John Henrik Clarke “History is not everything, but it is a starting point.” Pan-African historian and educator who pushed for inclusion of African heritage in world history. Clarke reminds us that history is the starting point for knowing who we are.
Honoring those we lost on June 20 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Ann Atwater Born July 1, 1935 — Died June 20, 2016 Title: Civil rights activist, community organizer, and housing justice advocate Ann Atwater was a Durham, North Carolina organizer who fought for housing, anti-poverty programs, school […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 20 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1940 — NAACP leader Elbert Williams is abducted in Tennessee On June 20, 1940, Elbert Williams, a leader in the Brownsville, Tennessee, NAACP, was abducted by white officials and later found dead in the Hatchie […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 20 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Lionel Richie Born June 20, 1949 Title: Singer, songwriter, producer, and Commodores member Lionel Richie is a singer, songwriter, producer, and former Commodores member whose music moved across funk, soul, […]
Benjamin “Pap” Singleton “We are organizing a colony… that our children may rise in the scale of manhood and respect.” Former enslaved man turned leader of the Exodusters who led Black migration west post-slavery. Singleton’s words speak to land, migration, and building a future for the next generation.
Honoring those we lost on June 19 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Alexander Twilight Born September 23, 1795 — Died June 19, 1857 Title: Educator, minister, politician, and early college graduate of African descent Alexander Twilight was an educator, minister, and Vermont legislator whose life is tied to […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 19 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1862 — Slavery is prohibited in U.S. federal territories On June 19, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation banning slavery in current and future federal territories. This was one of the major steps toward national […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 19 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Phylicia Rashad Born June 19, 1948 Title: Actress, singer, director, educator, and Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad is an actress, director, and educator whose work spans television, film, and the […]
General Order No. 3 “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Read aloud in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865 — officially freeing the last enslaved Black Americans. These words mark freedom announced in Texas and a turning point […]
Honoring those we lost on June 18 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Larry Doby Born December 13, 1923 — Died June 18, 2003 Title: Baseball Hall of Famer and first Black player in the American League Larry Doby broke the American League color barrier when he joined Cleveland […]