Joseph Jenkins, born in Virginia, emigrated to the colony of Liberia in 1822. By 1842, he is a wealthy merchant, and is elected to be the first African American President of Liberia. He helps to secure the country's independence a few years later.

Abolitionist and orator Charles Lenox Remond becomes the first African American to speak before the Massachusetts House of Representatives when he addresses the "Rights of Colored Persons in Trevelling."

In Boston, Massachusetts, rioting and violence were barely avoided, as a Fugitive Slave Case dictated that mulatto George Latimer must be returned to his master. Local abolitionists raised $500.00 to secure his freedom, but had laid plans for a violent getaway for him should they not be able to buy his freedom.

Florida's first Black Congressman Josiah T. Walls was born on this date in the state of Virginia.