thel Waters, the legendary American singer and actress, passed away on September 1, 1977. She was known for her contributions to jazz, blues, and gospel music, as well as for her groundbreaking roles in Hollywood films and Broadway. Waters was one of the first African American women to break through in the entertainment industry and was highly influential in shaping both music and film. Her career spanned several decades, and she left behind a remarkable legacy.

Gen. Daniel (“Chappie”) James Jr. promoted to rank of four-star general and named commander-in-chief of the North American Air Defense Command.

On October 1, 1945, noted R&B singer and songwriter, Donny Hathaway was born in Chicago, Illinois. Before his death, he often teamed up with songstress, Roberta Flack, on songs such as “Where Is the Love.”

On this date in 1875, White Democrats attacked Republicans at Yazoo City, Mississippi. One white and three Blacks were killed.

The first Black person to graduate from Harvard Dental School is Robert T Freeman on this date in 1867.

On September 1, 1975, General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. was promoted to the rank of four-star general. This historic promotion made him the first African American to reach the four-star rank in the United States Air Force. Additionally, he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), a significant leadership position during the Cold War era.

James had a distinguished career as a fighter pilot and played a key role in various military operations. His promotion was a monumental moment in both military and civil rights history, breaking barriers for African Americans in the military.

On September 1, 1875, a violent incident occurred in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where white Democrats attacked Republicans. This was during the period of Reconstruction, which was marked by intense political and racial conflict in the South. After the Civil War, the Republican Party, which had been associated with the Union cause, gained significant support among African Americans and some white Republicans in the South. However, white supremacist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan, sought to undermine Reconstruction and reassert white dominance.

The attack in Yazoo City was part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation aimed at suppressing Black voters and Republican supporters in the South. In this particular attack, one white person and three Black individuals were killed, highlighting the racial tensions and the violent efforts to disrupt the political process during that time.

This event is an example of the many violent incidents that occurred throughout the Reconstruction era, as Southern Democrats sought to regain control of state governments and undermine the rights of Black Americans.

On September 1, 1867, Robert Tanner Freeman became the first Black person to graduate from Harvard Dental School. He was a trailblazer in dental education, overcoming significant racial barriers to earn his degree. Freeman’s achievement marked an important milestone in both dental and African American history. His graduation is a reminder of the resilience and determination of Black individuals in the face of systemic racism during that era.