Black History Knowledge — August 31

What happened on this day. These are the August 31 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1836 — Henry Blair receives a patent for a cotton planter

On Aug 31, 1836, Maryland inventor Henry Blair received U.S. Patent No. 15 for a mechanical cotton planter. Already recognized as the second known Black patent holder in the United States, Blair designed the machine to open the soil, distribute seeds, and cover them in one operation.

1962 — Trinidad and Tobago gains independence

On Aug 31, 1962, Trinidad and Tobago became independent after nearly two centuries of British colonial rule. Prime Minister Eric Williams led the new Caribbean nation, whose African and Indian cultural traditions helped shape calypso, steelpan, Carnival, and global Black culture.

1987 — Michael Jackson releases Bad

On Aug 31, 1987, Michael Jackson released Bad, his first studio album after the historic success of Thriller. The album became the first to produce five Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles and extended Jackson’s influence across music, dance, and visual storytelling.

Wear the history: Michael Jackson — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.