On this date 1899, L.C. Bailey was granted U.S. Patent #620,286 for the invention of the folding bed. This design allowed the bed to be conveniently folded and stored away, which was especially useful in spaces with limited room. The idea revolutionized furniture design for smaller living spaces and contributed to the development of multi-functional furniture.

On this date in 1918, Nelson Mandela was born, in the village of Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He would go on to become one of the most influential figures in the fight against apartheid, serving as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999. Mandela’s leadership, activism, and commitment to peace and reconciliation made him a global symbol for justice and human rights.

On this date in 1964, a race riot broke out in Harlem, New York, which later spread to the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. This was a significant event during the Civil Rights Movement. The riot was sparked by growing frustration among African American residents over police brutality, economic inequality, and social injustices in Harlem. The immediate trigger was an incident where a white police officer allegedly shot an African American teenager, which led to protests that escalated into violence.

The unrest, which lasted for several days, resulted in widespread property damage and numerous arrests. It was one of several racial disturbances in the United States during the 1960s, reflecting the deep racial tensions and struggles for civil rights during that time. These events contributed to a broader conversation about race relations, police practices, and the demand for social and economic equality in America.

On this date in 1863, the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was one of the first official African American regiments in the United States Army during the Civil War. Formed on March 13, 1863, it was led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a white officer, and included African American men who were formerly enslaved or free.

On July 18, 1863, the Fifty-fourth Regiment is famously known for its courageous assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina. The fort was a Confederate stronghold, and the regiment’s attack was part of the Union’s efforts to capture it. Despite heavy resistance, the regiment fought valiantly, and many of its soldiers were killed or wounded, including Colonel Shaw, who died during the battle. The bravery demonstrated by the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts played a crucial role in proving the capability and valor of African American soldiers, significantly influencing the future recruitment of Black soldiers into the Union Army.

This battle, and the regiment’s overall contributions, marked an important moment in the Civil War, demonstrating the willingness of African Americans to fight for their freedom and contributing to the eventual Union victory.

On this date in 1863, Sergeant William H. Carney of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry became the first African American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Fort Wagner in the American Civil War.

Carney was a sergeant in the 54th Massachusetts, one of the first official African American regiments in the U.S. Army. During the battle, he was part of a heroic effort to plant the American flag on the fort’s ramparts, despite heavy enemy fire. Even after being severely wounded, Carney carried the flag throughout the battle, ensuring it never touched the ground. His bravery and dedication earned him the Medal of Honor, making him a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the fight for freedom and equality.

Lemuel Haynes was indeed a remarkable figure in American history. Born on July 18, 1753, in West Hartford, Connecticut, Haynes is recognized as the first Black minister to serve a predominantly white congregation in the United States. He became a preacher, soldier, and abolitionist, and is known for his advocacy for racial equality and his role in early American Christianity.

Haynes had a challenging early life—he was born to a white mother and an unknown father and was raised in a white family in New England. He later served in the American Revolution and became deeply involved in theological studies. His influence in the church and his outspoken views on liberty and freedom made him an important figure in both religious and abolitionist circles during his time.