On this day, Pamela McAllister Johnson broke barriers by becoming the first Black woman to serve as publisher of a mainstream daily newspaper, the Ithaca Journal in New York. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in the history of American journalism, highlighting the ongoing struggle for diversity and representation in media leadership.
On this date in 1950, Ralph J. Bunche, director of the UN Trusteeship division and former professor of political science at Howard University, awarded the Nobel Peace prize (September 22) for successful mediation of the Palestine conflict. He was the first Black to receive a Nobel citation.
On this day, William H. Rehnquist was confirmed as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. His confirmation faced strong opposition from civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, due to his past opposition to civil rights legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Critics also cited his earlier memos as a law clerk, which appeared to defend the “separate but equal” doctrine of segregation.
Rehnquist would go on to serve as Chief Justice from 1986 until his death in 2005. His confirmation marked a pivotal moment in the ideological shift of the Court and had long-term implications for civil rights jurisprudence.
Soul singer Otis Redding, known for hits like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”, tragically died at age 26 when his plane crashed into Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. He was en route to a concert with members of the Bar-Kays, four of whom also died in the crash.
Redding’s death came just days after recording his iconic single “Dock of the Bay,” which would become his first posthumous No. 1 hit and cement his legacy as a soul music legend.
On this day, legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson officially retired from boxing, ending a storied career that redefined the sport. Robinson amassed six world title victories, more than any other fighter at the time, and is widely considered one of the greatest boxers in history. Known for his incredible skill, speed, and charisma, Robinson’s career record stood at 173 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws, with 108 knockouts.
On this day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, for his nonviolent struggle against racial segregation and injustice in the United States. At age 35, he became the youngest person at the time to receive the prestigious award.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. King said:
“I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind.”
This honor further elevated King as a global symbol of peaceful resistance and social change.
On December 10, 1864, the 5th and 6th United States Colored Cavalry (USCC) Regiments commenced their participation in Stoneman’s Raid into Southwestern Virginia, a significant Union operation during the American Civil War. This campaign aimed to disrupt Confederate supply lines and infrastructure in the region.?
5th USCC: Organized at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, on October 24, 1864, the 5th USCC comprised African American soldiers, many of whom were formerly enslaved individuals seeking freedom and a chance to fight for the Union cause. ?
6th USCC: Similarly, the 6th USCC was formed at Camp Nelson on October 24, 1864, drawing recruits from Kentucky and surrounding areas. ?
Beginning on December 10, 1864, under the command of General George Stoneman, both regiments embarked on a raid targeting key Confederate positions:?
December 12: Engaged in combat at Hopkinsville, Kentucky.?
December 13: Participated in the battle at Kingsport, Tennessee, successfully flanking and forcing back Confederate forces.?
December 17-18: Fought in the Battle of Marion near Marion, Virginia, demonstrating remarkable bravery despite facing formidable opposition.?
December 20-21: Contributed significantly to the Second Battle of Saltville, leading to the capture and destruction of the vital Confederate salt works. ?
The involvement of the 5th and 6th USCC in these operations not only disrupted Confederate resources but also showcased the valor and effectiveness of African American soldiers in combat. Their actions during Stoneman’s Raid contributed to the broader Union efforts to weaken the Confederacy’s war capabilities and paved the way for greater acceptance of Black soldiers in the U.S. military.
Edwin C. Berry, one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs of his era, was born on this day in Oberlin, Ohio. In 1892, he built the Hotel Berry, a 22-room establishment in Athens, Ohio. The hotel gained national attention for its high standards and service. By the time of his retirement in 1921, Berry was widely recognized as the most successful Black small-city hotel operator in the United States.
Norbert Rillieux, a free-born Black inventor and chemical engineer from New Orleans, patented his multiple-effect evaporator under vacuum on this day. This invention revolutionized the sugar refining process, making it safer, more efficient, and more economical.
Rillieux’s system replaced dangerous open kettles with a closed, steam-heated method, dramatically reducing the risk of burns and improving the quality of sugar production. His breakthrough not only transformed the sugar industry but laid the groundwork for advances in chemical engineering and industrial evaporation used in many industries today.
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