Maine and Michigan both strike laws from their books prohibiting interracial marriage.

George Washington Williams publishes History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880. Williams researched over 12,000 books, pamphlets and newspaper articles to complete his history, and his text will serve as the authoritative word on the subject for the next sixty years.

Inventor Jan E. Matzeliger patents his shoe-making machine on this date.

Marine biologist Ernest Everett Just was born on this date in Charleston, South Carolina. Just was a professor at Howard University and made major contributions in the field of embryology.

The United States Supreme Court strikes down the Civil Rights Bill of 1875 as unconstitutional, stating that the government cannot control prejudices of individuals or corporations.

Race riots occur in Danville, Virginia. White conservatives seize control of the local government, racially integrated and popularly elected, killing four African Americans in the process.

Edwin Bancroft Henderson was born on this date in Washington, D.C. He is known as the "Father of Black sports" because he opened up athletic opportunities for Blacks by organizing the Negro Athletic Conference and the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Abolitionist and women's rights advocate Sojourner Truth died on this date in Battle Creek, Michigan.

William A. Hinton was born on this date in Chicago, Illinois. Hinton was the first African American to write a textbook and was also the first African American professor at Harvard University's Medical School.