Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns made history on August 2, 1980, when he won the WBA Welterweight title by defeating Pipino Cuevas. This victory was a significant moment in boxing history, as it made Hearns the first African American fighter to win world titles in five different weight classes. His achievements are a testament to his skill and versatility, as he went on to become a legend in the sport, holding titles in welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight.

The race riot in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 2, 1964, was part of a wave of racial tensions and unrest that occurred across the United States during the Civil Rights Movement. While it was not as large as some other riots in cities like Harlem or Los Angeles, the Jersey City riot was a significant event in the context of the racial struggles of the time.

The riot in Jersey City began after a confrontation between African American youth and the police. Tensions had been rising due to issues like poverty, police discrimination, and the lack of opportunities for black residents in the city. The immediate spark for the riot was the arrest of a black teenager, which escalated into violence. The youth clashed with the police, and the unrest spread throughout parts of the city, with looting and vandalism occurring.

Like many other riots of this period, the Jersey City riot highlighted the broader social and economic issues affecting African American communities in urban centers. It was also a response to the frustrations of being subjected to systemic racism and inequality, which were prevalent in many parts of the country at the time.

In the aftermath, there were calls for reforms, such as better police-community relations and increased economic opportunities for African Americans. However, the events in Jersey City, like those in other cities, also pointed to the growing sense of disillusionment with the slow pace of change and the persistence of racial inequality in America.

On August 2, 1982, Jackie Robinson was honored by the U.S. Postal Service with a commemorative stamp. The stamp featured an image of Robinson, who was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. This honor marked a recognition of his immense impact on both the sport and the civil rights movement in America.

The stamp was part of the U.S. Postal Service’s “Great Americans” series, celebrating notable figures in American history. Robinson’s legacy as a trailblazer in baseball and as a civil rights activist continues to resonate to this day.

On August 2, 1951, First Lieutenant Vernon Baker became the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War. Although African American soldiers had served in previous conflicts, Baker’s bravery in the Korean War was especially notable, as he led an assault on an enemy stronghold while under heavy fire. His heroism earned him this prestigious honor, but his recognition was delayed for years due to racial discrimination in the military at the time. He was finally awarded the Medal of Honor in 1997 by President Bill Clinton, a recognition of his outstanding valor and courage.

James Baldwin, one of the most important American writers and social critics, was born on August 2, 1924, in Harlem, New York. His works tackled complex themes like race, identity, sexuality, and the struggles of African Americans in the U.S. Some of his most famous works include Go Tell It on the Mountain, Giovanni’s Room, and The Fire Next Time. Baldwin’s impact on literature and activism is still deeply felt today.

On August 2, 1920, Marcus Garvey, the prominent Jamaican political leader, orator, and activist, presented his “Back to Africa” program during the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) convention in New York City. This event marked a significant moment in the history of the African diaspora and the Black nationalist movement. The “Back to Africa” movement aimed to encourage people of African descent to return to their ancestral homeland, Africa, as a means of reclaiming their heritage, identity, and independence from the colonial and racial oppression they faced in the Americas and elsewhere.

Garvey’s program gained wide support, particularly among African Americans, and he advocated for the creation of a separate Black nation in Africa. He also emphasized economic self-reliance, pride in African heritage, and unity among all people of African descent. His vision of a unified, independent Africa and his bold leadership made him one of the most influential figures in the fight for Black empowerment during the early 20th century.