On September 2, 1966, Frank Robinson was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American League. Robinson had an incredible season that year, playing for the Baltimore Orioles. He became the first player in Major League Baseball history to be named MVP of both the National League and the American League, as he had previously won the National League MVP in 1961 while playing for the Cincinnati Reds. Robinson’s 1966 season was remarkable as he helped lead the Orioles to a World Series title, hitting 49 home runs and driving in 122 RBIs that year.

On September 2, 1884, John Parker was granted U.S. Patent #304,552 for a “Follower-Screw for Tobacco Presses.” This patent was for an innovative design that allowed tobacco presses to work more efficiently. It focused on the mechanism that helps compress tobacco leaves, making the process smoother and more effective. Patents like this were pivotal in improving manufacturing processes in various industries during that time, particularly in tobacco production.

On September 2, 1975, the first Black Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, Justice Joseph W. Hatchett, was sworn in. He made history as the first African American to serve on Florida’s highest court. Justice Hatchett was appointed by then-Governor Reubin Askew. His appointment was a significant milestone in the fight for racial equality and representation in the judicial system. Justice Hatchett served on the Florida Supreme Court until 1987, and his career continued to be influential in law and public service.

On September 2, 1956, the Tennessee National Guard was sent to Clinton, Tennessee, to restore order after protests erupted over the integration of Clinton High School. This was part of the broader Civil Rights Movement in the United States, as the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. In Clinton, as well as in other Southern towns, there was significant resistance to this ruling, leading to violent clashes and demonstrations.

In Clinton, the National Guard was deployed to protect the nine African American students who were the first to attend the previously all-white high school. Their arrival marked a significant moment in the struggle for civil rights and school desegregation in the South.

In 1956, many Southern states, including Virginia, Arkansas, and Georgia, passed “Massive Resistance” laws and policies to avoid integration. This included protests, threats, and the establishment of new private schools to circumvent federal mandates. Public demonstrations and rallies were common in opposition to desegregation, particularly in areas where school boards were mandated to integrate.

In Arkansas, for example, the state’s governor, Orval Faubus, famously called in the National Guard to prevent nine Black students from entering Little Rock Central High School in September 1957, following the Brown decision. While September 2, 1956, itself may not have marked a specific pivotal event, it was part of a broader wave of protests and challenges to the Brown ruling. These events contributed to the long and difficult battle for civil rights and school integration that continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

On September 2, 1945, during World War II, the United States had a significant number of African Americans who served in the armed forces. A total of 1,154,720 Black individuals were inducted or drafted into the military during the war. Of these, 7,768 were commissioned officers by August 31, 1945. This number highlights the pivotal role Black Americans played in the war, despite facing racial discrimination and segregation in the military. Many of these service members served in segregated units, with notable contributions in various capacities, including combat, logistics, and support roles. Some units, such as the Tuskegee Airmen and the 761st Tank Battalion, gained particular recognition for their bravery and performance during the war.

On September 2, 1945, World War II officially ended with the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This marked the conclusion of the deadliest and most widespread conflict in history.

Key points about the event:

• Japanese Surrender: The signing ceremony was held after Japan’s acceptance of the Allies’ terms outlined in the Potsdam Declaration, following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The formal surrender was signed by Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu.
• USS Missouri: The location of the surrender, the USS Missouri, was chosen because it symbolized the strength of the Allied forces. The American representatives included General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
• End of the War: This event marked the official end of World War II, following the earlier surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945. After the Japanese surrender, the war’s conclusion reshaped the global political landscape and led to the establishment of the United Nations in an effort to prevent future conflicts.

This day is now commemorated as V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day).

James Forten was born on September 2, 1766, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a prominent African American abolitionist, inventor, and entrepreneur. Forten gained significant wealth and success, primarily through his work in the sail-making industry, and became a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery. He was also an active supporter of civil rights and a key figure in the African American community during the 19th century. Forten’s story is remarkable not only for his personal achievements but also for his dedication to social justice and equality.

Billy Preston, often referred to as the “Fifth Beatle” due to his work with The Beatles, was born on September 2, 1946, in Houston, Texas. He was an incredibly talented keyboardist, contributing to many iconic songs by The Beatles, such as “Something” and “Get Back.” His contributions to the band’s later albums were essential in shaping their sound. Besides his work with The Beatles, he also had a successful solo career and played with many other famous artists, including Ray Charles and Sam Cooke.

On September 2, 1864, General William Tecumseh Sherman occupied Atlanta, marking a significant moment in the American Civil War. This strategic capture of Atlanta was a turning point in the war, as it disrupted Confederate supply lines and boosted Union morale.

The events you mentioned involving Black troops during the battles around Chaffin’s Farm in the suburbs of Richmond highlight the important contributions of African American soldiers in the war. Specifically, the Black troops who fought in the battles of New Market Heights, Fort Gilmer, and Fort Harrison played crucial roles, despite facing tremendous challenges. Their courage and dedication were evident in the gallant but unsuccessful assault on Fort Gilmer and their key role in repelling the Confederate counterattack on Fort Harrison.

The 39th U.S. Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) earned significant recognition for their bravery. This regiment was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for its valor in battle, underscoring the importance of Black soldiers’ participation in the Union’s efforts during the war. Their actions at these key sites were a testament to their determination and the changing role of African Americans in the military during the Civil War.