Vonetta Flowers made history by becoming the first Black athlete to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympic Games. Competing alongside her partner Jill Bakken, Flowers triumphed in the inaugural women’s two-person bobsled event at the Salt Lake City Olympics. Her groundbreaking victory broke racial barriers in winter sports and inspired a new generation of athletes.

Dorothy Maynor, a trailblazing African American soprano and music educator, passed away on this day. Known for her rich voice and groundbreaking career, she was the first African American to sing at a U.S. presidential inauguration (1949) and later became the first African American on the board of the Metropolitan Opera. She also founded the Harlem School of the Arts, expanding access to music education for thousands of children.

John Singleton made history as the first African American—and the youngest person ever at the time—to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director. He was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay for his groundbreaking debut film Boyz n the Hood. The film offered a powerful portrayal of life in South Central Los Angeles and became a landmark in Black cinema.

The U.S. Army Air Corps activated the 100th Pursuit Squadron at Tuskegee Institute, marking the official beginning of the Tuskegee Airmen program. As the first all-African American flying unit in the U.S. military, the squadron would go on to serve with distinction during World War II, particularly in England and across Europe. Their success challenged racial stereotypes and paved the way for the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Soul singer and songwriter William “Smokey” Robinson was born in Detroit, Michigan. While still in high school, he formed the group the Miracles in 1955. The group achieved major success in 1960 with the hit song “Shop Around,” which helped launch the Motown sound. Robinson would go on to become a key figure in Motown’s rise and a legendary influence in soul and R&B music.

The first Pan-African Congress, organized by W.E.B. Du Bois, convened at the Grand Hotel in Paris. It brought together 57 delegates from 16 countries and colonies, including 16 from the United States and 14 from Africa. The Congress aimed to address the rights and freedoms of people of African descent worldwide in the wake of World War I. Blaise Diagne of Senegal was elected president, and W.E.B. Du Bois served as secretary.

Confederate forces defeated Union troops, including three Black regiments and six white regiments, at the Battle of Olustee in Florida, about fifty miles from Jacksonville. This was the largest Civil War battle fought in Florida. Despite their defeat, the bravery of Black soldiers, particularly the 54th Massachusetts and the 8th U.S. Colored Troops, earned respect and helped to change perceptions of Black military service.