Honoring those we lost on June 5 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Mary Ann Shadd Cary Born October 9, 1823 — Died June 5, 1893 Title: Abolitionist, journalist, publisher, teacher, and lawyer Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a pioneering Black activist and one of the most important women […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 5 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1950 — The Supreme Court decides Sweatt v. Painter On June 5, 1950, the Supreme Court ruled in Sweatt v. Painter that Heman Sweatt could not be denied admission to the University of Texas Law […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 5 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Marion Motley Born June 5, 1920 — Died June 27, 1999 Title: Professional football pioneer and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marion Motley was a football fullback and linebacker who […]
Zora Neale Hurston “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” Author, anthropologist, and Harlem Renaissance icon known for centering Black Southern life. Hurston captures the rhythm of life: some seasons question us, others reveal the answer.
Honoring those we lost on June 4 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Arna Bontemps Born October 13, 1902 — Died June 4, 1973 Title: Poet, novelist, librarian, and Harlem Renaissance writer Arna Bontemps was a major literary figure connected to the Harlem Renaissance. His work as a poet, […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 4 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1963 — Savannah theaters reinstate segregation after white backlash On June 4, 1963, Savannah theaters reversed course after white residents protested integration. Two theaters banned Black patrons entirely, while another restricted Black customers to balcony […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 4 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Anthony Braxton Born June 4, 1945 Title: Composer, saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, educator, and NEA Jazz Master Anthony Braxton is an experimental composer and multi-instrumentalist whose work stretches across jazz, classical, […]
Charles Drew “Excellence of performance will transcend artificial barriers created by man.” Medical trailblazer who revolutionized blood storage and transfusions. Drew’s quote speaks to excellence that rises above racism and artificial limits.
Honoring those we lost on June 3 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Muhammad Ali Born January 17, 1942 — Died June 3, 2016 Title: Boxer, activist, humanitarian, and cultural icon Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history and one of the most recognizable athletes […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 3 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1893 — Samuel J. Bush is lynched in Decatur, Illinois On June 3, 1893, a mob of about 1,500 white people lynched Samuel J. Bush on the courthouse lawn in Decatur, Illinois. This belongs in […]