Floyd Patterson, the first Olympic gold medalist to become a world heavyweight boxing champion, was born in Waco, North Carolina. Known for his speed... Continue →
On this day, Andrew “Rube” Foster, a former player, manager, and executive, established the Negro National League (NNL), the first successful,... Continue →
Baseball great Willie Lee McCovey was born in Mobile, Alabama. McCovey joined the San Francisco Giants in 1959 and quickly made an impact, earning... Continue →
Jacques Dominique Wilkins, Hall of Fame basketball player, was born in Paris, France. Known for his scoring ability and highlight-reel dunks, Wilkins... Continue →
Joe Frazier, Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight boxing champion, was born in Beaufort, South Carolina. Known for his relentless fighting style and... Continue →
Michael Jordan announces his second retirement from the NBA, stepping away from what was widely regarded as the most illustrious career in... Continue →
On January 13, 1953, Don Barksdale made history as the first Black player to participate in an NBA All-Star Game. A trailblazing athlete and former... Continue →
James Frank, then president of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, was installed as the first African American president of the National... Continue →
Muhammad Ali(Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr), 57 former heavyweight champion boxer. Born Lousivlle, Ky. Jan,17, 1942.
Grant Fuhr, goalie for the world champion Edmonton Oilers, is picked in the first round of the National Hockey League draft to become the first Black... Continue →
Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Arthur Ashe, first Black male to win Wimbledon, is denied entry to compete on the US Team for the South African Open tennis championships due to... Continue →
Leroy "Satchel" Paige, major league baseball player, named all-time outstanding player by National Baseball Congress
Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams, the first African American quarterback to play in a Super Bowl game, is named MVP in Super Bowl XXII.
Figure skater Debi Thomas became the first African American to win the Women's Singles of the U.S. National Figure Skating Championship competition,... Continue →
Joe Frazier knocked out Jimmy Ellis in the second round of their New York fight and became the world heavyweight boxing champion.
Vonetta Flowers became the first black gold medalist in the history of the Winter Olympic Games. She and partner Jill Brakken won the inaugural... Continue →
On this day, the Kentucky boxer known to all as Cassius Clay, changed his name to Muhammad Ali as he accepted Islam and rejected Christianity. "I... Continue →
On this day in 1962, "Wilt the Stilt" Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single basketball game-a professional record that still stands today. He... Continue →
Jackie Roosevelt Robinson made his professional debut as a member of the Montreal Royals in the Daytona Beach ballpark that now bears his name. One... Continue →
Bill Russell named head coach of the Boston Celtics, becoming the first African American to coach an NBA team.
Football star Earl Campbell was born in Tyler, Texas.
Henry ("Hank") Aaron broke Babe Ruth's major league baseball record, by hitting his 715th home run in a game at Atlanta stadium.
Sugar Ray Robinson, five-time winner of the world middleweight boxing championship and unbeaten welterweight champion, dies.
Eldrick Tiger Woods wins the 61st Masters Tournament in Augustus,Georgia at the age of 21 becoming the youngest person to ever win this tournament.
Tiger Woods wins his third Masters Golf title and becomes only the second person ever to win two of the titles in a row.
Jordan scores 63 points against Boston Celtics.
World Boxing Association and New York State Athletic Commission withdrew recognition of Muhammad Ali as world heavyweight boxing champion because of... Continue →
ON this date in 1904, Negro Baseball League player, William Hendrick "Bill" Foster was born. was an American left-handed pitcher in baseball's Negro... Continue →
ON this day in 1991, Michael Jordan lead Chicago Bulls in win over L.A. Lakers in five games to capture his first NBA Championship.
On thus day in 1990, Bernadette Locke becomes the first female on-court coach when she is named assistant coach of the University of Kentucky men's... Continue →
Olympic track and field star Carl Lewis was born in Willingboro, New Jersey.
