1884 J.W. Reed ~ patents dough roller and kneader ADD MORE »

1926 John Coltrane ~ (innovative and famed jazz musician) born ADD MORE »

1863 Mary Church Terrell ~ (first Black person to serve on the DC board of education) born ADD MORE »

1998 Nelson Mandela ~ is presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor by Bill Clinton ADD MORE »

1930 Ray Charles ~ (singer, composer, and musician) is born in Albany, Georgia ADD MORE »

1961 Thurgood Marshall ~ is appointed to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by President John F. Kennedy ADD MORE »

In our words: As with all aspects of American history, Black history is an indispensible key to understanding the nation's past, present, and future. Unfortunately, much of this history began with the hundreds of thousands of Africans who reached the United States as slaves between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. With such an abhorrent beginning, the freedom and other achievements eventually earned by African Americans cannot be simply disregarded. With each new advancement or right gained by African Americans, a new obstacle or restriction followed. The tumultuous beginnings of Black history in the United States, along with the truly admirable perseverance of those who withstood it all are strong parts of the growth of the nation as a whole.

A thorough grasp of Black history also gives great insight to the present state of the Black race, as well as its overall impact on America. Without understanding how things came to be, it is difficult to make much sense of the current situation or to form solutions to current issues concerning African Americans. Likewise, knowledge of Black history aids in avoiding the repetition of past mistakes and tragedies in the future, and it also serves as a reminder of the potential for great achievement and provides a foundation on which these triumphs can continue to be achieved.

- DayInBlackHistory.com Team

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