Black History Knowledge — July 1

What happened on this day. These are the July 1 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1898 — Buffalo Soldiers fight at San Juan and Kettle Hills

On July 1, 1898, Black soldiers from the 9th and 10th Cavalry played a major role in the assault on San Juan and Kettle Hills during the Spanish-American War. Their courage helped secure one of the best-known American victories of the war, even though their contributions were often overshadowed by the Rough Riders.

1917 — East St. Louis massacre tensions erupt

On July 1, 1917, tensions in East St. Louis, Illinois, boiled over after rumors and violence spread through the city. The next day, white mobs launched brutal attacks on Black residents, burning homes, beating people, and killing many African Americans during one of the worst racial massacres in United States history.

1941 — A. Philip Randolph’s planned March on Washington forces federal action

A. Philip Randolph called for a massive March on Washington in 1941 to demand fair access to defense jobs for Black Americans. Under pressure from Randolph and other Black labor and civil rights leaders, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802 on June 25, 1941. The order prohibited discrimination in federal and defense-industry employment, but it did not desegregate the military. Military desegregation came later under Executive Order 9981 in 1948.

1966 — Medicare helps desegregate American hospitals

When Medicare was implemented on July 1, 1966, hospitals that wanted federal Medicare funding had to comply with civil rights law. This made Medicare a powerful tool for hospital desegregation, connecting health care access to the Black freedom struggle.