Today, I woke up this morning to see quite a few Instagram posts celebrating this date as one of particular importance. So that led me to do a bit of research. What other important events took place on today. Turns out, there are quite a few. Check out these Black moments in history.
Muddy Waters born
Born on 1913, this is a bit more old school than we usually go around here. Still, Muddy Waters’ influence and impact on modern music is hard to overstate. He’s often cited as the father of modern Chicago blues. Waters went from being born on plantation in Mississippi to recording Blues classics like “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “I Just Want to Make Love to You”, and “I’m Ready” in the 1950s.
Maya Angelou was born
Today, in 1928, was the day one of our literary and life-icons came into the world. I don’t have to list Maya Angelou’s accomplishments, we all are well aware of the impact she’s had on our lives.
MLK delivered his speech against the war in Vietnam
Martin Luther King Jr. was always perceived as a threat in this country. But it wasn’t until he started talking about economic issues and the war in Vietnam, in 1967, that the government decided that he needed to be eradicated.
MLK was assassinated
Exactly a year after King delivered his speech against the war, he was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. As you know, later James Earl Ray, the man who initially admitted to killing King, later denied it. And the family believed that he was used as a scapegoat.
Adam Clayton Powell dies
The Baptist pastor turned politician represented Harlem in the United States House of Representatives. Clayton Powell held the position for nearly three decades and was a spokesman for civil rights and urged U.S. politicians to support African and Asian nations who were attempting to gain their independence from colonial powers. On this day in 1972, he died from acute prostatitis. His son spread his ashes over the waters of Bimini.
Hank Aaron ties Babe Ruth’s home run record
If you know anything about baseball, you know that Babe Ruth was a pretty big deal. The biggest of his era, really. But when Major League Baseball was integrated and Black people were allowed to play, Hank Aaron started slugging away. On this day, in 1974, he tied Babe Ruth’s record at 714, on opening day for that season. Four days later, on April 8, he broke the record and eventually went on to score 755 home runs. Since then, Barry Bonds exceeded it with 762.
Jay and Beyoncé got married
Y’all know how 4 is Beyoncé’s number. So it only makes sense that she and her husband exchanged vows on April 4, 2008. She shared a couple of images and this video to commemorate the day.
Kandi and Todd got married
Today, also marks Kandi and Todd Tucker’s third wedding anniversary. Kandi shared this video of their nuptials on her Instagram page.
Jill Scott’s birthday
As we mentioned earlier, today is Jill Scott’s birthday. Surely, you’re starting to notice the pattern with incredible musicians. Jill turned 45 today but she celebrated this past weekend with Erykah Badu among others.
