On this date in 1910, First Black heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson successfully defended his heavy weight title against former champion James “The Great White Hope” Jeffries, who had come out of retirement “to win back the title for the White race,” in what was called the “Fight of the Century.” The bout took place in Reno, Nevada, and ended in the 15th round when Jeffries’ corner threw in the towel.

Jack Johnson’s victory was a significant moment in sports and racial history, as it shattered the idea that white fighters were superior and sparked both celebration and racial tensions across the U.S. His dominance in the ring and defiance of societal norms made him a controversial but legendary figure in boxing history.

ON this date in 1943, Arthur Ashe was born in Richmond, Virginia. He became a legendary tennis player, known for being the first Black man to win singles titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. In 1963, Twenty-year-old Arthur Ashe becomes the first African-American to make the U.S. Davis Cup tennis team. Beyond his achievements on the court, Ashe was a passionate advocate for civil rights, social justice, and HIV/AIDS awareness. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and activists around the world.

On this date in 1941, Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton, one of the most influential early jazz pianists and composers, passed away, at the age of 56 in Los Angeles. Morton was a key figure in the development of jazz, particularly known for blending ragtime, blues, and improvisation into a more structured and sophisticated form of the genre. His compositions, such as King Porter Stomp, Black Bottom Stomp, and Jelly Roll Blues, became jazz standards.

Despite his significant contributions to jazz, he struggled in his later years, as swing music overshadowed his earlier New Orleans-style jazz. However, his legacy was later revived, and he is now recognized as one of the greatest jazz pioneers of all time.

On this date in 1927, David Norman Dinkins was born. He later became a prominent American politician and served as the 106th Mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993 —the city’s first African American mayor. Before that, he was active in New York politics, serving as Manhattan Borough President and a member of the New York State Assembly.

His tenure as mayor was marked by efforts to improve race relations, reduce crime, and revitalize the city, though he faced significant challenges, including economic struggles and high crime rates.

On this date in 1893, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a pioneering African American surgeon, performed the first successful open-heart surgeries.

James Cornish, a young man who had been stabbed in the chest, was brought to Provident Hospital —a hospital founded by Dr. Williams himself in Chicago. Without modern surgical tools, X-rays, or antibiotics, Dr. Williams operated directly on Cornish’s pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart) to repair the wound. Incredibly, Cornish survived and recovered, living for several more years after the surgery.

Dr. Williams’ achievement was groundbreaking, as heart surgery was considered nearly impossible at the time. His work helped lay the foundation for future advancements in cardiac surgery and opened doors for Black medical professionals in the U.S.

On this date in 1891, African American jockey William “Monk” Overton achieved a remarkable feat by winning six consecutive horse races at Washington Park Race Track in Chicago. The day’s program comprised seven races; Overton secured victories in the first race, did not have a mount in the second, and then triumphed in the remaining five races.
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This accomplishment was unprecedented in American horse racing at the time. Overton’s record was later matched by fellow African American jockey Jimmy Lee in 1907, who also won six straight races at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
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Beyond this extraordinary day, Overton had a distinguished career. He participated in eight Kentucky Derbies and, in 1897, rode the filly Etta to victory in the Kentucky Oaks.
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Overton’s achievements highlight the significant contributions of African American jockeys to the sport during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

On this date in 1875, Mary McLeod Bethune was born in Mayesville, South Carolina. She was a pioneering educator, civil rights leader, and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. She played a key role in advocating for African American education and women’s rights, serving as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and founding the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).

Her legacy continues today as a symbol of empowerment, education, and equality.

On this date in 1818, Cyrus Tiffany: African American heroism was not daunted by Captain Oliver H. Perry’s opinion of African American sailors. An African American sailor, Cyrus Tiffany, was instrumental in protecting the life of Perry. When the USS Lawrence, the flagship of the American navy on Lake Erie, was sunk during the battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813, Captain Oliver Hazard Perry was forced to transfer to the USS Niagara. During this perilous moment, Cyrus Tiffany, an African American sailor and Perry’s personal attendant, played a crucial role in ensuring the captain’s safety. Despite widespread prejudices against African American sailors at the time, Tiffany’s bravery and quick action contributed to Perry’s survival and the eventual American victory over the British fleet.

Tiffany’s actions highlight the significant yet often overlooked contributions of African Americans in naval warfare, particularly during the War of 1812. His heroism serves as a testament to the courage and dedication of Black sailors who fought for a country that did not always recognize their worth.

On this date in 1775, Horatio Gates, serving as George Washington’s adjutant general, issued an order prohibiting Black men—both free and enslaved—from enlisting in the Continental Army. This decision reflected the prevailing racial attitudes of the time and concerns among some American leaders about arming Black individuals.

However, this exclusion did not last long. As the war progressed and the need for manpower grew, policies changed. By 1776, the Continental Army began allowing free Black men to serve. Eventually, even some enslaved individuals were promised freedom in exchange for military service, particularly in states like Rhode Island, which formed an all-Black regiment, the First Rhode Island Regiment.