Honoring those we lost on July 16 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Bernice Johnson Reagon Birth name: Bernice Johnson Born October 4, 1942 — died July 16, 2024 Singer, composer, scholar, civil rights activist, SNCC Freedom Singer, and founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Reagon used music […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 16 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1854 — Elizabeth Jennings Graham challenges streetcar segregation On July 16, 1854, Elizabeth Jennings Graham, a young Black schoolteacher and church organist, boarded a New York City streetcar and refused to leave because of her […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 16 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Ida B. Wells Full name: Ida Bell Wells-Barnett Born July 16, 1862 — died March 25, 1931 Investigative journalist, anti-lynching activist, suffragist, educator, and civil rights pioneer. Wells was born […]
Clara Brown “I am the mother of all the people.” Former enslaved woman who helped build communities in Colorado and reunited families post-slavery. Brown’s words reflect her role as a community mother who offered care, shelter, assistance, and belonging to people in need.
Honoring those we lost on July 15 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Gloria Richardson Full name: Gloria St. Clair Hayes Richardson Born May 6, 1922 — died July 15, 2021 Civil rights activist, Cambridge Movement leader, organizer, and Black freedom struggle strategist. Richardson became one of the few […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 15 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1870 — Georgia’s readmission follows the fight to reseat Black legislators On July 15, 1870, Georgia was again readmitted to the Union after Reconstruction battles over Black political power. Earlier, white lawmakers had expelled Black […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 15 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Maggie Lena Walker Born July 15, 1864 — died December 15, 1934 Businesswoman, banker, newspaper publisher, civil rights advocate, and community leader. Walker rose from post-Civil War Richmond to become […]
Franz Fanon “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission.” Martinique-born psychiatrist and revolutionary thinker on decolonization. Fanon argues that every generation must understand its historical moment and decide what liberating work it is called to perform.
Honoring those we lost on July 14 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Alice Coachman Full name: Alice Marie Coachman Davis Born November 9, 1923 — died July 14, 2014 Olympic high jumper, educator, track-and-field champion, and first Black woman to win Olympic gold. Coachman made history at the […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 14 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1885 — Sarah E. Goode receives cabinet bed patent On July 14, 1885, Sarah E. Goode received a patent for her folding cabinet bed. Widely recognized as one of the first Black women to receive […]