James Baldwin “Love takes off masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.” — James Baldwin Baldwin’s words reflect his lifelong call for honesty and self-acceptance. He saw love as a radical force for truth and liberation. Wear the history: James Baldwin — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.
Honoring those we lost on August 1 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Joseph Rainey Full name: Joseph Hayne Rainey Born Jun 21, 1832 — died Aug 1, 1887 Reconstruction-era congressman, barber, businessman, and political trailblazer. Rainey became the first Black person to serve in the United States House […]
What happened on this day. These are the August 1 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1834 — Slavery Abolition Act takes effect across much of the British Empire On August 1, 1834, Britain’s Slavery Abolition Act took effect, legally emancipating hundreds of thousands of enslaved people across much of the […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 1 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Benjamin E. Mays Full name: Benjamin Elijah Mays Born August 1, 1894 — died March 28, 1984 Educator, minister, theologian, civil rights leader, and longtime president of Morehouse College. Mays […]
Claude McKay “Into the darkness we must go, bearing our light.” — Claude McKay Claude McKay, a Harlem Renaissance poet, believed that art and courage illuminate even the darkest struggles. His words remind us that truth and resilience are the light we carry forward.
Honoring those we lost on July 31 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Bill Russell Full name: William Felton Russell Born February 12, 1934 — died July 31, 2022 Basketball Hall of Famer, civil rights activist, NBA champion, coach, and sports icon. Russell became one of the greatest winners […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 31 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1874 — Patrick Francis Healy is made full president of Georgetown On July 31, 1874, the acting portion of Patrick Francis Healy’s title was removed, making him full president of Georgetown University. Healy, born to […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 31 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Wesley Snipes Full name: Wesley Trent Snipes Born July 31, 1962 Actor, producer, martial artist, author, and action-film star. Snipes became one of the defining Black action stars of the […]
Freda DeKnight “A good meal is a warm memory — it connects the soul to its people.” First food editor for Ebony magazine and champion of Black culinary heritage. DeKnight connects food with family, memory, heritage, and the preservation of Black cultural identity.
Honoring those we lost on July 30 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Nichelle Nichols Birth name: Grace Dell Nichols Born December 28, 1932 — died July 30, 2022 Actress, singer, dancer, NASA recruiter, and television trailblazer. Nichols changed television history as Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek, one of […]