Executive Order 11246 enforces affirmative action for the first time Issued by President Johnson, the executive order requires government contractors to “take affirmative action” toward prospective minority employees in all aspects of hiring and employment.

On this date in 1986, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone said the United States “intelligence levels are lower than those in Japan because of African Americans, Hispanics and Puerto Ricans.” Nakasone later apologized saying his remarks were misinterpreted.

On this date in 1977, John T. Walker installed as the first Black bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Washington.

On this date in 1962, U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered Board of Higher Education of Mississippi to admit Meredith to the university or be held in contempt.

On this date in 1957, President Eisenhower ordered federal troops to Little Rock, Ark., to prevent interference with school integration at Central High School.

On this date in 1957, Soldiers of 101st Airborne Division escorted nine Black students to Central High school.

On this date in 1954, Patrick Kelly, first and only American fashion designer admitted to an exclusive organization of French fashion designers, was born

On this dated in 1953, Take a Giant Step, drama by playwright Louis Peterson, opened on Broadway.

On this date in 1935, World Heavyweight Champion, Joe Louis, becomes the first Black boxer to draw a million dollar gate. 88,000 fans paid out $1,000,832 to see Max Baer fight Joe Louis in a non-title bout at Yankee Stadium, in the Bronx, NY.

On this dated in 1931, Representative Cardiss Robertson Collins, elected the U.S. House of Representatives was born