Black - African American History Facts

Rafer Lewis Johnson, famous track and field star, was born in Hillsboro, TX, on this date in 1935.

James Meredith, the first black person admitted to the University of Mississippi, graduated on this date in 1963. Meredith was the school's first black graduate.

Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr., Vice Admiral, was made the Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet on this date in 1976.

Steven Biko, writer and South African freedom-fighter, was arrested and taken to Port Elizabeth for questioning on this date in 1977. Biko was killed the next month while in police custody.