Black - African American History Facts

Thaddeus Stevens, the primary architect of the Radical Reconstruction program, died in Washington, DC, on this date in 1868.

James Rosamond Johnson, actor and co-composer of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," was born in Jacksonville, FL, on this date in 1873. James Rosamond wrote the music and his brother, James Weldon, wrote the words to the song.

Alex P. Haley, author of Roots and the Autobiography of Malcolm X, was born in Ithaca, NY, on this date in 1921.

Carl Thomas Rowan, esteemed author, journalist, and NAACP Spingarn Medal recipient, was born on this date in 1925.

The African nation of Chad gained its independence on this date in 1960.

The Watts Rebellion, a six-day uprising that led to 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, nearly 4,000 arrests, and over $35 million in property damage, began on this date in 1965.

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Thurgood Marshall as U.S. Solicitor General on this date in 1965.

Lieutenant General Roscoe Robinson, Jr. became the second black Four-Star General in U.S. history on this date in 1982.