On August 10, 1981, a significant boycott organized by PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), a civil rights organization led by the Reverend Jesse Jackson, took place. This boycott was part of a broader effort to address economic inequality and racial injustice. PUSH aimed to advocate for greater economic opportunities and political influence for African Americans, especially in the realms of business and employment.

The boycott was primarily a response to the lack of minority representation in key industries, particularly in the areas of employment, contracting, and supplier diversity. The organization urged companies to do more to include African Americans in their business practices and to hire more workers from marginalized communities.

This event was part of Jackson’s broader efforts in the 1980s to promote economic justice and challenge corporate practices that were seen as discriminatory toward African Americans. The PUSH Boycott was one of many grassroots initiatives that helped fuel the economic justice movement during that time.

Patti Austin, the American singer known for her work in R&B, jazz, and pop, was born on August 10, 1948. She has had a successful career, collaborating with artists like Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, and is known for hits such as “Baby, Come to Me” and “The Heat of Heat.” Her versatility and unique vocal style have made her a beloved figure in the music industry.

On August 10, 1944, a significant race riot occurred in Athens, Alabama, during a period of heightened racial tensions in the United States. This incident was part of a larger pattern of racial violence and unrest that was occurring in many southern towns at the time, often sparked by perceived injustices, economic hardship, or friction between Black and white communities.

In Athens, the immediate cause of the riot was a confrontation between white law enforcement officers and Black residents, which escalated quickly. At the heart of this specific incident was the arrest of several African Americans, which led to violence as Black citizens began protesting the treatment of their community. The response from law enforcement was harsh, and the riot led to significant property damage and a heightened sense of racial animosity in the area.

The event was part of a broader history of racial conflict in the South, occurring during World War II when tensions around civil rights were growing. African Americans were pushing for better treatment and equality, while many white communities resisted these changes, leading to violent outbursts like the one in Athens.

The Athens race riot was one of many that contributed to the larger Civil Rights Movement that would gain more momentum in the 1950s and 1960s. It was also a reminder of the deep racial divide that existed in the South, one that would take decades to begin to heal through the work of activists, legal changes, and shifts in societal attitudes.

on August 10, 1894, George Washington Murray, an African American inventor and politician, read into the Congressional Record a list of 92 patents granted to African Americans. Murray, who was a representative from South Carolina at the time, highlighted the significant contributions of African American inventors, many of whom had been overlooked in historical records. Among the 92 patents, 8 were his own, related to agricultural tools and machinery. This act served to draw attention to the achievements of African American inventors during a time when their work was often marginalized. Murray’s effort was part of his broader advocacy for African American rights and recognition.

Note: Congressman George Washington Murray was himself responsible for 12 patents which include: Combined Furrow Opener, Stalk Knocker, Cultivatior and Market, Planter, Cotton Chopper and Fertilizing Distributor, among others.

Clarence C. White, an American composer and violinist, indeed passed away on August 10, 1880. He was known for his work in the late 19th century and contributed significantly to the development of American classical music, although his life was tragically short.

On August 10, 1827, a race riot occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, a significant event in the city’s history. The riot was triggered by rising racial tensions, particularly between the white population and the growing free African American community. This unrest had been building for some time due to issues like competition for jobs, racial prejudice, and the presence of abolitionist sentiment in the area.

The immediate cause of the riot was a confrontation between black and white workers. White mobs attacked African Americans, targeting their homes and businesses. The violence was fueled by fear and resentment of the economic and social changes in the city as free African Americans began to establish a more visible presence.

The aftermath of the riot led to the city enacting harsher laws against African Americans, such as restrictions on their ability to settle in Cincinnati. This riot was part of a broader pattern of racial violence that was occurring in several Northern cities during the early 19th century, despite the fact that the North was less reliant on slavery than the South.

This event highlighted the deep racial divisions in the United States during that period and reflected the challenges faced by African Americans even in Northern states.