Sylvia del Villard “Poetry is the breath I hold to remember I am free.” Afro-Caribbean poet, activist, and defender of African heritage in Puerto Rico. The quote presents poetry as an act of cultural memory, personal freedom, and resistance against erasure.
Honoring those we lost on July 27 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Garrett Morgan Full name: Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. Born March 4, 1877 — died July 27, 1963 Inventor, businessman, newspaper publisher, and public safety innovator. Morgan became one of the most important Black inventors of the […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 27 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1919 — Chicago Race Riot begins during Red Summer On July 27, 1919, Black teenager Eugene Williams was killed after drifting across an unofficial racial line at a Chicago beach. Police refusal to arrest the […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 27 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Maya Rudolph Full name: Maya Khabira Rudolph Born July 27, 1972 Actress, comedian, singer, voice actor, and Saturday Night Live performer. Rudolph brought music, comedy, character work, and emotional range […]
Booker T. Washington “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” Educator and founder of Tuskegee Institute. Washington connects personal growth with service, teaching that helping others rise can elevate one’s own life. Wear the history: Booker T. Washington Coin — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.
Honoring those we lost on July 26 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Charles Albert Tindley Birth name: Charles Tindley Born July 7, 1851 — died July 26, 1933 Methodist minister, gospel composer, preacher, and early Black sacred music figure. Tindley rose from poverty and limited formal schooling to […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 26 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1948 — Executive Order 9980 attacks discrimination in federal employment On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9980, calling for fair employment practices in the federal government without discrimination based on […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 26 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Darlene Love Birth name: Darlene Wright Born July 26, 1941 Singer, actress, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and powerhouse soul vocalist. Love became one of the great voices of […]
John Mercer Langston “If the people cannot trust their government… it will soon perish.” First Black congressman from Virginia and a powerful Reconstruction-era voice. Langston warns that governments lose legitimacy and stability when they lose the confidence of their people.
Honoring those we lost on July 25 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Big Mama Thornton Birth name: Willie Mae Thornton Born December 11, 1926 — died July 25, 1984 Blues singer, R&B vocalist, songwriter, drummer, and original “Hound Dog” recording artist. Thornton brought a powerful voice, commanding stage […]