On this date in 1962, ,more than 160 activists jailed after demonstration in Albany. By August 1962, the number of arrests had nearly reached 1,000, as authorities, particularly Police Chief Laurie Pritchett, used mass arrests as a strategy to suppress the movement while avoiding violent crackdowns that could attract national outrage. This was part of the Albany Movement, a civil rights campaign in Albany, Georgia, that sought to end segregation and discrimination. The movement, which began in late 1961, was led by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later supported by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Despite the mass arrests, the Albany Movement laid the groundwork for future civil rights campaigns by emphasizing grassroots organization and nonviolent resistance. While it did not achieve immediate desegregation in Albany, the lessons learned influenced later successful efforts, such as the Birmingham Campaign in 1963.

On this date in 1951,Private First Class (PFC) William H. Thompson was the first African American to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Korean War. On July 21, 1951, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery in combat.

His Story:
PFC Thompson served in Company M, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On August 6, 1950, near Haman, South Korea, Thompson’s unit was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. Despite being wounded, he refused to retreat and continued to fire his machine gun to cover his fellow soldiers’ withdrawal. His courageous stand allowed his comrades to escape, but he was ultimately killed in action.

His Legacy:
PFC William H. Thompson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on July 21, 1951, recognizing his heroism. His actions exemplified selflessness and dedication to duty, making him a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.

On July 21, 1950, during the Korean War, the U.S. 24th Infantry Regiment, composed primarily of African American soldiers, successfully recaptured the town of Yechon after a fierce 16-hour battle. This battle marked the first significant American victory in the Korean War. The regiment’s bravery and tenacity in the face of a fierce enemy helped stem the tide of the North Korean advance, and this victory was crucial in the broader context of the war, which had seen the North Korean forces quickly pushing south.

The 24th Infantry Regiment’s role in this battle is significant not only for its military achievement but also because it was one of the first major engagements involving Black troops during the Korean War, at a time when racial segregation was still prevalent in the U.S. military. Their success at Yechon demonstrated their courage and combat effectiveness, challenging some of the prevailing racial stereotypes of the time.

On July 21, 1896, the National Federation of Afro-American Women and the Colored Women’s League merged to form the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), which became one of the most influential organizations for African American women during that period. Mary Church Terrell, a prominent activist and educator, was elected the first president of the NACW during its founding meeting held at Washington’s Nineteenth Street Baptist Church. Under her leadership, the organization focused on issues such as racial equality, women’s suffrage, and civil rights, and it played a vital role in advocating for both African Americans and women in general.

On this date in 1864, the first daily Black newspaper, The New Orleans Tribune, is published in English and French. The New Orleans Tribune was the first daily newspaper for Black people, founded by a group of free Black men in New Orleans. It played a crucial role in giving a voice to the African American community during a time when racial inequality was deeply ingrained in society. The newspaper was published in both English and French, reflecting the city’s diverse culture and its large Creole population.

The Tribune advocated for civil rights, education, and political engagement, while also offering a platform for African Americans to express their experiences and viewpoints. It operated until 1868, a short but impactful period in history.