Black History Knowledge
Black History Knowledge — May 27
What happened on this day. These are the May 27 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.
May 27, 1942 — Doris “Dorie” Miller becomes the first African American to receive the Navy Cross
Category: World War II / Black Military Service / Navy History
Dorie Miller received the Navy Cross for bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Why it matters: Miller’s story connects Black military courage, naval segregation, and unequal recognition during World War II.
May 27, 1958 — Ernest Green becomes the first Black graduate of Little Rock Central High School
Category: Education / Little Rock Nine / School Desegregation
Ernest Green became the first Black student to graduate from Little Rock Central High School.
Why it matters: Green’s graduation turned the Little Rock crisis into a visible milestone of endurance. It showed what it meant to stay, finish, and walk across the stage after a year of national hostility.
May 27, 1986 — Lonnie Johnson receives a patent connected to the Super Soaker
Category: Black Inventors / Toys / Engineering / Popular Culture
Lonnie Johnson received a U.S. patent for a toy water gun design that later became known as the Super Soaker.
Why it matters: This is a strong Black invention entry because it connects engineering, creativity, consumer culture, and childhood memory. Johnson’s work shows how Black inventors shaped not only industry and science, but also play.
