On March 15, 1947, John Wesley Lee Jr. became the first African American to be commissioned to the regular U.S. Navy.
Tag Archives: Today in History
Fannie Lou Hamer dies at the age of 59
On March 14, 1977, Fannie Lou Hamer died at the age of 59 from breast cancer.
Breonna Taylor is killed during a botched police raid in Louisville
On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor was killed during a botched police raid in Louisville, Kentucky.
Charlie Parker dies at the age of 34
On March 12, 1955, Charlie Parker died at the age of 34.
Bobby McFerrin is born in New York
On March 11, 1950, Bobby McFerrin was born in New York.
Daisy Lampkin dies at the age of 81
On March 10, 1965, Daisy Lampkin died at the age of 81.
Billy “Mr. B” Eckstine dies at the age of 78
On March 8, 1993, Billy “Mr. B” Eckstine died at the age of 78 in 1993.
Ray Charles receives a formal apology from the state of Georgia
On March 7, 1979, Ray Charles received a formal apology from the state of Georgia after being fined for not performing at a segregated club.
Ghana gains independence from Britain
On March 6, 1957, the Gold Coast, known today as Ghana, gained independence from Britain.
21 African American boys die in Wrightsville fire
On March 5, 1959, twenty-one African American boys died in the Wrightsville fire at an Arkansas reform school.