On today in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Alpha Phi Alpha is the first black Greek letter fraternity. The founders of the fraternity were known as the “Seven Jewels.” The society decided to work together and provide a literary, social, study, literary, and small group for all minority students who encounter social and academic racial prejudice. Howard University and Virginia Union University opened up chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha in 1907. Some known members of the fraternity are Martin Luther King, Thurgood Marshall, and Lionel Richie.
On today in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man, on the public bus. She was arrested and this event initiated the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Parks paid her bus fare and was sitting in the area reserved for blacks. The boycott lasted for 381 days and in 1956 The Supreme Court banned segregation on public transportation.
On today in 19883, President Ronald Reagon signed a law declaring the their Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The holiday always float around the time of his birthday, which is January 15. Some states resisted the holiday by giving it another name or combining it with other holidays. By the year 2000, all 50 states observed the holiday.
On October 26, 1911, gospel songstress Mahalia Jackson was born. Jackson is deemed to be the “Queen of Gospel.” Jackson is revered as one of gospel’s all-time greats, with her hefty/ savory tone. Throughout Mahalia Jackson’s life she has accomplished many great things! Jackson made her way to becoming an international star. Jackson has made appearances on the The Ed Sullivan Show, released several records (consisting of The Power and the Glory, Silent Night: Songs for Christmas, and Mahalia), she appeared in the film Imitation of Life, and even performed at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. When questioned about her view point on Blues, Jackson’s responsed, “Blues are the songs of despair, but gospel songs are the songs of hope.” Mahalia Jackson played a prominent role within the Civil Right’s Movement. Jackson has sung at the March on Washington, and even sung at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. Jackson once stated, “I’ll come to any benefit if I see SCLC get all the money.”
On today in 2005, Rosa Parks died in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 1992. The U.S. Congress named her “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement.” Parks died of natural causes. Her casket was transported to Washington D.C. to lie in honor in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. She was also the first African American who had not been a U.S. government official to be honored in the U.S. Capitol.
On today in 1960, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested in Atlanta for participating in a sit-in at a local department store named, Rich’s. He was ordered to serve four months in the Georgia State Prison for violating a probated traffic sentence. Dr. King was released from prison on October 27, 1960, after John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy persuaded a judge to free him.
On October 6, 1917, Fannie Lou Hamer was born in Montgomery County, Mississppi. Hamer is a prolific figure within the Civil Rights Movement. Hamer became involved with the Civil Rights Movement after meeting civil rights activist that encouraged blacks to register to vote. Please continue to read Fannie Lou Hamer biography, and watch the brief documentary playlist below!
Hamer dedicated her life to the fight for civil rights, working for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. This organization was comprised mostly of African-American students who engaged in acts of civil disobedience to fight racial segregation and injustice in the South. These acts often were met with violent responses by angry whites. During the course of her activist career, Hamer was threatened, arrested, beaten, and shot at. She was severely injured in 1963 in a Winona, Mississippi jail. She and two other activists were taken in by police after attending a training workshop. Hamer was beaten so badly that she suffered permanent kidney damage.
In 1964, Hamer helped found the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which was established in opposition to her state’s all-white delegation to that year’s Democratic convention. She brought the civil rights struggle in Mississippi to the attention of the entire nation during a televised session at the convention.
The following year, Hamer ran for Congress in Mississippi, but was unsuccessful in her bid.
Along with her political activism, Hamer worked to help the poor and families in need in her Mississippi community. She also set up organizations to increase business opportunities for minorities and to provide childcare and other family services. She helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971.
“I feel sorry for anybody that could let hate wrap them up. Ain’t no such thing as I can hate anybody and hope to see God’s face.” -Fannie Lou Hamer
Today marks the 50th year anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. The March was held August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial. African Americans marched for jobs and freedom. The march was headed by A. Phillip Randolph, organized by Bayard Rustin, and Dr. King delivered the “I Have A Dream” speech. There were about 250,000 people who marched and about 60,000 of them were white.
The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids held its first meeting on August 25, 1925, in Harlem, New York. Labor and civil Rights Activist, A. Phillip Randolph was elected to lead the group. The porters and maids worked for the Pullman company. The group was formed because African American porters and maids were forced to work long hours for low wages. Most of the money the employees made had to be spent on food and uniforms.
To Learn more about the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, click here
On June 24, 1968, Resurrection City was closed. Resurrection City was formed to protest against the lack of freedom and jobs for blacks. The city was a part of the Poor People’s Campaign for civil rights. John Wiebenson was an architect who secured five acres around the pool, in the National Mall. The plan was to build a small independent city with its own city hall, hospital, and stores. Rev. Ralph Abernathy carried the project through and Rev. Jesse Jackson was deemed the city manager.
For more information on Resurrection City visit here!
Idealistic Ambition's 