Black History Knowledge
Black History Knowledge — July 4
Jul
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, speeches, and community gatherings, while many chose to hold larger celebrations on July 5 to separate Black emancipation from the national Independence Day holiday.
1881 — Tuskegee Institute opens
On July 4, 1881, Tuskegee Institute opened in Alabama with Booker T. Washington as its first principal. The school became one of the most important Black educational institutions in the country and later helped shape generations of educators, skilled workers, scientists, artists, and military pioneers.
1910 — Jack Johnson defeats James J. Jeffries in the “Fight of the Century”
On July 4, 1910, Jack Johnson defeated James J. Jeffries in Reno, Nevada, in a heavyweight championship fight loaded with racial meaning. Johnson’s victory over the so-called “Great White Hope” sparked Black celebration and white backlash, including race riots across the country.
