Black History Knowledge
Black History Knowledge — July 20
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What happened on this day. These are the July 20 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.
1909 — Richard B. Spikes receives beer tapper patent
On July 20, 1909, Black inventor Richard B. Spikes received a patent for a beer tapper. Spikes held multiple patents across his career, and this invention reflected the long history of Black innovation in everyday technology and business.
1967 — First Black Power Conference opens in Newark
On July 20, 1967, the first national Black Power Conference opened in Newark, New Jersey. More than 1,000 delegates gathered to discuss Black political power, economics, education, culture, community control, and institution-building during a major turning point in the Black freedom struggle.
2020 — Strike for Black Lives demands racial and economic justice
On July 20, 2020, thousands of workers and organizers across the country participated in the Strike for Black Lives. The action connected police violence, low wages, unsafe work, health care, union rights, and systemic racism, making clear that Black liberation also includes economic justice.
