*Ashby Solomzi Peter Mda was born on this date in 1916. He was a Black African teacher, lawyer, and political activist. Also known as A. P. Mda, Peter Mda was born in the Herschel District of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. He was given the name “Ashby” as he was born on Ash Wednesday. He […]
learn more*Hazel Dukes was born on this date in 1932. She was a Black activist during the 20th-century American Civil Rights movement. Hazel Nell Dukes was born in Montgomery, Alabama. She was the only child of Alice and Edward Dukes. Her father was a Pullman porter. She enrolled at Alabama State Teachers College in 1949, hoping […]
learn more*The Defiance Campaign against Unjust Laws began on this date in 1952. The Campaign was the first “large-scale, multi-racial political mobilization against apartheid laws under a common leadership.” This Campaign was presented by the African National Congress (ANC) at a conference held in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in December 1951. The South African police were alerted […]
learn more*The birth of Sally Motlana is celebrated on this date in 1927. She was a Black African activist. Born in Pilgrim’s Rest in the then Eastern Transvaal, South Africa, Sally Maunye came to Johannesburg in 1931. She stayed in Vrededorp initially and moved to Sophiatown in 1933. After gaining her junior certificate, she was unable […]
learn more*The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) was founded on this date in 1944. As set out in its constitution, the ANC Youth League is led by a National Executive Committee (NEC) and a National Working Committee (NWC). ANCYL is the youth wing of the African National Congress (ANC). The formation of the ANC Youth […]
learn more*Dr. Nthato Harrison Motlana was born on this date in 1925. He was a Black South African businessman, physician, and anti-apartheid activist. He was born in Marapane, near Pretoria, South Africa. He attended Kilnerton High School in Pretoria and the University of Fort Hare, where he obtained a B.Sc. degree. He also took medicine at […]
learn more*Nancy Hicks Maynard was born on this date in 1946. She was a Black publisher, journalist, and businesswoman. She was born Nancy Alene Hall in Harlem, New York City, to jazz bassist Alfred Hall and Eve Keller, a nurse. Maynard first became interested in journalism when, after a fire destroyed the elementary school she had […]
learn moreAndrea Jenkins is Transgender politician and community activist. In the segment, she shares her motivation to enter politics.
learn more*Hiram H. Thweatt was born on this date in 1864. He was a Black activist, educator, and music administrator. Hiram H. Thweatt was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. He worked at the Tuskegee Institute as their choir director. And as a “School Teacher” in the 1900 Census, as was their wife, Janice. He was the President […]
learn more*The Black Economic Union (BEU) was formed on this date in 1965. Formerly known as the Negro Industrial and Economic Union (NIEU), it is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting self-reliance, supporting businesses, and fostering economic growth within the Black community. It was established by actor and social activist Jim Brown. Formed in Cleveland, Ohio, […]
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