Black Panther Party Co-founder Huey P. Newton was gunned down by a member of the Black Guerilla Family drug ring.

Huey P. Newton, the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, was tragically shot and killed on August 22, 1989, in Oakland, California. He was 47 years old. Newton’s death came at the hands of a member of the Black Guerrilla Family, a prison gang that had ties to the drug trade. The exact reasons behind the killing remain debated, with some suggesting that Newton’s involvement in the drug scene and tensions between him and other members of the Black Guerrilla Family may have played a role.

Newton’s death marked the end of an era for the Black Panther Party, which he helped found in 1966 with Bobby Seale, as a revolutionary organization advocating for black empowerment, self-defense, and social justice. Despite the turbulent nature of his later years, Newton’s legacy in the civil rights movement remains significant.

On August 22, 1979, two hundred Black leaders met in New York for a significant gathering known as the National Black Political Convention. This event was held to discuss the political, social, and economic issues facing Black Americans. The convention brought together a diverse group of activists, intellectuals, and community leaders who were determined to create a united political agenda for African Americans. The gathering included prominent figures such as civil rights leaders, ministers, and political figures, and was pivotal in shaping the direction of Black political thought and activism during that time.

One of the key objectives of the convention was to build a broader political movement that would address issues like economic empowerment, racial justice, and political representation. The convention also aimed to craft a Black political agenda that could challenge the political establishment and advocate for the rights and needs of Black Americans. While the outcomes of the convention were mixed, it was an important step in the development of African American political consciousness during the late 20th century.

Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, passed away on August 22, 1978, at the age of 83. He played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule and became a key figure in the formation of the modern Kenyan state. Kenyatta’s death marked the end of his 15-year presidency, during which he established policies focused on nation-building and economic development. His passing led to the succession of his vice president, Daniel arap Moi, who became the second president of Kenya.

John Lee Hooker was indeed a legendary figure in the blues genre. Born on August 22, 1917, in Clarkdale, Mississippi, his distinctive style became a hallmark of the blues sound. Hooker’s early years involved both religious singing and studying guitar, with significant influence from Will Moore, a well-known blues guitarist. His career, which spanned over five decades, included hits like “Boogie Chillen'” and “I’m in the Mood.”

Throughout his long career, Hooker earned numerous accolades and recognition, including the Best Blues Album award from Jazz and Pop magazine in 1968-69, which cemented his status as one of the most influential blues artists of all time. His unique approach, blending elements of traditional blues, jazz, and rock, influenced many artists across genres.

Fisk University, founded in 1865 and officially incorporated on August 22, 1867, is one of the oldest historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. It was established by members of the American Missionary Association to provide education to newly freed African Americans following the Civil War. Fisk University is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the history of African American education and culture.

On August 22, 1844, a significant event took place in Boston when a mass meeting of African Americans gathered to protest the segregation of public schools. The attendees adopted a resolution declaring that the segregation of public schools violated the Massachusetts State Constitution. Despite their efforts and the clear appeal for equality, their request for integrated schools was denied at the time. This event is considered an early example of organized resistance against racial segregation in education in the United States, reflecting the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.

The denial of their petition highlighted the entrenched nature of racial segregation in many parts of the country, even in states that had abolished slavery and were seen as more progressive. However, the persistence of such activism would contribute to the broader civil rights movements that would take place later in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Haitian Revolution began on August 22, 1791, when enslaved people in the northern part of the colony of Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti) revolted. This marked the beginning of a complex and transformative struggle that would eventually lead to the establishment of Haiti as the first independent black republic and the abolition of slavery in the Americas. The revolt was sparked by the harsh conditions faced by enslaved people and the influence of revolutionary ideas from the French Revolution. The Haitian Revolution is considered one of the most significant events in the history of the Atlantic world.

On August 22, 1791, Benjamin Banneker, a renowned mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor, played a significant role in the surveying of the District of Columbia, which later became the capital of the United States. He was appointed to the commission that surveyed the land for the new capital city, Washington, D.C.

In addition to his work on the survey, Banneker also published his first annual almanac in 1791. The almanac contained a wide range of information, including astronomical data, weather predictions, and other practical knowledge for farmers and everyday life. Banneker’s almanac was significant not only for its usefulness but also because it showcased his remarkable mathematical and scientific abilities.

Banneker’s accomplishments were groundbreaking, especially given the racial prejudices of the time. He is often remembered as one of the first African Americans to gain national recognition for his intellectual contributions.