On this date in 1983, Calvin Smith of the United States became the fastest man alive, setting a new 100m world record with a time of 9.93 seconds... Continue →
On this date in 1966, Moises Alou was born. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder, known for his successful career playing for teams... Continue →
On this date in 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in... Continue →
On this date in 1910, Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, made history by successfully defending his title against Jim "The... Continue →
On this date in 1975, Arthur Ashe made history by winning Wimbledon in an unforgettable moment for tennis and sports history. Ashe defeated Jimmy... Continue →
On this date in 2002, Serena Williams made history by defeating her sister Venus Williams in the Wimbledon Women's Singles Final. Serena won the... Continue →
On this date in 1957, Althea Gibson made history by becoming the first African American to win a Wimbledon singles title. She defeated Darlene Hard... Continue →
On this date in 1906, Satchel Paige, one of baseball's greatest pitchers, was born. His incredible talent and career in the Negro Leagues made him a... Continue →
On this date in 1972, Lisa Leslie was born in Compton, California. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all... Continue →
On this date in 2001, Venus Williams defended her Wimbledon title, winning her second consecutive championship by defeating Justine Henin in the... Continue →
On this date in 1805, Bill Richmond, the son of formerly enslaved parents, made history as the first African American to gain recognition as a... Continue →
On this date in 1910, First Black heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson successfully defended his heavy weight title against former champion James "The... Continue →
ON this date in 1943, Arthur Ashe was born in Richmond, Virginia. He became a legendary tennis player, known for being the first Black man to win... Continue →
On this date in 1891, African American jockey William "Monk" Overton achieved a remarkable feat by winning six consecutive horse races at Washington... Continue →
On this date in 1942, Muhammad Ali, originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was born, in Louisville, Kentucky. He became one of the most famous... Continue →
On July 22, 1963, Floyd Patterson faced Sonny Liston in a highly anticipated rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship. Patterson, who had... Continue →
Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 23, 1962. He was the first African American player to be honored with this... Continue →
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... Continue →
On August 1, 1964, Arthur Ashe made history by becoming the first Black player selected for the U.S. Davis Cup team. His achievement was a... Continue →
Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns made history on August 2, 1980, when he won the WBA Welterweight title by defeating Pipino Cuevas. This victory was a... Continue →
On August 4, 1936, John "Long John" Woodruff won the Olympic gold medal in the 800-meter run at the Berlin Olympics. He was just 21 years old and a... Continue →
On August 5, 1984, Evelyn Ashford won the gold medal in the women’s 100-meter sprint at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She clocked an impressive... Continue →
Patrick Ewing, one of the greatest basketball players of his era, was born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica. Ewing is best known for his... Continue →
On August 7, 1948, Alice Coachman made history by becoming the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. She achieved this feat in... Continue →
Abebe Bikila was actually born on August 7, 1932. He became famous for winning the 1960 Olympic marathon in Rome while running barefoot, becoming the... Continue →
On August 8, 1936, Jesse Owens made history at the Berlin Olympics by winning four gold medals in track and field. This remarkable achievement... Continue →
Magic Johnson, born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Known for his... Continue →
On August 17, 1984, Roberto Clemente became the second baseball player to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp. The stamp was part of the U.S. Postal... Continue →
Rafer Johnson, the American decathlete, was born on August 18, 1935, in Hillsboro, Texas. He is best known for his remarkable career in track and... Continue →
On August 18, 1964, South Africa was officially banned from the Olympic Games. This decision came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC)... Continue →
Roberto Clemente, one of baseball's most legendary players, was indeed born on August 18, 1934, in Carolina, Puerto Rico. He became an iconic figure... Continue →
On August 19, 1926, Theodore "Tiger" Flowers successfully defended his world middleweight title by defeating former champion Harry Greb in a 15-round... Continue →
On August 20, 1939, the National Negro Bowling Association (NNBA) was officially organized in Detroit, Michigan, as a response to racial segregation... Continue →
Wilt Chamberlain, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was born on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is widely known... Continue →
Althea Gibson, the groundbreaking tennis player who became the first African American to win a Wimbledon singles title, was born on August 25, 1927.... Continue →
Frank Robinson was indeed born on August 31, 1935, in Beaumont, Texas. He made a huge impact on the sport of baseball, both as a player and as a... Continue →
On September 2, 1966, Frank Robinson was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American League. Robinson had an incredible season that year,... Continue →
Rafer Johnson won the Olympic decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics on September 6, 1960. This victory was a major achievement in his career, as he... Continue →
On this date in 1892, George "Little Chocolate" Dixon defeats Jack Skelly in New Orleans to win the world featherweight title. While some African... Continue →
Tennis champion, Althea Gibson, becomes the first Black athlete to win a US national tennis championship, 1957
Arthur Ashe became the first winner of the U.S. Open Tennis Championship, defeating Tom Okker of the Netherlands at Forest Hills Stadium, New York.
On this date in 1952, Floyd Patterson's first professional fight took place. He was the first to hold the world heavyweight championship twice.
On this date in 1947, First Black baseball player in the major leagues, Jackie Robinson, named National League Rookie of the Year.
On this date in 1913, James Cleveland Owens, better known as Jesse Owens, winner of four gold medals at the Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, was born
On this date in 1967, Track star Michael Johnson was born today
On this date in 1987, the famous boxer Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns becomes the first Black man to win boxing titles in five different weight classes.
On this date in 1978, Muhammad Ali, was the first black prizefight to gross more than a five-million dollars gate in the bout at the Louisiana... Continue →
ON this date in 1937, Negro Baseball League player, Orlando Cepeda was born.
