On December 18, 1989, the New York Film Critics Circle announced their annual awards, honoring Ernest R. Dickerson with the Best Cinematography award for his exceptional work on Spike Lee’s film “Do the Right Thing”. Dickerson’s vivid cinematography masterfully captured the intense heat and escalating tensions of a Brooklyn neighborhood during a sweltering summer day, significantly contributing to the film’s powerful atmosphere.
“Do the Right Thing” received widespread acclaim for its unflinching exploration of racial dynamics and social issues. The film’s compelling narrative and artistic achievements led to multiple accolades, including nominations for Best Picture and Best Screenplay from the New York Film Critics Circle.
Ernest Dickerson’s collaboration with Spike Lee extended beyond this film, with Dickerson serving as the cinematographer for several of Lee’s early works. His contributions have been instrumental in bringing Lee’s visionary storytelling to life on screen.
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, upheld the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, which led to the internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The case centered on Fred Korematsu, a U.S.-born citizen who resisted the internment order. The ruling marked a dark moment in civil liberties jurisprudence.
Though not directly involving African Americans, this case is significant in civil rights law and is frequently cited alongside cases that challenged racial discrimination, including those impacting Black Americans. It underscored how race and national origin could be used to justify government overreach — a theme that civil rights leaders like Thurgood Marshall later fought against.
On December 18, 1996, the Oakland School Board in California made a groundbreaking decision by passing a resolution that recognized Ebonics, also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), as a distinct language system spoken by many African American students. This initiative aimed to acknowledge the linguistic heritage of these students and to implement educational strategies that would improve their acquisition of Standard American English. ?
The resolution emphasized that African American students “possess and utilize a language described in various scholarly approaches as ‘Ebonics’ (literally Black sounds) or Pan-African Communication Behaviors or African Language Systems.” It called for the development of programs that would respect and utilize this language in the classroom to enhance learning outcomes. ?
This move sparked a nationwide debate on language, education, and cultural recognition. Supporters argued that validating students’ home language could bridge the gap to mastering Standard English, while critics were concerned about the implications for educational standards and funding. In response to the controversy, the Oakland School Board later amended the resolution to clarify its intentions, removing phrases that led to misunderstandings and reaffirming its commitment to helping African American students master Standard English. ?
The 1996 Oakland Ebonics resolution remains a significant moment in the discourse on educational strategies for African American students and the recognition of linguistic diversity in the United States.?
On December 18, 1971, Reverend Jesse Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in Chicago. The organization was established to advocate for Black self-help initiatives and to promote economic empowerment within African American communities. Operation PUSH employed various strategies, including direct action campaigns, weekly radio broadcasts, and awards honoring prominent Black individuals, to support Black homeowners, workers, and businesses. ?Rainbow PUSH Coalition
In 1984, Jackson expanded his efforts by founding the National Rainbow Coalition, aiming to unite diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups to pursue social justice and political activism. The two organizations merged in 1996, forming the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which continues to work towards civil rights, economic empowerment, and political inclusion.
On December 18, 1971, the NAACP awarded the Spingarn Medal to Reverend Leon H. Sullivan in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to civil rights and economic development. As the founder of the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OIC), Sullivan was instrumental in providing job training and employment opportunities for African Americans and disadvantaged individuals. His innovative approaches to economic empowerment and social justice left a lasting impact on communities across the United States.
Lori McNeil, born on December 18, 1963, in San Diego, California, is a former professional tennis player renowned for her achievements in both singles and doubles. Throughout her 19-year career on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, from 1983 to 2002, McNeil secured 10 singles titles and 33 doubles titles. ?Wikipedia
Her career-high rankings were World No. 9 in singles (achieved on July 4, 1988) and World No. 4 in doubles (attained on November 9, 1987). Notably, McNeil won the 1988 French Open mixed doubles title alongside partner Jorge Lozano. ?Wikipedia
One of McNeil’s most remarkable victories occurred at Wimbledon in 1994, where she defeated defending champion Steffi Graf in the first round—marking the first time in Grand Slam history that a defending champion lost in the opening round. She advanced to the semifinals that year, matching her previous best Grand Slam singles performance at the 1987 US Open. ?Wikipedia
Beyond her playing career, McNeil has contributed to the sport as a coach, including serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic women’s tennis teams in 2004 and 2008. ?We Are College Tennis
Her dedication and impact on tennis were recognized with her induction into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Women’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006.
