Black History Knowledge
Black History Knowledge — August 26
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What happened on this day. These are the August 26 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.
1920 — Nineteenth Amendment is formally certified
On Aug 26, 1920, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the Nineteenth Amendment, barring denial of voting rights on the basis of sex. Black women had helped win the amendment but still faced Jim Crow laws, poll taxes, literacy tests, intimidation, and racial terror at the polls.
1966 — Namibia’s armed independence struggle begins
On Aug 26, 1966, fighters of the South West Africa People’s Organization confronted South African forces at Omugulugwombashe. The clash marked the start of Namibia’s armed liberation struggle against South African occupation and is commemorated nationally as Heroes’ Day.
2016 — Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest draws national attention
On Aug 26, 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick remained seated during the national anthem before a preseason game. He said he was protesting racism and police violence; after consulting military veteran Nate Boyer, he later changed the gesture from sitting to kneeling.
