Black History Knowledge — August 16

What happened on this day. These are the August 16 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1967 — Louis Armstrong records “What a Wonderful World”

On Aug 16, 1967, Louis Armstrong recorded “What a Wonderful World” during a late-night session in Las Vegas. Though initially underpromoted in the United States, the song became an international hit and an enduring example of Armstrong’s ability to carry hope and humanity through music.

1965 — The Watts Rebellion comes to an end

On Aug 16, 1965, six days of unrest in Los Angeles’s predominantly Black Watts community came to an end. The rebellion left thirty-four people dead and exposed deep anger over police abuse, unemployment, segregated housing, and unequal public services.

2012 — South African police carry out the Marikana massacre

On Aug 16, 2012, South African police opened fire on striking platinum miners near Marikana, killing thirty-four workers and seriously wounding seventy-eight. The massacre exposed deep inequality and labor conflict in post-apartheid South Africa and became the country’s deadliest use of force against civilians since apartheid.