On December 18, 1917, Ossie Davis was born in Cogdell, Georgia. He emerged as a distinguished actor, director, writer, and civil rights activist, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.?Wikipédia
Early Life and Education: Born Raiford Chatman Davis, his name became “Ossie” due to a clerical error when his mother’s pronunciation of “R.C.” was misheard. He attended Howard University before moving to New York City in 1939 to pursue acting. There, he began his career with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem.
Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the first African American to become a General in the U.S. Army, was born in Washington, D.C. on this day. His military career spanned over 50 years, during which he broke racial barriers and advocated for equality and integration in the armed forces. He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Davis’s legacy paved the way for greater inclusion of African Americans in the U.S. military.
On this day, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was officially ratified, formally abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude (except as punishment for a crime) across the United States.
Though President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it only freed enslaved people in Confederate states. The 13th Amendment made slavery illegal nationwide, marking a historic step in the long struggle for Black freedom and civil rights in America.
By the end of the Civil War, nearly one out of every four sailors in the Union Navy was Black. Out of 118,044 Union naval personnel, 29,511 were African American, serving in various roles aboard ships. Unlike the Union Army, the Navy was integrated from the outset of the war.
At least four Black sailors received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their extraordinary bravery during combat. These men not only fought for the Union but also for the freedom and dignity of all African Americans, marking a significant chapter in U.S. military history.
South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States, declaring itself an independent commonwealth, which marked a major step toward the formation of the Confederate States of America.
Though the Confederacy fought to preserve slavery, it was among the first to recognize the importance of enslaved Black labor to its war effort. Enslaved African Americans were impressed (forcibly conscripted) to:
Work in mines for raw materials
Repair and build railroads
Construct fortifications, trenches, and other defenses
These forced contributions freed up a larger share of white men to serve in combat roles. Despite their vital labor, enslaved people received no recognition or freedom in return, and were often subjected to brutal conditions.
Although this date precedes the U.S. Civil War (1861–1865), it’s often cited in historical summaries to highlight the eventual scale of Black participation in the conflict. By the end of the Civil War, approximately 185,000 African Americans served in the Union Army, forming 166 all-Black regiments:
145 Infantry
7 Cavalry
12 Heavy Artillery
1 Light Artillery
1 Engineer Regiment
The largest contributions came from:
Louisiana – 24,052 soldiers
Kentucky – 23,703 soldiers
Tennessee – 20,133 soldiers
These men, serving under the banner of the United States Colored Troops (USCT), played a critical role in Union victory and helped to reshape the nation’s view on citizenship, freedom, and equality.
George Henry White, born on December 18, 1852, in Bladen County, North Carolina, was a prominent African American attorney, educator, and politician during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. ?Wikipedia
Political Career:
North Carolina Legislature: White began his political journey in 1881, representing Craven County in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He later served in the North Carolina Senate in 1885. ?NC DNCR
U.S. Congress: In 1896, White was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district, serving two terms from 1897 to 1901. He was the sole African American member of Congress during his tenure and the last Black congressman to serve during the post-Reconstruction era until 1929. ?Wikipedia
Legislative Initiatives:
Anti-Lynching Efforts: White was a vocal advocate against racial violence. In 1900, he introduced the first bill in Congress to make lynching a federal crime, though it did not pass. His efforts laid the groundwork for future civil rights legislation. ?Wikipedia
Community Development:
Whitesboro, New Jersey: After leaving Congress, White co-founded Whitesboro, a community in southern New Jersey, envisioned as a safe haven for African Americans seeking refuge from the pervasive racism and violence in the Southern United States. The town provided opportunities for land ownership and self-governance, embodying White’s commitment to racial uplift and economic empowerment. ?Wikipedia
Legacy:
George H. White’s dedication to justice and equality left an indelible mark on American history. His farewell address to Congress in 1901 reflected his enduring hope for racial progress, stating, “This is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary farewell to the American Congress; but let me say, Phoenix-like he will rise up some day and come again.” ?
His life and work continue to inspire generations in the ongoing pursuit of civil rights and social justice.
© 2025 KnowThyHistory.com. Know Thy History
