Black - African American History Facts

James A. Bland, writer of over 600 songs including "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," Virginia's state song as of 1940, was born in Flushing, NY, on this date in 1854.

Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, was born in Dallas, TX, on this date in 1936.

Charles Cooper (Boston Celtics) and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton (New York Knicks) played their first NBA game on this date in 1950.

Two hundred twenty five thousand students boycotted Chicago, IL, schools to protest de facto segregation on this date in 1963. This day was referred to as "Freedom Day."

President George Bush vetoed an important civil rights bill, on this date in 1990. The bill would have reversed six Supreme Court decisions that weakened Affirmative Action policies and anti-discrimination laws.