On this date in 2001, Venus Williams defended her Wimbledon title, winning her second consecutive championship by defeating Justine Henin in the final 6–1, 3–6, 6–0. This victory cemented her dominance on grass courts and further solidified her status as one of the top players in women’s tennis.

At the time, Venus was at the peak of her career, known for her powerful serve, athleticism, and aggressive playing style. This win made her the first woman since Steffi Graf (1995–1996) to win back-to-back Wimbledon titles. Her triumph at Wimbledon 2001 was part of her era of dominance alongside her sister, Serena Williams, who would later go on to become her greatest rival and doubles partner.

On this date in 1965, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) officially elected Roy Wilkins as its new Executive Director.

Wilkins had been actively involved with the NAACP since the 1930s and served as the organization’s assistant secretary before succeeding James Farmer as the leader of the civil rights group. His leadership focused on legal challenges to segregation, voting rights advocacy, and broader civil rights reforms.

Under Wilkins’ guidance, the NAACP played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, both of which were landmark achievements in the fight for racial equality in the United States. He remained in the position until 1977, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the civil rights movement.

On this date in 1943, Faye Wattleton was born. She is a notable activist, nurse, and the first African American president of Planned Parenthood. Wattleton served as the organization’s leader from 1978 to 1992, becoming the first woman to hold the position since its founding.

She was a strong advocate for women’s reproductive rights, expanding access to healthcare, and fighting for policies that supported women’s autonomy. Under her leadership, Planned Parenthood grew significantly, and she played a key role in shaping the national conversation on reproductive freedom.

Her activism and leadership have made a lasting impact on public health and women’s rights in the U.S.

On this date in 1914, Billy Eckstine was born, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a groundbreaking jazz and pop singer, bandleader, and musician known for his deep, smooth baritone voice.

Eckstine gained prominence in the 1940s with his big band, which helped shape the bebop movement and featured legendary musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. He later enjoyed a successful solo career with hits like “I Apologize”, “My Foolish Heart”, and “Cottage for Sale”.

As one of the first Black male singers to achieve mainstream success, he paved the way for future generations of jazz and R&B artists. His influence remains strong in the world of jazz and popular music. ??

On this date in 1876, the Hamburg Massacre took place in Hamburg, South Carolina, when a white supremacist mob attacked a group of Black Republican militiamen, killing five Black men. This violent act was part of a broader campaign of racial terror during the Reconstruction era, aimed at suppressing Black political power and voter participation.

The attack began when white men, including former Confederate soldiers and Democratic Party supporters, challenged the presence of an all-Black militia. After a confrontation, a white mob—led by “Red Shirts” (a white supremacist paramilitary group)—escalated the violence, capturing and executing Black militia members.

The massacre was a precursor to the violent suppression of Black political rights in the South, paving the way for Jim Crow laws and disenfranchisement. Despite national attention, little justice was served for the victims, and the event remains a key moment in U.S. history reflecting the struggles of Reconstruction and racial injustice.

On this date in 1870, Governor William Woods Holden of North Carolina declared Caswell County in a state of insurrection due to violent resistance against Reconstruction efforts.

This action was part of what became known as the Kirk-Holden War, a response to the activities of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups terrorizing Black citizens and Republican officials. Governor Holden deployed Colonel George W. Kirk and his militia to suppress the unrest, leading to the arrest of several individuals.

However, Holden’s actions were controversial, and after Democrats regained control of the state legislature, he was impeached and removed from office in 1871—making him the first U.S. governor to be removed through impeachment.

On this date in 1805, Bill Richmond, the son of formerly enslaved parents, made history as the first African American to gain recognition as a prizefighter. He knocked out Jack Holmes in England, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and strategic boxer.

Born in 1763 in Staten Island, New York, Richmond moved to England, where he built a successful boxing career despite racial barriers. Known for his agility and technical skill, he fought some of the top fighters of his era and later became a respected trainer.

His legacy paved the way for future Black athletes in combat sports, making him a key figure in boxing history. ?