Category Archives: Today in History

On July 24, 1954, Mary Church Terrell died. Mary Church Terrell was an educator, writer and civil rights activist. Terrell devoted her time to creating educational and empowering spaces for black people. She founded, co-founded and governed several prestigious black institutions, including the NAACP and the National Association of Colored Women.

On July 23, 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Jackie Robinson is widely known for breaking color barriers. In 1947, he made history as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Despite facing racial discrimination throughout his career, Jackie Robinson still achieved much success including 9 MVP awards and a World Series title in 1955.

On July 22, 1993, Gen. Roscoe Robinson Jr. died at the age of 64.
Gen. Roscoe Robinson Jr. was the first African American to become a four star general in the United States Army.

On July 21, 1864, the New Orleans Tribune was published. The New Orleans Tribune was the first black daily newspaper. Created by Charles Louise Roudanez, the tribune published articles in both English and French to reach the citizens of New Orleans and influential people in other cities.

On July 20, 1954, Freeman Bosley Jr. was born. Freeman Bosley Jr. was the first African American mayor of St. Louis, Missouri. Freeman Bosley Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in politics. His father, Bosley Sr. served as an alderman before running for mayor in 1985.

On July 19, 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention was held. The Seneca Falls Convention was the first women’s rights convention. In 1848 the Women’s Rights Convention was held at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York. The convention was held from July 19 to July 20 to address women’s suffrage. It was organized by five women Elizabath Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Mary M’Clintock, Martha Coffin Wright and Jane Hunt.

On July 18, 1918, former South African president and activist Nelson Mandela was born. Nelson Mandela is widely known for his role in ending years of racial apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was the first democratically elected president of South Africa. He served as president from 1994 to 1999.

On July 17, 1935, Diahann Carroll was born. Diahann Carroll had a successful career as both an actress and singer. Early on in her acting career, Carroll made history taking non-stereotypical roles. Her remarkable talent earned her four Emmy nominations, a Tony award and an induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 2011.

On July 16, 1862, Ida B. Wells was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Ida B. Wells was an influential educator and civil rights activist. Ida B. Wells played a key role in the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Over the course of her life, she focused her effort on political and social activism which included forming several influential black organizations that still preside today. In addition to her presence in black activism groups and societies, Wells devoted her time to anti-lynching causes.

On July 15, 1970, James H. McGee was sworn in as the first Black mayor of Dayton, Ohio. James H. McGee served as mayor from 1970-1981. James McGee broke many color barriers throughout his political career. Before jumping into politics and social activism, McGee pursued higher education. He earned a degree from Wilberforce University, before serving in the U.S army.