Hallie Quinn Brown “We must lift as we climb.” Educator, orator, and suffragist; advocate for Black women’s education and political power. Brown’s words express collective advancement: as individuals rise, they should help their communities rise with them.
Honoring those we lost on July 7 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Helene Johnson Real name: Helen Johnson Born July 7, 1906 — died July 7, 1995 Poet, writer, Harlem Renaissance figure, and literary voice of Black modernism. Johnson was part of the Harlem Renaissance and became known […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 7 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1834 — New York anti-abolitionist riots begin On July 7, 1834, anti-abolitionist riots began in New York City and lasted nearly a week. White mobs attacked abolitionists, Black neighborhoods, churches, homes, and businesses, showing how […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 7 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Margaret Walker Full name: Margaret Abigail Walker Born July 7, 1915 — died November 30, 1998 Poet, novelist, educator, and Black literary historian. Walker became a major voice in Black […]
Marsha P. Johnson “No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” Trans activist and Stonewall figure; known for defending Black and queer liberation. Johnson teaches that pride is incomplete unless liberation includes every marginalized person.
Honoring those we lost on July 6 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Louis Armstrong Full name: Louis Daniel Armstrong Born August 4, 1901 — died July 6, 1971 Jazz trumpeter, singer, bandleader, composer, entertainer, and American music giant. Armstrong changed the direction of jazz through his trumpet playing, […]
What happened on this day. These are the July 6 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1853 — Clotel becomes a milestone in Black literature On July 6, 1853, William Wells Brown published Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter, widely recognized as the first novel published by an African American. Brown used […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 6 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Della Reese Birth name: Delloreese Patricia Early Born July 6, 1931 — died November 19, 2017 Singer, actress, television personality, author, minister, and gospel-jazz vocalist. Reese began singing in church […]
George Liele “The Spirit of the Lord sent me to preach liberty to the captives.” First African American missionary; founded churches across the South and Jamaica. Liele connects Christian ministry with liberation, carrying the gospel among enslaved and formerly enslaved communities.
Honoring those we lost on July 5 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Ernie K-Doe Real name: Ernest Kador Jr. Born February 22, 1933 — died July 5, 2001 R&B singer, New Orleans music figure, drummer, and “Mother-in-Law” hitmaker. K-Doe became one of New Orleans R&B’s most colorful personalities, […]