The 1918 bill was a significant early attempt to address racial violence and inequality through federal legislation, but it highlighted the challenges of enacting civil rights protections during that era.

Despite the persistent efforts of civil rights organizations and leaders, it would take many years before a federal anti-lynching law was passed, and it wasn’t until 2022 that the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act was signed into law, making lynching a federal hate crime.

Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. was selected by NASA in January 1990 and officially became an astronaut in July 1991.  He was qualified for the mission specialist position on Space Shuttle flight crews. Dr. Harris made history during his second mission, STS-63 in February 1995, when he became the first African American to perform a spacewalk.  He logged over 438 hours in space and traveled approximately 7.2 million miles during his NASA career.  After leaving NASA in 1996, Dr. Harris pursued further education, earning a master’s degree in biomedical science from the University of Texas Medical Branch and an MBA from the University of Houston.  He has since been involved in various ventures, including serving as CEO of Vesalius Ventures, a venture capital accelerator investing in early-stage companies in medical informatics and technology.  Dr. Harris is also the founder of The Harris Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting education, health, and wealth in disadvantaged communities.

The Hartford riots of 1970 occurred in the aftermath of racial tensions and community frustrations in the city. They were sparked by a combination of factors, including poor living conditions for Black residents, lack of job opportunities, and incidents of police brutality. On July 29, 1970, tensions boiled over, and protests erupted into six days of rioting in the city’s North End.

The disturbances were largely centered around police-community relations, with many residents expressing anger at the lack of justice and equity in Hartford. The riots caused significant damage to property, and the National Guard was eventually deployed to restore order. The events of the riots became a symbol of the broader struggles for racial justice during the Civil Rights Movement.

The National Association of Negro Musicians (NAMM) played a crucial role in promoting African American musicians and artists. The first convention in 1919 marked a major milestone, particularly with the awarding of a scholarship to Marian Anderson, who would later become one of the most celebrated contraltos in the world. Her career and legacy helped pave the way for many future African American artists in classical music. It’s impressive how this moment reflects the intersection of music and social progress.

Chester Himes, born on July 29, 1909, was an influential African American crime novelist known for his hard-boiled detective novels. His works often tackled racial issues and social injustice, reflecting the struggles of Black Americans in mid-20th-century America. Himes is best known for his series of novels featuring Harlem detectives, especially the Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones characters, which gained critical acclaim for their gritty realism and vivid portrayal of Harlem life. His writing style is noted for blending noir, social commentary, and complex character development.

The First National Convention of Black Women was held on July 29, 1885, in Chicago, Illinois. It was a significant event in the history of African American women’s activism and organization. The convention brought together Black women from various parts of the United States to discuss social, political, and economic issues affecting African Americans, particularly Black women.

One of the key figures associated with this convention was Frances E.W. Harper, a prominent writer, activist, and suffragist, who was a vocal advocate for the rights of African Americans and women. The convention provided a platform for Black women to unite and address their shared concerns, and it helped lay the foundation for future Black women’s organizations.

It also contributed to the larger movement for civil rights and women’s suffrage, advocating for issues like education, economic independence, and the elimination of racial and gender discrimination. The event helped pave the way for future activism by Black women in the United States.

George Dixon, the Canadian-born boxer, was indeed born on July 29, 1870. He was a notable figure in the history of boxing, especially famous for his accomplishments in the featherweight division. Dixon made history in 1890 by becoming the first Black boxer to win a World title, which was a major milestone at the time. Not only did he achieve that milestone, but he also became the first to hold a World title in two different weight classes, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest pioneers in the sport.  He was known for his speed, skill, and technical prowess inside the ring. His accomplishments were groundbreaking, especially considering the racial challenges of his time. He remains an inspiration in boxing history.