Honoring those we lost on July 6 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Louis Armstrong Full name: Louis Daniel Armstrong Born August 4, 1901 — died July 6, 1971 Jazz trumpeter, singer, bandleader, composer, entertainer, and American music giant. Armstrong changed the direction of jazz through his trumpet playing, […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 6 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1853 — Clotel becomes a milestone in Black literature On July 6, 1853, William Wells Brown published Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter, widely recognized as the first novel published by an African American. Brown used […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 6 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Della Reese Birth name: Delloreese Patricia Early Born July 6, 1931 — died November 19, 2017 Singer, actress, television personality, author, minister, and gospel-jazz vocalist. Reese began singing in church […]
George Liele “The Spirit of the Lord sent me to preach liberty to the captives.” First African American missionary; founded churches across the South and Jamaica. Liele connects Christian ministry with liberation, carrying the gospel among enslaved and formerly enslaved communities.
Honoring those we lost on July 5 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Ernie K-Doe Real name: Ernest Kador Jr. Born February 22, 1933 — died July 5, 2001 R&B singer, New Orleans music figure, drummer, and “Mother-in-Law” hitmaker. K-Doe became one of New Orleans R&B’s most colorful personalities, […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 5 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1827 — Black New Yorkers hold Fifth of July freedom celebrations On July 5, 1827, Black New Yorkers held public emancipation celebrations after slavery legally ended in the state. Choosing July 5 allowed Black communities […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 5 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Smiley Lewis Birth name: Overton Amos Lemons Born July 5, 1913 — died October 7, 1966 New Orleans R&B singer, guitarist, blues musician, and early rhythm-and-blues figure. Lewis helped define […]
Violette Neatley Anderson “Each generation must blaze its own trail.” First Black woman admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. (Died July 5, 1937) Anderson’s message reminds each generation that progress requires new leadership, courage, and strategies.
Honoring those we lost on July 4 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Full name: Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. Born December 18, 1912 — died July 4, 2002 U.S. Air Force general, Tuskegee Airmen commander, military pioneer, and first Black general officer in the U.S. […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 4 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1827 — Slavery legally ends in New York State On July 4, 1827, slavery legally ended in New York State after a long gradual emancipation process. Black New Yorkers marked freedom through church services, prayer, […]