Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 17 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. James Weldon Johnson Born June 17, 1871 — Died June 26, 1938 Title: Writer, composer, educator, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson was a writer, educator, lawyer, […]
George Washington Carver “Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it and never be satisfied.” Agricultural scientist and inventor who promoted sustainable farming and crop rotation. Carver’s words remind us to begin with what we have and keep reaching higher.
Honoring those we lost on June 16 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. George Stinney Jr. Born October 21, 1929 — Died June 16, 1944 Title: Wrongfully executed Black child and symbol of racial injustice in the legal system George Stinney Jr. was only 14 years old when South […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 16 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1944 — George Stinney Jr. is executed in South Carolina On June 16, 1944, George Stinney Jr., a 14-year-old Black boy, was executed in South Carolina after a deeply unjust trial. This belongs in the […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 16 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Lamont Dozier Born June 16, 1941 — Died August 8, 2022 Title: Singer, songwriter, producer, and Motown hitmaker Lamont Dozier was one-third of Holland-Dozier-Holland, the songwriting and production team that […]
Paul Laurence Dunbar “We wear the mask that grins and lies, it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes.” One of the first major Black poets in U.S. history, known for his powerful dialect verse. Dunbar gives language to the hidden pain Black people often carried behind a public face.
Honoring those we lost on June 15 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Ella Fitzgerald Born April 25, 1917 — Died June 15, 1996 Title: Jazz singer and “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald was one of the greatest singers in American music history, known for her tone, phrasing, […]
What happened on this day. These are the June 15 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1864 — Congress moves toward equal pay for Black Union soldiers On June 15, 1864, Congress acted to equalize the pay of Black and white Union soldiers after Black troops had been paid less for […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 15 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Erroll Garner Born June 15, 1921 — Died January 2, 1977 Title: Jazz pianist and composer Erroll Garner was a jazz pianist and composer whose style was instantly recognizable, full […]
Bessie Coleman “I refused to take no for an answer.” First African American and Native American female pilot; broke barriers in aviation. Coleman’s quote reflects the courage to chase a dream past every closed door. Wear the history: Bessie Coleman — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.