Pop singer Melanie Thornton, 34, was killed in a jet crash in Switzerland. Thornton sang lead with the pop-dance duo LaBouche. Hit songs included “Be My Lover” and “Sweet Dreams.” At the time of her death she was pursuing a solo career.
On this date in 1955, Interstate Commerce Commission banned segregation in buses and waiting rooms involved in interstate travel.
On this date in 1949, Ralph J. Bunche received the Spingarn Medal for his contributions to the Myrdal study and his achievements as UN mediator of the Palestine conflict.
On this date in 1949, CORE chapter pressed sit-in campaign designed to end segregation in downtown facilities in St. Louis.
On this date in 1949, dancer Luther (“Bill”) Robinson (71) dies.
On this date in 1841, Thirty-five Amistad survivors returned to Africa.
