Charles Henry Langston “We claim the right to be heard. Our silence would be treason.” Abolitionist and voting rights advocate; grandfather of poet Langston Hughes. Langston treats public speech as a duty: remaining silent in the presence of injustice would amount to betrayal.
Honoring those we lost on July 22 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Francis L. Cardozo Full name: Francis Lewis Cardozo Born 1836 — died July 22, 1903 Minister, educator, Reconstruction-era politician, and public school leader. Cardozo became one of the most important Black public officials of the Reconstruction […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 22 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1847 — Green Flake and other enslaved Black pioneers enter Salt Lake Valley On July 22, 1847, Green Flake, Oscar Crosby Smith, and Hark Lay Wales, three enslaved African American pioneers connected to the Latter-day […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 22 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. George Clinton Born July 22, 1941 Funk singer, songwriter, producer, bandleader, and Parliament-Funkadelic founder. Clinton turned funk into a full musical universe through Parliament, Funkadelic, and the larger P-Funk sound. […]
Elizabeth Keckley “I must not murmur, for I have had more than my share of blessings.” Formerly enslaved woman turned dressmaker to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln; author and activist. Keckley’s words express gratitude and endurance despite the hardships she experienced under slavery and afterward.
Honoring those we lost on July 21 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Evelyn Thomas Born August 22, 1953 — died July 21, 2024 Disco singer, Hi-NRG dance music vocalist, and international club music figure. Thomas became best known for “High Energy,” a major 1980s dance record that helped […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 21 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1835 — Abiel Smith School opens in Boston On July 21, 1835, the Abiel Smith School opened in Boston as a school for Black children. Built next to the African Meeting House, it became part […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 21 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Charles L. Reason Full name: Charles Lewis Reason Born July 21, 1818 — died August 16, 1893 Mathematician, educator, abolitionist, linguist, and first Black college professor in the United States. […]
Susie King Taylor “My fondest dream is to see my people become educated and self-supporting.” First Black Army nurse during the Civil War; taught formerly enslaved people. Taylor connects education and economic independence with the long-term freedom of Black communities.
Honoring those we lost on July 20 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Roy Hamilton Birth name: Rodothas Hamilton Born April 16, 1929 — died July 20, 1969 Singer, R&B vocalist, pop interpreter, and gospel-influenced soul pioneer. Hamilton brought a powerful, semi-classical vocal style into R&B and popular song. […]