Billy Sims, star running back for the University of Oklahoma, was awarded the Heisman Trophy on this day, becoming one of the few African American athletes to win college football’s most prestigious individual honor. Known for his speed, power, and agility, Sims rushed for over 1,700 yards that season and played a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s dominance on the field. He later went on to play in the NFL for the Detroit Lions.

In 1982, John E. Jacob succeeded Vernon E. Jordan Jr. as president of the National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization focused on economic empowerment and racial equality. During his tenure, Jacob prioritized job training, housing, education, and urban revitalization, especially in underserved Black communities. He also advocated for voter registration and youth engagement during the Reagan era, speaking out against policies that disproportionately affected African Americans.

On December 7, 1972, the Rev. W. Sterling Cary was unanimously elected as the first Black president of the National Council of Churches (NCC), the largest ecumenical body in the United States. Prior to his election, Cary served as the administrator of the New York Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ (UCC). His presidency focused on integrating churches, uniting different denominations, and advocating for affordable housing and education. Cary was also a vocal critic of U.S. President Richard Nixon’s budget cuts to affordable housing and anti-poverty measures. His election marked a significant milestone in the NCC’s history, reflecting a commitment to racial equality and justice within the ecumenical movement.

Reginald F. Lewis, a trailblazer in law and business, was born on this day in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1968, later becoming a partner in Murphy, Thorpe & Lewis, the first Black law firm on Wall Street. In 1989, Lewis made history as Chairman and CEO of TLC Beatrice International Holdings Inc., the largest Black-owned and -managed business in the U.S. at the time, with revenues over $1.8 billion. He was one of the first African Americans to build a billion-dollar company.

On the same day as the Pearl Harbor attack, Lester B. Granger was named executive director of the National Urban League, becoming a leading figure in the fight for civil rights and economic justice for African Americans. Granger was a strong advocate for labor rights and integration in the U.S. military and workforce. Under his leadership, the League expanded its efforts in employment, housing, education, and social services.

He later became one of the first African Americans to serve as a delegate to the United Nations.

The NAACP presented the prestigious Spingarn Medal to novelist Richard Wright for his groundbreaking contributions to American literature. He was honored as “one of the most powerful of contemporary writers” for his works Uncle Tom’s Children and Native Son, which boldly depicted the brutal realities of racism, segregation, and systemic oppression faced by African Americans. Wright’s writing helped shift public discourse and inspired generations of Black writers and activists.

Doris “Dorie” Miller, a mess attendant from Waco, Texas, displayed extraordinary bravery during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor while serving on the USS West Virginia. Without any formal training, he manned a machine gun and fired at enemy aircraft, reportedly downing several planes. He also carried wounded sailors to safety, including the ship’s captain.

Miller became the first African American awarded the Navy Cross, marking a significant moment in U.S. military and Black history.

Comer Cottrell, born on this day in Mobile, Alabama, would go on to become a pioneering entrepreneur and influential figure in American business. In 1970, he founded Pro-Line Corporation, which became one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the U.S., best known for revolutionizing Black hair care with products like the Curly Kit.

In 1989, Cottrell made history again by becoming the first African American part-owner of a Major League Baseball team, the Texas Rangers. His achievements opened doors for Black entrepreneurs in industries long lacking in representation.

Sir Milton Margai was born on this day in Gbangbatoke, Sierra Leone. A trained medical doctor and respected statesman, Margai became the first Prime Minister of independent Sierra Leone in 1961. He played a key role in the peaceful transition from British colonial rule to independence. His leadership emphasized national unity, democracy, and education, helping lay the foundation for the new nation.

The year 1885 was marked by the lynching of 74 Black individuals in the United States. However, there is no specific record of 74 Black individuals being lynched on December 7, 1885. It’s important to note that lynchings were tragically common during this period, with numerous incidents occurring throughout the year. For instance, the Rock Springs Massacre on September 2, 1885, resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Chinese miners in Wyoming. ?UMKC Law SchoolOxford Research Encyclopedia

The prevalence of lynching during this era underscores the severe racial violence and injustice faced by Black communities in the post-Reconstruction United States. These acts of terror were often used to enforce white supremacy and intimidate Black populations. Understanding and acknowledging this history is crucial in confronting the legacy of racial violence and working towards justice and equality.?

The 49th Congress (1885–1887) convened on December 7, 1885, with two African American representatives serving:

• James E. O’Hara of North Carolina, a lawyer and civil rights advocate

• Robert Smalls of South Carolina, a formerly enslaved man and Civil War hero

Both men were part of a small but impactful group of Black legislators during the post-Reconstruction era, continuing to fight for civil rights amid increasing racial backlash and disenfranchisement in the South.

In Vicksburg, Mississippi, white Democrats orchestrated a violent coup against the legally elected Reconstruction government. Tensions had been escalating since November when Black citizens helped elect a Republican sheriff. In response, white supremacist groups launched a campaign of terror, culminating on December 7, when an estimated 75 Black Republicans were killed. The massacre was part of a broader effort to suppress Black political power and end Reconstruction reforms in the South.