Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 19 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Malcolm X Born May 19, 1925 — Died February 21, 1965 Field: Civil Rights / Black Nationalism / Islam / Human Rights Malcolm X was one of the most influential […]
Monthly Archives: May 2026
“I want to live as long as I can do something.” — Ella Baker Baker’s work was about constant, purposeful engagement.
Honoring those we lost on May 18 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Mary McLeod Bethune Born July 10, 1875 — Died May 18, 1955 Field: Education / Civil Rights / Black Women’s Leadership / Federal Service Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator, institution builder, civil rights leader, founder […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 18 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 18, 1652 — Rhode Island passes an early anti-slavery statute Category: Colonial Slavery / Early Anti-Slavery Law / Black Freedom History Rhode Island passed one of the earliest anti-slavery statutes in the English colonies. […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 18 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Reggie Jackson Born May 18, 1946 Field: Baseball / MLB / Black Sports Culture Reginald Martinez Jackson, known as “Mr. October,” is a Baseball Hall of Famer remembered for his […]
“God’s time is always near.” — Sojourner Truth Truth reminded us that divine justice never fails.
Honoring those we lost on May 17 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. E. Franklin Frazier Born September 24, 1894 — Died May 17, 1962 Field: Sociology / Race Relations / Black Intellectual History E. Franklin Frazier was a sociologist whose work examined Black family life, class, race relations, […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 17 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 17, 1875 — Oliver Lewis wins the first Kentucky Derby Category: Sports / Horse Racing / Black Athletic Firsts Oliver Lewis, a Black jockey, rode Aristides to victory in the first Kentucky Derby. Many […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 17 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Frederick McKinley Jones Born May 17, 1893 — Died February 21, 1961 Field: Invention / Refrigeration / Transportation / Engineering Frederick McKinley Jones was an inventor and engineer best known […]
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Mary Church Terrell A call to personal growth and emotional strength.





