Black - African American History Facts

William Lloyd Garrison, publisher of the Liberator, an abolitionist newspaper, was drug through the streets of Boston, MA, by a pro-slavery mob on this date in 1835.

The New York Antislavery Society was formed on this date in 1835 with some 600 delegates assembled in Utica, NY, despite a disruption by a pro-slavery mob.

John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, famed jazz musician was born on this date in 1917. Gillespie was one of the creators of "Be-Bop."

Earl Lloyd became the first black person to play in an NBA game (beating out Charles Cooper and Nat Clifton by a day) on this date in 1950. Lloyd later went on to become the NBA's first black Assistant Coach and the first black Chief Scout.