Category Archives: Today in History

Mary McLeod Bethune opened the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, known as Bethune-Cookman University in 1904

On October 3, 1904, Mary McLeod Bethune opened the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. In 1923, Cookman Institute and Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls mereged to form the Daytona-Cookman Collegiate Institute. Not too long after the merging the name was changed to Bethune-Cookman University in honor of Dr. Mary Bethune on April 27, 1931. Today, Bethune-Cookman College offers a wide range of bachelors and masters programs to more than 2000 students.

Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1967

On October 2, 1967, Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Thurgood Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court on June 13, 1967. After his nomination was confirmed by Congress on August 30 of the same year, Marshall was sworn in by Chief Justice Earl Warren as the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice. He served as a Supreme Court justice for nearly 25 years before retiring in 1991. Thurgood Marshall died in 1993 at the age of 84.

Arnette Hubbard was installed as the first woman president of the National Bar Association in 1981

On July 31, 1981, Arnette Hubbard was installed as the first woman president of the National Bar Association. Arnette Hubbard earned higher education from Southern Illinois Carbondale University before attending law school. After graduating from law school, she went on to pursue a law career.

Cheryl Boone Issacs was elected as the first Black president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2013

On July 30, 2013, Cheryl Boone Issacs was elected as the first Black president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Cheryl Boone Issacs is a renowned film marketing and public relations executive who has broken through color barriers throughout the film industry.

Carl Lewis won his fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the long jump in 1996

On July 29, 1996, Carl Lewis won his fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the long jump. Carl Lewis is a legend in the track and field world. He earned nine gold medals during his career. Since retiring from the sport, Carl Lewis has used his knowledge and skills to usher in the next generation of track stars.

The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially adopted in 1868

On July 28, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially adopted.The Fourteenth Amendment granted citizenship to all including formerly enslaved people. Although the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified on July 8, 1866 it was not officially adopted until July 28, 1868. The Fourteenth Amendment was a pivotal victory for African Americans during the civil rights movement.

Trailblazing inventor Garrett Morgan died in 1963

On July 27, 1963, Garrett Morgan died at the age of 86. Garrett Morgan was a trailblazing inventor. Garrett Morgan patented an improved sewing machine, a hair strengthening product, a breathing mask and a traffic signal. Today, Morgan is honored for the contributions and advancements he made to science and technology.