Robert N.C. Nix, Jr., is inaugurated as the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, becoming the first chief justice of a state supreme court in the history of the United States.

W. Wilson Goode becomes the first black mayor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s 301-year history.

Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis becomes the first person to win, or even be nominated for, best Grammy Awards for best jazz album and best classical album.

President of Morehouse College Dr. Benjamin E. Mays died on this date in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Mays became president of Morehouse College in 1940.

R&B singer Marvin Gaye is killed by his father following an argument. His smooth and soulful voice launched a string of hits, which continue to be remade today.

John Thompson became the first Black coach to win the NCAA basketball tournament on this date with his Georgetown Hoyas led by center Patrick Ewing. During Thompson's college coaching career, he had a record of 596 wins to 239 losses. He won 7 Coach of the Year Awards and holds the record for most wins in the Big East. Some of the players he has coached include NBA All-Stars Alonzo Mourning, Allen Iverson, and Patrick Ewing. Thompson also played in the NBA. He played back-up center for the Boston Celtics and won two championships in 1965 and 1966.

William "Count" Basie, a popular bandleader of the 1930s and 40s whose distinctive soloists and rhythmic innovations made him a household name, dies of cancer in Hollywood, Florida.

The Center for the Study of Social Policy, in Washington, D.C. suggests that despite the civil rights gains of the sixties, economic disparity between the races continues unabated. According to a study published, the income gap between white and black families remained virtually unchanged for twenty-five years.

Leontine Kelly was elected bishop of the United Methodist Church on this date. She became the first African American woman bishop in a major American religious denomination.

NBC premieres The Cosby Show on this day. The series will go on to become one of the most popular shows in the United States and one of the most watched situation comedies in the history of television.

Bishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on this date.

Bandleader William Foster and the Florida A&M marching band are presented with the prestigious Sudler Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy, considered to be the most important award in the field.

Earl S. Richardson is named interim president of Morgan State University. The following year he will officially become the 11th president of the school.

Author Chester Himes died on this date. He is probably best known for his "Coffin and Gravedigger" detective novel series. Some of his other works include Lonely Crusade and Cast the First Stone.

Delegate to the United States Congress Rev. Walter Fauntroy, TransAfrica executive Randall Robinson and civil rights activist Mary Frances Berry are arrested for protesting apartheid policies outside the South African embassy in Washington, D.C. The protest is the catalyst for a nationwide movement to influence President Reagan's policies toward South Africa.