Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on October 16 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. George Washington Williams Born October 16, 1849 — died August 2, 1891 Historian, minister, Civil War veteran, and legislator. Williams helped establish the documentary study of African American history through […]
Marcus Garvey “Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will.” — Marcus Garvey Garvey’s cry for pride and self-reliance became a movement. His message still echoes in every act of empowerment. Wear the history: Marcus Garvey — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.
Honoring those we lost on October 15 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Gus Cannon Born September 12, 1883 — died October 15, 1979 Blues musician; banjo player; jug band leader Cannon, born on a plantation near Red Banks, Mississippi, taught himself banjo on a homemade instrument and worked […]
What happened on this day. These are the October 15 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1883 — The Supreme Court struck down the Civil Rights Act of 1875 On October 15, 1883, the Supreme Court decided the consolidated Civil Rights Cases, holding that the Fourteenth Amendment did not authorize Congress […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on October 15 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Fanny Jackson Coppin Born October 15, 1837 — died January 21, 1913 Educator, school leader, and missionary. Coppin was born enslaved, obtained her freedom, and graduated from Oberlin College before […]
Madam C.J. Walker “I am in business not for myself, but for the uplift of my race.” — Madam C.J. Walker Walker turned entrepreneurship into empowerment. Her vision was rooted in collective progress, not profit alone. Wear the history: Madam C.J. Walker — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.
Honoring those we lost on October 14 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Maxine Powell Born May 30, 1915 — died October 14, 2013 Etiquette instructor, finishing-school founder, and head of Motown’s Artist Development department Powell directed Motown’s Artists Development Department, coaching performers in stage presence, interviews, grooming, movement, […]
What happened on this day. These are the October 14 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1834 — Henry Blair received a patent for his seed planter Letters Patent No. X8447 were issued to Henry Blair on October 14, 1834, for a corn planter, a machine that opened the soil, deposited […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on October 14 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Cal Johnson Full name: Calvin Fackler Johnson Born October 14, 1844 — died April 7, 1925 Businessman and philanthropist in Knoxville, Tennessee. Born enslaved, Johnson became a successful saloon owner, […]
Sojourner Truth “I feel as if God had laid his hand upon me, and said, ‘Go.’” — Sojourner Truth Truth’s calling was divine conviction. Her mission for justice began with faith and obedience to purpose. Wear the history: Sojourner Truth — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.