Black History Knowledge
Black History Knowledge — June 18
Jun
What happened on this day. These are the June 18 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.
1865 — Union troops arrive in Galveston, Texas
On June 18, 1865, Union troops under Major General Gordon Granger had arrived in Galveston, Texas. Their arrival set the stage for the next day, when General Order No. 3 announced that enslaved people in Texas were free.
1963 — Gadsden officers torture Black protesters with cattle prods
On June 18, 1963, sheriff’s deputies in Gadsden, Alabama, used electric cattle prods on Black protesters during a sit-in against segregation. More than 450 Black demonstrators were arrested, showing how local law enforcement used violence to defend Jim Crow.
1964 — The St. Augustine swim-in challenges segregation
On June 18, 1964, Black and white civil rights protesters attempted to integrate the pool at the Monson Motor Lodge in St. Augustine, Florida. The protest became nationally known after images showed the motel manager pouring acid into the pool while protesters were inside.
