Honoring those we lost on May 26 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Little Willie John Born November 15, 1937 — Died May 26, 1968 Field: R&B / Soul / Blues / Early Rock and Roll Influence Little Willie John was a powerful R&B singer known for emotional delivery, […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 26 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 26, 1956 — Althea Gibson wins the French Championships Category: Tennis / Black Athletic Firsts / International Sports Althea Gibson won the French Championships, becoming the first Black player to win a Grand Slam […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 26 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Miles Davis Born May 26, 1926 — Died September 28, 1991 Field: Jazz / Trumpet / Composition / Innovation Miles Davis was a trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and one of the […]
“Every step toward freedom is a step toward freedom for all.” — Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Harper’s abolitionist message embraced unity and justice.
Honoring those we lost on May 25 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Madam C. J. Walker Born December 23, 1867 — Died May 25, 1919 Field: Business / Beauty Industry / Black Women Entrepreneurs / Philanthropy Madam C. J. Walker was a beauty entrepreneur, philanthropist, employer, and one […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 25 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 25, 1964 — Supreme Court rules in Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County Category: Education / Supreme Court / School Desegregation / Massive Resistance The Supreme Court ruled against Prince Edward […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 25 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Born May 25, 1878 — Died November 25, 1949 Field: Dance / Tap / Film / Vaudeville Bill Robinson was one of the most famous tap dancers […]
“You don’t have to be loud to lead. You just have to speak the truth.” — Marian Anderson Anderson broke barriers through dignified brilliance.
Honoring those we lost on May 24 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Duke Ellington Born April 29, 1899 — Died May 24, 1974 Field: Jazz / Composition / Bandleading / American Music Duke Ellington was one of the most important composers and bandleaders in American history. He led […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 24 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 24, 1854 — Anthony Burns is arrested in Boston under the Fugitive Slave Act Category: Fugitive Slave Act / Abolition / Boston Black History / Resistance Anthony Burns, a man who escaped slavery in […]