On this date in 1990, Atlanta, Ga., led by Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, is selected as the site of the XXV Olympiad Summer Games.
On this date in 1919, Fritz Pollard becomes the first black to play Professional football for a major team, the Akron Indians. Pollard was also the... Continue →
Lou Brock stole a record of 935th bases and became the all-time major league record holder.
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... Continue →
On this date in 1962, Sonny Liston knocks out Floyd Patterson in the first round to become the world heavyweight boxing champion
ON this date in 1886, Peter "The Black Prince" Jackson wins the Australian heavyweight title, becoming the very first Black man to win a national... Continue →
Tennis sensation Serena Williams born on this date.
On this date in 1950, Ezzard Charles defeated Joe Louis in heavyweight championship fight in New York City.
Mabel Fairbanks, 85, the first black women to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame died following a long illness. Fairbanks coached... Continue →
Mike Powell broke the world long jump world record when he jumped 8.95 meters at a meet in Tokyo. The previous mark-8.90 meters-was set by Bob Beamon... Continue →
On this date in 1962, Joe Black becomes the first black pitcher to win a World Series game. The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4-2. Black was... Continue →
On this date in 1974, Frank Robinson named manager of the Cleveland Indians and became the first Black manager in the major leagues.
On this date in 1974, Professional baseball player, Frank Robinson,becomes the manager of the Cleveland Indians and the first Black manager of a... Continue →
Elgin Baylor announces his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers. After 14 years in the NBA, Baylor had scored 23,149 points, the third highest in... Continue →
Basketball legend, Wilt Chamberlain, died today at age 63.
On this date in 1916, Sophomore tackle Paul Robeson is excluded from the Rutgers football team when Washington and Lee University refused to play... Continue →
On this date in 1969, Wyomia Tyus becomes the first person to win a gold medal in the 100 meter race in two consecutive Olympic games.
ON this date in 1968, John Carlos and Tommie Smith staged Black Power demonstration on victory stand after winning 200-meter event at Olympics in... Continue →
World long jump was beat by Bob Beamon, record at 29 ft, 2.5 in at the Mexico City Olympics
ON this date in 1945, Actor, singer, athlete and activist, Paul Robeson, receives Spingarn Medal, 1945
On this date in 1989, Bertram M. Lee and Peter C.B. Bynoe sign an agreement to purchase the National Basketball Association's Denver Nuggets for $54... Continue →
On this date in 1950, The first NBA Black Assistant Coach and first Black chief scout, Earl Lloyd, becomes the first Black person to play in an NBA... Continue →
On this date in 1950, Charles Cooper joins the NBA and becomes one of the first Blacks to play in an NBA game.
On this date in 1950, Nat Clifton joins the NBA and becomes one of the first Blacks to play in an NBA game.
ON this date in 1940, in Tres Coracoes, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, generally known as Pelé, is born.
Death of Jack Roosevelt ("Jackie") Robinson (53), first Black in major leagues in twentieth century, in Stamford, Connecticut.
Evander Holyfield knocks out James "Buster" Douglas in the third round to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
Muhammad Ali regains world heavyweight boxing title.
On this dated in 1974, Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman for heavyweight boxing title in Zaire.
On this date in 1893, Football player, William Henry Lewis, named All-American.
