On July 22, 1963, Floyd Patterson faced Sonny Liston in a highly anticipated rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship. Patterson, who had previously defeated Ingemar Johansson to win the title back in 1960, was looking to reclaim his position after losing to Liston in their first encounter in 1962. However, in the rematch, Liston won again, this time by a knockout in the first round. This victory solidified Liston as the heavyweight champion and marked the end of Patterson’s reign as champion. Liston’s dominance in the ring during this time made him one of the most feared fighters in boxing history.

On this date in 2001, Whitman Mayo, an American actor best known for his role as Grady Wilson on the TV sitcom Sanford and Son, passed away on July 22, 2001. He was 70 years old at the time of his death. Mayo was a beloved figure in television history, and his portrayal of Grady, a good-natured but sometimes goofy friend to the main character, was one of his most iconic roles. He also had a varied career in both television and film.

On July 22, 1939, Jane Matilda Bolin made history by becoming the first African American woman to be appointed as a judge in the United States. She was appointed to the Domestic Relations Court in New York City by Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia. Bolin’s groundbreaking appointment marked a significant achievement in the fight for racial and gender equality in the legal profession. She served as a judge for 40 years, making notable contributions to social justice and the legal system.

On July 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln read the preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation to his Cabinet. This was a pivotal moment in American history. The Emancipation Proclamation, which would later be issued on January 1, 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. Lincoln’s decision to issue the proclamation was influenced by various factors, including military necessity during the Civil War and the growing abolitionist movement. While it didn’t immediately free any enslaved people, it was a significant step toward ending slavery and altering the course of the war and the nation’s future.

On July 22, 1848, President Abraham Lincoln presented a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet, though it would take a few more years for the document to be officially issued on January 1, 1863.

The Emancipation Proclamation declared the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate-held territory, marking a significant turning point in the Civil War. The decision to issue the Proclamation was influenced by several factors, including the Union’s military needs and the moral imperative to end slavery.

On July 22, 1848, Lester Walton was appointed as the U.S. Minister to Liberia on July 22, 1848. His appointment came during the presidency of James K. Polk. Walton played a significant role in U.S.-Liberia relations, as he was one of the first African American diplomats to serve in a foreign post. This marked a crucial step in the early history of African American involvement in U.S. diplomacy.