Category Archives: Today in History

On July 4, 2002, General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. died. General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was the first Black general in the U.S. Air Force.

Calvin Smith set the 100m record in 1983, becoming the “fastest man alive.” Calvin Smith is a retired track and field athlete. Smith held the title of “fastest man alive” before the likes of Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin and others. After breaking the 100m record that previously stood for 15 years, Smith’s legacy was solidified. Calvin Smith was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2007.

Dexter D. Eure Sr. the first black columnist for the Boston Globe died at 91 years old. Dexter D. Eure Sr. was a well respected and esteemed writer. Eure worked at the Boston Globe for more than 25 years, breaking color barriers along the way. He became the first black columnist at the Boston Globe, when he started the column, “Tell It Like It Is.”

On July 1, 1961, Carl Lewis was born. Carl Lewis is an Olympic track and field athlete.

On January 28, 1960, Zora Neale Hurston died at the age of 69. 

On January 17, 1942, Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky. 

On January 12, 1944, Joe Frazier was born.

On January 8, 1912, the South African Native National Congress was founded.

On January 4, 1911, Charlotte E. Ray died. 

On January 3, 1966, Robert C. Henry became the first African American mayor.