Black History Knowledge — July 21

What happened on this day. These are the July 21 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1835 — Abiel Smith School opens in Boston

On July 21, 1835, the Abiel Smith School opened in Boston as a school for Black children. Built next to the African Meeting House, it became part of Boston’s long Black education history and also reflected the struggle against segregated schooling.

1864 — The New Orleans Tribune begins publishing

On July 21, 1864, The New Orleans Tribune began publishing. It became the first Black daily newspaper in the United States and used its pages to advocate for Black suffrage, civil rights, education, labor rights, and Reconstruction justice.

1896 — National Association of Colored Women is formed

On July 21, 1896, Black women leaders formed the National Association of Colored Women in Washington, D.C. With Mary Church Terrell as its first president, the organization united Black women’s clubs around education, anti-lynching work, women’s rights, children’s welfare, and civil and political rights.