On this date in 1949, F.M. Jones was granted Patent No. 2,475,841 for an air conditioning unit. This patent was for an invention relating to a portable or movable air conditioning unit, designed to improve cooling and humidity control. The system was likely aimed at providing a more efficient and flexible solution for air conditioning in residential and commercial settings at the time.

On this date in 1980, John W. Davis dies at the age of 92 in Englewood, New Jersey. John W. Davis was a notable civil rights activist and an influential figure in education, particularly in West Virginia. He served as president of West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University) for many years, where he made significant contributions to the development of the college and the education of African American students during a time of racial segregation and inequality. His work in the civil rights movement also impacted the broader social and political landscape. His death marked the loss of an important figure in both the civil rights and educational communities.

On this date in 1967, racial violence erupted in Newark, New Jersey, marking one of the most significant riots during the period of civil unrest in the United States in the 1960s. The unrest began after a routine police arrest of a Black man, John W. Smith, who was reportedly beaten by officers, leading to anger and frustration in the Black community over systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality.

The situation escalated quickly, and over the next several days, protests turned into violent riots. There were widespread looting, arson, and clashes between police and residents. The National Guard was eventually called in to restore order. By the time the riots subsided on July 17, 1967, more than 26 people had been killed, hundreds injured, and substantial property damage had occurred, with over 1,000 people arrested.

The Newark riots were part of a larger wave of urban unrest in the 1960s, which included riots in cities like Detroit and Watts, and were driven by the frustration of Black Americans with persistent racial discrimination and poor living conditions. The events had a profound impact on the city of Newark and the national conversation about race relations, poverty, and police violence.

On this date in 1966, the city of Chicago experienced a race riot that was part of a larger wave of unrest in American cities during the 1960s. The riot was triggered by a combination of racial tensions, economic inequality, and the demands of the civil rights movement. It took place in the predominantly Black neighborhood of the West Side, especially around the 16th Street area.

The unrest began after a peaceful march led by Martin Luther King Jr. was met with opposition and violence. King had come to Chicago to draw attention to housing discrimination, poor living conditions, and systemic racism in the city’s housing market. The march was intended to protest the segregated housing practices in Chicago, but it was met with hostility by some white residents who were resistant to the idea of integration. This hostility quickly escalated into a riot.

The violence included clashes between the police and protesters, looting, and property damage. The riot lasted for several days, and the National Guard was eventually called in to help restore order. The event marked a significant moment in the civil rights struggle, highlighting the deep racial divides in northern cities and the growing frustration within the Black community over both de jure (legal) and de facto (social) segregation.

The 1966 race riot in Chicago was one of many incidents across the country during that time, reflecting broader national issues of civil rights, poverty, and inequality.

On this date in 1963, the National Guard was deployed to impose limited martial law in Cambridge, Maryland, following violent clashes between demonstrators and white segregationists. This event was part of the broader Civil Rights Movement, where African Americans and their allies were actively protesting segregation and fighting for equal rights across the United States. The situation in Cambridge had escalated after tensions between black activists and white supremacist groups resulted in violent confrontations, leading to the intervention of the National Guard to restore order.

The Cambridge riots were one of many flashpoints during this era, highlighting the deep racial divisions in the country and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

On this date in 1951, Governor Adlai Stevenson of Illinois called out the National Guard to restore order in Cicero, Illinois, following violent riots. A white mob of around 3,500 people had gathered in an attempt to prevent a Black family, the Murrays, from moving into an all-white neighborhood. The family had rented an apartment in the area, and their move sparked outrage among the white residents. The violence escalated to the point where the National Guard had to be deployed to protect the family and restore peace.

This event was one of the many instances of racial tension and violence that were common during the mid-20th century, as African Americans sought to challenge segregation and gain equal rights, especially in housing. It highlighted the deep resistance to integration in certain communities and the lengths to which people would go to preserve racial segregation.

On this date in 1949, Patent No. 2475842, was granted to F. M. Jones for a starter generator. This patent relates to a device that functions both as a starter motor and a generator in a single unit. Typically used in applications like aircraft or other vehicles, the starter generator is designed to start an engine and, once the engine is running, it also generates electricity to power various systems of the vehicle.

On this date in 1937, Bill Cosby was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He became widely known as a comedian, actor, and producer, particularly for his role in the iconic TV show The Cosby Show. Over the years, he became a prominent figure in entertainment, but his legacy has become highly controversial in light of serious allegations and convictions related to sexual assault. Despite the legal issues, Cosby’s influence on comedy and television remains significant in popular culture.

On this date in 1936, Rose McClendon, an influential African-American actress and founder of the Negro People’s Theatre, passed away. McClendon was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that celebrated African-American culture and arts during the early 20th century. She was known for her work in theater, particularly for her performances in plays that dealt with racial and social issues, and she played a key role in promoting African-American theatrical productions.

Her contributions to the theater world helped pave the way for future generations of black actors and playwrights, making her a significant figure in the history of American theater.

On this date in 1926, Beah Richards, born Beulah Elizabeth Richardson in Vicksburg, Mississippi, was an acclaimed American actress, poet, playwright, and activist. She began her acting career in the 1950s, initially performing on stage before transitioning to film and television.

Richards is perhaps best known for her role as Mrs. Mary Prentice in the 1967 film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, for which she received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress. She also appeared in notable films such as In the Heat of the Night (1967), The Great White Hope (1970), and Beloved (1998).

In addition to her film career, Richards had a distinguished stage presence, earning a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the 1965 production of The Amen Corner. Her television appearances included roles on series like Frank’s Place and The Practice, for which she won two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Beyond her acting career, Richards was a poet and playwright. Her first play, One Is a Crowd, addressed issues of racial segregation and was performed in 1951. She was also involved in political activism, co-founding the civil rights organization Sojourners for Peace and Justice.

Richards passed away on September 14, 2000, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, from emphysema, just days after winning her second Emmy Award. Her legacy continues to inspire many in the arts and civil rights movements.

On this date in 1887, Mound Bayou was founded, by Isaiah Montgomery and his fellow freedmen. Isaiah Montgomery was a key figure in the establishment of the town, which became one of the first successful all-African American towns in the United States. It was located in the Mississippi Delta and aimed to provide African Americans with a community where they could live independently and manage their own affairs. Mound Bayou played an important role in the history of African American self-sufficiency during the post-Reconstruction era.