Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake is elected to the United States Congress for the state of New York. He will serve until 1997.

Journalist Diann Burns joins Chicago's ABC affiliate, WLS, as a general assignment reporter.

The United States Supreme Court upholds the use of affirmative action plans to increase the number of minorities employed by state agencies. The Court rules against fifteen white New York State prison guards who contend that their upward mobility is curtailed because less qualified black and Latino employees are favored for promotions.

Educator and Civil Rights advocate, Mary McLeod Bethune is honored with her image placed on a U.S. postal stamp.

The Apollo Theater, a historic venue in Harlem for black variety shows and a hub of social life in New York City, reopens for its 50th anniversary. In attendance at the gala event are such celebrities as Bill Cosby, Patti Labelle, Little Richard and Stevie Wonder.

The Philadelphia Police Department bombed the home of John Africa, founder of MOVE on this date. MOVE was a counter-cultural organization. 11 people were killed in the bombing. The city of Philadelphia and two former city officials were ordered to pay $1.5 million for damages.

Former professional boxer Reuben "Hurricane" Carter was released from prison on this date.

Actor Lincoln T.A. Perry better known as "Stepin Fetchit" died on this date in Woodland Hills, California. Perry was an extraordinary dancer and performer. He paved the way for other Black performers like Sammy Davis, Jr., Gregory Hines, and Ben Vereen. Some of his film credits include Showboat, Heats in Dixie, and Zenobia.