Honoring those we lost on June 15 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Ella Fitzgerald Born April 25, 1917 — Died June 15, 1996 Title: Jazz singer and “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald was one of the greatest singers in American music history, known for her tone, phrasing, […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 15 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1864 — Congress moves toward equal pay for Black Union soldiers On June 15, 1864, Congress acted to equalize the pay of Black and white Union soldiers after Black troops had been paid less for […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 15 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Erroll Garner Born June 15, 1921 — Died January 2, 1977 Title: Jazz pianist and composer Erroll Garner was a jazz pianist and composer whose style was instantly recognizable, full […]
Bessie Coleman “I refused to take no for an answer.” First African American and Native American female pilot; broke barriers in aviation. Coleman’s quote reflects the courage to chase a dream past every closed door. Wear the history: Bessie Coleman — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.
Honoring those we lost on June 14 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. June Jordan Born July 9, 1936 — Died June 14, 2002 Title: Poet, essayist, teacher, activist, and Black feminist writer June Jordan was a poet and essayist whose work spoke to race, gender, sexuality, language, immigration, […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 14 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1877 — Henry Ossian Flipper graduates from West Point On June 14, 1877, Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African American graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. His achievement broke a […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 14 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Marla Gibbs Born June 14, 1931 Title: Actress, singer, comedian, writer, and television producer Marla Gibbs is a television legend whose work helped shape Black sitcom history. Best known for […]
Lewis Latimer “Like the light of the sun, let the light of your intellect and character shine.” Inventor and draftsman who helped develop the telephone and improved electric lighting. Latimer’s words connect invention with light, progress, and service to everyday people.
Honoring those we lost on June 13 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown Born January 7, 1919 — Died June 13, 2004 Title: Surgeon, legislator, educator, and medical trailblazer Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown was one of the first Black women surgeons in the South and […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 13 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1866 — Congress passes the Fourteenth Amendment On June 13, 1866, Congress passed the Fourteenth Amendment and sent it to the states for ratification. The amendment extended citizenship and equal protection rights, becoming one of […]