Black History Knowledge — August 23

What happened on this day. These are the August 23 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1900 — National Negro Business League holds its first meeting

On Aug 23, 1900, Booker T. Washington and Black entrepreneurs convened the first meeting of the National Negro Business League in Boston. The organization promoted Black enterprise, professional networks, and economic self-determination during the era of Jim Crow.

1989 — White mob murders Yusef Hawkins in Brooklyn

On Aug 23, 1989, sixteen-year-old Yusef Hawkins was attacked by a white mob and fatally shot in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, while visiting the neighborhood with friends to inquire about a used car. His murder sparked sustained protests against racist violence and segregation in New York City.

2008 — Barack Obama introduces Joe Biden as his running mate

On Aug 23, 2008, Senator Barack Obama introduced Senator Joe Biden as his vice-presidential running mate in Springfield, Illinois. The announcement completed the Democratic ticket that later won the election, making Obama the first Black president of the United States.