Black History Knowledge — July 15

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 legislators from the Georgia General Assembly, but federal Reconstruction action helped reinstate them before Georgia ratified the Fifteenth Amendment. The moment shows how Black citizenship and voting rights had to be defended even after the Civil War.

1963 — Seattle City Council passes Human Rights Commission ordinance

On July 15, 1963, Seattle City Council passed an ordinance creating the city’s Human Rights Commission. The commission was tied to civil rights, discrimination, housing, wages, and equal opportunity, reflecting how Black freedom struggles also pushed Northern and Western cities to confront racism beyond the South.

2020 — George Floyd’s family files civil rights lawsuit

On July 15, 2020, George Floyd’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Minneapolis and the officers involved in his killing. The lawsuit became part of the larger national demand for police accountability after Floyd’s murder sparked worldwide protests.