On July 20, 1950, during the Korean War, the 24th Infantry Regiment, an all-Black unit of the U.S. Army, achieved the first U.S. victory in Korea. The regiment played a crucial role in defending Yechon, South Korea, from North Korean forces.

This victory was significant not only militarily but also historically, as it showcased the bravery and effectiveness of African American soldiers at a time when the U.S. military was still in the process of desegregation. The heroism of these troops helped pave the way for full integration of the armed forces, which was officially ordered by President Harry Truman in Executive Order 9981 (1948).

On this date in July, Mary Church Terrell was a prominent African American activist who played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and women’s suffrage. In 1896, she became the first president of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), an organization formed through the merger of the Colored Women’s League and the National Federation of Afro-American Women. The NACW aimed to unify Black women’s clubs across the nation to address issues such as women’s suffrage, lynching, and Jim Crow laws. Under Terrell’s leadership, the association adopted the motto “Lifting as we climb,” reflecting its commitment to uplifting African American communities through education and advocacy.
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Terrell’s election as the first president of the NACW marked a significant milestone in the history of African American women’s activism, highlighting her dedication to social justice and equality.

On this date in 1939, Jane M. Bolin was appointed as the first African American female judge in the United States on July 22, 1939. She was appointed by New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia to serve as a judge of the Domestic Relations Court (now the Family Court). Bolin served for 40 years, advocating for children’s rights, civil rights, and fair treatment in the legal system.

On July 20, 1967, more than a thousand people gathered in Newark, New Jersey, for the first Black Power Conference. This event was a significant moment in the Black Power movement, bringing together activists, intellectuals, and community leaders to discuss strategies for racial justice, economic empowerment, and self-determination for Black communities.

The conference was part of a larger wave of activism during the 1960s, following the Civil Rights Movement, and emphasized Black political and economic independence. It took place in the wake of the 1967 Newark riots, which were sparked by systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality.