Black History Knowledge — August 18

What happened on this day. These are the August 18 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1920 — Nineteenth Amendment is ratified

On Aug 18, 1920, Tennessee became the decisive thirty-sixth state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment, constitutionally barring denial of the vote on the basis of sex. Black women helped win the amendment but continued to face poll taxes, literacy tests, intimidation, and racial violence, especially in the South.

1963 — James Meredith graduates from the University of Mississippi

On Aug 18, 1963, James Meredith became the first Black graduate of the University of Mississippi, earning a political science degree. He completed his studies despite constant harassment and the deadly white supremacist riot that accompanied his enrollment the previous year.

1977 — Apartheid authorities arrest Steve Biko

On Aug 18, 1977, South African security police arrested Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko at a roadblock and detained him under the Terrorism Act. Officers fatally injured him in custody, and his death the following month intensified worldwide opposition to apartheid.