On this date in 1949, boxer Larry Holmes who began his career around age 13 was born. He would win the heavyweight title in 1970 and defend it some... Continue →
On this date in 1981, Zena Garrison becomes the 1st African American player to win the junior singles tennis championship at Wimbledon, England
On November 7, 1963, Elston Howard made history by becoming the first African American player to win the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP)... Continue →
On November 8, 1878, Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He became the first African American world cycling... Continue →
On this day, Charlie Sifford made history by winning the Long Beach Open, becoming the first African American golfer to win a significant... Continue →
Wilma Glodean Rudolph, Olympic gold medalist and trailblazing sprinter, died at the age of 54 in her home in Nashville, Tennessee. Overcoming... Continue →
Sammy Sosa, one of Major League Baseball’s most electrifying sluggers, was born on this day in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. Over his... Continue →
At just 20 years old, Dwight “Doc” Gooden, pitcher for the New York Mets, won the Cy Young Award, becoming the youngest pitcher in Major League... Continue →
On this day, the United States Golf Association (USGA) adopted a new policy that prohibited clubs from discriminating on the basis of race or gender... Continue →
Arthur Dorrington became the first Black athlete to sign a professional hockey contract when he joined the Atlantic City Sea Gulls of the Eastern... Continue →
On this day, Dwight Gooden, one of baseball’s most electrifying pitchers, was born in Tampa, Florida. Known as “Doc” or “Dr. K,” Gooden... Continue →
Zina Garrison was born in Houston, Texas, on this day. She would go on to become one of the most accomplished African American tennis players in... Continue →
On this day, Paul Cuffe, a wealthy African American and Wampanoag businessman, along with other free Black men in Massachusetts, petitioned the state... Continue →
On this day, Roy Campanella, star catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National League for the third time in... Continue →
Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympian and trailblazing gymnast, is born in Silver Spring, Maryland. Nicknamed "Awesome Dawesome," she would go on to... Continue →
On this day, George Branham III made history by becoming the first African American to win a title on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)... Continue →
Ernie Davis, a standout running back from Syracuse University, made history by becoming the first African American to win the prestigious Heisman... Continue →
On December 2, 1975, Archie Griffin, the standout running back from Ohio State University, made history by becoming the first—and so far... Continue →
Andre Ware, quarterback for the University of Houston, made history by becoming the first African American quarterback to win the prestigious Heisman... Continue →
Henry Armstrong, born Henry Jackson Jr., would go on to become the only boxer in history to simultaneously hold world titles in three weight... Continue →
On this day, Thomas "Hitman" Hearns defeated Wilfred Benítez to win the WBC Junior Middleweight (Super Welterweight) title. With this victory,... Continue →
Marcus Allen, a standout running back from the University of Southern California (USC), won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in NCAA... Continue →
Johnny Rodgers, a standout wingback for the University of Nebraska, was awarded the Heisman Trophy on December 5, 1972, becoming the first wide... Continue →
Eddie Robinson, legendary head coach of Grambling State University, coached his final football game on this day. Over a remarkable 57-year career... Continue →
Billy Sims, star running back for the University of Oklahoma, was awarded the Heisman Trophy on this day, becoming one of the few African American... Continue →
Tony Dorsett, star running back for the University of Pittsburgh, was awarded the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding player in college football.... Continue →
Bill Pickett, a legendary African American cowboy, was posthumously inducted into the National Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame on December 9, 1971. Born in... Continue →
Andrew “Rube” Foster, founder of the Negro National League (NNL) and a legendary figure in Black baseball, died on this day in 1930. Foster was... Continue →
On this day, legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson officially retired from boxing, ending a storied career that redefined the sport. Robinson amassed... Continue →
George Rogers, star running back from the University of South Carolina, was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the second Black athlete to win the... Continue →
Boxing legend Henry Armstrong was born on this day in 1912. In 1938, Armstrong made history by becoming the first boxer to simultaneously hold world... Continue →
Josh Gibson, one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history, was born on this day in Buena Vista, Georgia. Known as the "Black Babe Ruth,"... Continue →
Dr. George F. Grant, an African American dentist, professor, and inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 638,920 for a wooden golf tee. A... Continue →
On this day, Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era, was traded from the Brooklyn Dodgers to... Continue →
Larry Doby, born on this day in Camden, South Carolina, would go on to become a trailblazer in Major League Baseball. On July 5, 1947, he became the... Continue →
Archibald Lee Wright, later known as Archie Moore, was born in Benoit, Mississippi. A legendary figure in boxing, Moore would go on to win the World... Continue →
Elston Howard, the first Black player to join the New York Yankees, passed away on this day in 1980. A standout catcher during the 1950s and 1960s,... Continue →
On December 14, 1939, Ernie Davis was born in New Salem, Pennsylvania. He would go on to become a trailblazing figure in American football,... Continue →
On December 16, 1973, during the final game of the regular season, Buffalo Bills running back O.J. Simpson made NFL history by becoming the first... Continue →
In December 1991, Michael Jordan was honored as Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year, recognizing his exceptional achievements during the year.... Continue →
On December 17, 1975, baseball legend Henry "Hank" Aaron was honored with the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP. This prestigious award recognized his... Continue →
Lori McNeil, born on December 18, 1963, in San Diego, California, is a former professional tennis player renowned for her achievements in both... Continue →
On December 20, 1983, Julius "Dr. J" Erving scored his 25,000th career point, becoming the ninth professional basketball player to reach this... Continue →
Florence Griffith Joyner, legendary American track and field athlete, was born in Los Angeles, California. Known as "Flo-Jo," she became iconic for... Continue →
Josh Gibson, born in Buena Vista, Georgia, was one of the most powerful and legendary baseball players of his era. Often referred to as the "Black... Continue →
In Sydney, Australia, Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns to win the world heavyweight championship, becoming the first Black man to hold the title.... Continue →
On this day, Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding conduct both on and off the baseball... Continue →
Livingstone College and Biddle College (now Johnson C. Smith University) played the first recorded football game between African American colleges.... Continue →
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