Black History Knowledge — September 21

What happened on this day. These are the September 21 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1832 — Maria W. Stewart becomes the first American woman to lecture publicly on politics

On September 21, 1832, Maria W. Stewart addressed a mixed audience of men and women at Boston’s Franklin Hall, asking "Why sit ye here and die?" The Black abolitionist became the first American-born woman of any race known to lecture publicly on political questions, demanding education and opportunity for Black women.

1866 — The Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry are organized

On September 21, 1866, the 10th Cavalry Regiment was organized at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, one of the new Black regular army regiments authorized after the Civil War. Nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers, these troops served across the West for decades with some of the army’s lowest desertion rates despite receiving its worst equipment and posts.

2011 — Georgia executes Troy Davis despite worldwide doubt

On September 21, 2011, the state of Georgia executed Troy Davis for the murder of a police officer even though seven of nine trial witnesses had recanted or contradicted their testimony. Millions worldwide had petitioned for clemency, and "I am Troy Davis" became a rallying cry against a death penalty system stacked against Black defendants.