Black History Knowledge — September 14

What happened on this day. These are the September 14 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.

1874 — The White League stages a coup in New Orleans

On September 14, 1874, thousands of armed White Leaguers overwhelmed the integrated Metropolitan Police at the Battle of Liberty Place and seized control of Louisiana’s Reconstruction government until federal troops arrived. The insurrection signaled that white supremacists would use open warfare to destroy Black political power.

1955 — Little Richard records "Tutti Frutti" in New Orleans

On September 14, 1955, Little Richard recorded "Tutti Frutti" at J&M Studio in New Orleans after a lunch-break piano performance transformed a stalled session. The explosive record became a cornerstone of rock and roll, music built by Black artists that white performers would soon cover for bigger profits.