Debi Thomas becomes the first African American to win a medal in the Winter Olympics, winning the bronze medal in women's figure skating.

Eugene A. Marino was named the first Black Roman Catholic Archbishop by Pope John Paul II on this date. He was assigned to the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

African American novelist Toni Morrison wins the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for Beloved. The novel presents a portrait of the Reconstructionist South that is heavily steeped in memories of slavery. The New York Times highly praises Morrrison's exceptional work of literature for its depth and quality.

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson addressed the Democratic National Convention on this date. He was the first runner-up for the Democratic Party's nomination for the U.S. presidency.

Lee Roy Young becomes the first African American to serve as a Texas Ranger in the organization's 165-year history.