Black History Knowledge
Black History Knowledge — June 14
Jun
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 barrier inside one of the nation’s most important military institutions.
1910 — Louisiana expands its interracial relationship ban
On June 14, 1910, Louisiana’s House of Representatives passed legislation that broadened the state’s ban on interracial marriage by also criminalizing interracial cohabitation. The law showed how white supremacy tried to control not only public life, but private relationships and family formation.
1921 — Georgiana Simpson becomes the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in the United States
On June 14, 1921, Georgiana Rose Simpson received her doctorate from the University of Chicago. She became the first Black woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D., opening a door in higher education that had been closed by both racism and sexism.
