The Black Panther Party was formed by notable civil rights and political activists Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. The Black Panther Party was a black power organization that sought to uplift and protect black communities and families by focusing on social reform and community initiatives.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964
On October 14, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King won a Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent approach to the civil rights movement. He made history as the youngest person to receive the award, at just 35 years old.
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