People, Locations, Episodes

The Scott Joplin House Becomes a Historic Site

The Scott Joplin House opened as a Missouri State Historic site on this date in 1991. Joplin was an African American composer of Ragtime jazz in the early 20th century.

Anita Hill Testifies Against Clarence Thomas

On this date in 1991, Anita Hill a University of Oklahoma law professor, gave senate testimony accusing Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. Hill, accused Clarence Thomas of sexually harassing her when she had worked for Thomas years earlier when he was head of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissio (EEOC). A media frenzy quickly arose around Hill’s allegations and Thomas’s denials.

The Rodney King Riots Begin In Los Angeles

*On this date The Los Angeles (Rodney King) Riot began in 1992. One of the first major urban insurrections in the United States after the 1960s, this riot shocked many Americans who had come to believe that the days of explosive racial tensions were behind them.

The First Black Woman is Elected to U.S. Senate

On this date in 1992, Carol Mosely Braun, a Democrat from Illinois, became the first African American woman elected to the United States Senate.

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 Takes Effect

*On January 1, 1995, The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) went into effect. Also known as the Motor Voter Act, it was a United States federal law signed on May 20, 1993. After Congress enacted the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to address rampant voting discrimination against racial minorities, voting rights advocates argued for federal […]

Black Love Day is Celebrated

*This date from 1993 celebrates Black Love Day (BLD) in America. BLD is the 3rd nationally, commemorated African American holiday wholyday.

It is an observance of atonement, reconciliation, celebration and 24 hour demonstration of Black love, showing 5 Tenets (specific acts). They are love towards the Creator, for Self, for the Family, within the Black Community and for the Black Race. Also during BLD, whites show “love in action” towards blacks, atonement or introspection of their racial attitudes and behavior.

Shaw v. Reno is Ruled on by The Supreme Court

*On this date in1993, the United States Supreme Court ruled on Shaw v Reno. The Supreme Court’s position in this case was a troubled compromise on the issue of race and political redistricting.

Byron De La Beckwith, Murderer Is Convicted

*On this date in 1994, Byron De La Beckwith was convicted of killing civil rights activist Medgar Evers after thirty one years.

On the morning on June 12, 1963, Evers was getting out of his car at his home when he was shot in the back. Though Beckwith was arrested for the crime, two all-white juries could not reach a verdict in 1964. Beckwith was finally convicted of the murder. He remained in prison until his death in 2001 at age 80.

The Rwanda Murders Begin

On this date in 1994 a mass murder of Africans began in Rwanda. The slaughter occurred in the town of Kibye, Rwanda. The conflict was between two African tribes, the Hutus and Tutsis.

South Africa Holds Its First All-Race Elections

*On this date in 1994, South Africa held its first all-race elections. This historic moment effectively dissolved the last pieces of apartheid in that country.

Close to 22.7 million eligible voters took part in the four days of polling. Many of the voters stood in line for over 12 hours to cast their ballots for the first time. The election spotlighted the end of years of struggle led by Black organizations such as the African National Congress (ANC), which sought to put an end to over 300 years of White-minority rule.

South Africa Rejoins The Commonwealth

*On this date in 1994, South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth after an absence of 33 years. Their exclusion was based on international pressure against racism.

O. J. Simpson Flees From The LAPD In His Ford Bronco

This date in 1994 marks the anniversary of O. J. Simpsons’ most famous run.

His audience was most of America, who followed on television Simpson and Al Cowlings as they made a low-speed chase down a Los Angeles freeway in Simpson’s white Ford Bronco. Police were after him for investigation into the death of his wife Nicole and her boyfriend. His run from the LAPD altered the way Americans view professional athletes, providing what could have been the final blow to the mythological sports hero America cultivated for so many years.

The First Black Astronaut Walks in Space

*On this date in 1995, the first African American walked in space.

During that week in February (2nd thru the 11th) Astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., was the Payload Commander on STS-63 the first flight of the joint Russian-American Space Program.

His mission endeavors for NASA fulfilled his boyhood dream and history was established.

The ‘Million Man March’ Takes Place

On this date in 1995, the Million-Man March was held in Washington D.C.

Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam organized this march meant as a symbol of African American solidarity. The autumn chill of that day was barely noticeable by the one million who gathered and wrapped themselves in racial pride and unity. It was a time when the world witnessed the largest gathering of African Americans in the history of the United States. It was a day when 2.2 million people saw the event on television.

Ron Brown Killed in Balkans Plane Crash

*On this date in 1996, Ron Brown died. The aircraft that was carrying then Secretary of Commerce Brown and thirty-four other passengers crashed into the mountains of Bosnia.