Black History Knowledge — September 27

What happened on this day. These are the September 27 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1862 — The First Louisiana Native Guards enter Union service

On September 27, 1862, the First Louisiana Native Guards were mustered into the Union Army in New Orleans, the first Black regiment officially received into federal service during the Civil War. Composed largely of free Black New Orleanians with Black line officers, the regiment made September 27 a landmark in the history of Black military service.

1912 — W. C. Handy publishes "The Memphis Blues"

On September 27, 1912, W. C. Handy published "The Memphis Blues," among the first published compositions to carry the blues into American popular music. The "Father of the Blues" set down on paper the music Black Southerners had created, opening the way for the blues to reshape the world’s sound.

1915 — Xavier University opens in New Orleans

On September 27, 1915, Xavier University began instruction in New Orleans under founder Saint Katharine Drexel. It remains the nation’s only historically Black Catholic university and became famous for sending more Black graduates to medical school than almost any institution in America.

1950 — Ezzard Charles defeats Joe Louis for the heavyweight title

On September 27, 1950, Ezzard Charles outpointed his aging idol Joe Louis at Yankee Stadium to defend the heavyweight championship. The poignant meeting of two Black champions marked the passing of an era, as the Brown Bomber’s comeback ended against the man history calls one of boxing’s finest.