Category Archives: Today in History

On October 13, 1901, Edith Spurlock Sampson was born. Edith Spurlock Sampson was the first African American delegate to represent the U.S. at the UN.

On October 12, 1999, Wilt Chamberlain died at the age of 63.  Wilt Chamberlain dominated the NBA from 1959-1973, winning two championship titles. Wilt Chamberlain is most remembered for his 100-point game against the Knicks in 1962.

On October 11, 1971, MC Lyte was born in Queens, New York. MC Lyte is an iconic rapper, DJ, actress, and philanthropist. After music MC Lyte transitioned to starting a successful career as an actress.

On October 10, 2019, Simone Biles won her fifth all-around world gymnastics championship. In 2019, Simone Biles won her fifth all-around championship title. She extended her medal count to 22, becoming the most decorated and accomplished gymnast in world championship history.

On October 9, 1968, Deon Hemmings was born in St. Ann, Jamaica. Deon Hemmings is known for being the first Jamaican woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Throughout her Olympic career, Hemmings dominated the 400m hurdles, her specialty.

On October 8, 2004, Environmentalist Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Maathai received higher education in the U.S., earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Shortly thereafter, Maathai returned to Africa to continue her education where she became the first woman in East and Central Africa with a doctorate degree.

On October 7, 1993, Toni Morrison became the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize for Literature. Toni Morrison received higher education from Howard University. After graduating, Morrison went on to create a career as a renowned novelist and professor. Throughout her career, Morrison was praised for her literary works that often highlighted pivotal aspects of black history. In 1993 Toni Morrison won the Nobel Peace for Literature making her the first African American woman to receive the prestigious award. In addition to winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1963, Morrison was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Toni Morrison died in 2019 at the age of 88.

On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan retired from professional basketball for the first time. Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played most of his career for the Chicago Bulls, winning them a total of six NBA championships. In 1993 Michael Jordan announced his first retirement from the NBA. At the time of his retirement Jordan had led the Chicago Bulls to three NBA championships. After retiring, Jordan pursued a professional baseball career with the Chicago White Sox. On March 19, 1995, Michael Jordan ended his retirement and returned to the Chicago Bulls, leading them to three more championships from 1995-1998. Michael Jordan officially retired in 2003.

On October 5, 1932 Yvonne Burke was born in Los Angeles, California. Yvonne Burke is known for breaking gender and color barriers throughout her career in politics and public service. Yvonne Burke earned higher education from the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Southern California School of Law. After attending law school, Burke was admitted to the California bar in 1956 where she began her career of public service. Her accomplished career includes being the first African-American woman to represent California in Congress and the second African-American woman to attend USC Law School.

On October 4, 1937, Bessie Smith was buried. Bessie Smith was a pioneer blues singer. Bessie Smith was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of 43.