Two black students enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1963. The two students Vivian Malone Jones and James Hood were previously barred from enrolling by the Governor of Alabama.
Category Archives: Today in History
Prominent activist and author Marcus Garvey died in 1940
Prominent activist and scholar Marcus Garvey died at the age of 52 in 1940. Marcus Garvey was a prominent activist, journalist and author. In addition to his activism, Garvey spearheaded movements and founded organizations that sought to empower black people. He founded the Negro World newspaper and the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Garvey died in 1940 at the age of 52.
Alain Locke, the father of the Harlem Renaissance, died in 1954
Alain Locke died at the age of 69 in 1954. Alain Locke is known as the father of the Harlem Renaissance. He was also the first African American Rhodes Scholar.
Leroy “Satchel” Paige died in 1982
On June 8, 1982, Leroy “Satchel” Paige died. Baseball pitcher Leroy “Satchel” Paige was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1906. Paige made history as the first African American pitcher to pitch in a World Series game.
Famous poet and author Gwendolyn Brooks was born in 1917
On June 7, 1917, Gwendolyn Brooks was born. Gwendolyn Brooks was a famous poet and author during the 1900s. Brooks used literature to detail black stories and experiences. Today, she is remembered as one of the most influential black female poets in history. Several prestigious institutions have been named in her honor including Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy High School in Chicago.
James Meredith was shot by a sniper in 1966
On June 6, 1966, James Meredith was shot by a sniper. James Meredith was shot one day after starting his solo “March Against Fear” that traveled from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi. James Meredith was the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi.
Doris A. Davis became the mayor of Compton in 1973
On June 5, 1973, Doris A. Davis became the mayor of Compton, California. Doris A. Davis was the first African American woman to govern a metropolitan city. Doris A. Davis was also the first African American woman to be elected as a Compton city clerk.
Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to be admitted into NASA’s astronaut training program in 1987
On June 4, 1987, Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to be admitted into NASA’s astronaut training program.
Muhammad Ali passed away in 2016
On June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali passed away. Muhammad Ali was a legendary professional boxer and activist.
Prominent scholar and activist Cornel West was born in 1953
On June 2 1953, Cornel West was born. Cornel West is a prominent scholar and activist.
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