Muhammad Ali regains world heavyweight boxing title.
On this date in 1994, Pearl Primus dies. Primus, who founded her own dance company in 1946, was best known for her “primitive” dances. She was famed for her energy and her physical daring, which were characterized by leaps up to five feet in the air. Dance critics praised her movements as forceful and dramatic, yet graceful and deliberately controlled.
On this date in 1981, William O. Walker (85), publisher of the Cleveland Call and Post newspaper, dies. In 1932, Walker became the publisher and editor of the Cleveland Call and Post, one of the most influential African-American newspapers in the United States. Walker used the weekly paper to educate the community about racial injustices occurring in not only Cleveland but across the United States. During this period in time, African Americans increasingly supported the Democratic Party; however, Walker used the Call and Post to advocate for the Republican Party.
On this date in 1969, U.S. Supreme Court said school systems must end segregation “at once” and “operate now and hereafter only unitary schools.” In Mississippi case, Alexander V. Holmes, the Court abandoned the principle of “all deliberate speed.”
On this date in 1947, President’s Committee on Civil Rights condemned racial injustices in America when ity published the formal report, “To Secure These Rights: The Report of the President’s Committee on Civil Rights.”
On this date in 1945, Actress Melba Moore was born in New York city.
On this date in 1929, the stock market collapsed bringing on the beginning of the Great Depression. By 1937, 26 percent of Black males were unemployed.
On this date in 1924, Dixie to Broadway, “the first real revue by Negroes,” opened at Broadhurst Theater, New York City, with Florence Mills in starring role.
On this date in 1923, Runnin’ Wild opened at Colonial Theater, Broadway. Miller and Lyles Productions introduced Charleston to New York and the world.
