Dr. Roselyn Epps becomes the first African American woman to be named president of the American Medical Women's Association.

Affirmative action pioneer Arthur Fletcher is named by President George H.W. Bush to chair the United States Commission on Civil Rights.

David Dinkins is sworn in as the first African American mayor of New York City.

Lawrence Wilder is inaugurated governor of Virginia, the first African American to be elected to that position in the country.

Following demonstrations contesting the removal of Norward Roussell from his post as first black superintendent of Selma, Alabama, four black protestors are arrested. The Selma Board of Education terminated Roussell’s contract in a racially divided decision.

Nelson Mandela is finally released from prison after twenty-seven years. The release of the prominent political prisoner was ordered by Frederick W. de Klerk, the new president of South Africa. Mandela’s release is applauded by political and human rights leaders around the world including the United States.

The United Negro College Fund, the consolidated fund-raising agency for more than forty private black colleges in the United States, receives $50 million; the largest single donation in its history from Walter H. Annenberg former publisher of TV Guide.

Detroit native Carole Gist becomes the first Black to win the title "Miss USA".

Sammy Davis, Jr., the African American entertainer whose varied talents brought him success on the Broadway stage, starring roles in such films as Porgy and Bess, and an extensive recording career, dies after a long bout with cancer.

Minister Harold I. Bearden died on this date in Atlanta. The former Cincinnati A.M.E. bishop and Civil Rights leader was the pastor of Atlanta's Bog Bethel African American Methodist Church.

Denzel Washington wins the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Private Trip, a former slave who fights for the Union Army in the Civil War in the film Glory.

Jazz singer Sarah Vaughan died on this date in Hidden Hills, California. She was known as the "Divine One". She was 66 years old.

A number of black journalists are inducted into the newly created National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame. These include Dorothy Gilliam, Malvin Goode, Mal Johnson, Gordon Parks, Ted Poston, Norma Quarles and Carl Rowan.

After a two year investigation, Labor Secretary Alexis Herman is cleared by an independent counsel of charges that she solicited $200,000 in illegal campaign contributions.

Minister and Civil Rights activist Ralph David Abernathy died on this date in Atlanta, Georgia. Abernathy led the Montgomery Bus Boycott with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He and King co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Abernathy was originally the secretary-treasurer of the SCLC and became president when Dr. King was assassinated. Abernathy was also Dr. King's chief aide and advisor.

Kenny Leon was hired as director of the Alliance Theater Company of Atlanta on this date. He became the second Black director of a major theater.

Publisher Earl Graves and basketball star Magic Johnson partner to purchase Pepsi-Cola of Washington, D.C., thus making them the single largest minority controlled franchise in the United States.

In spite of its significant support in Congress, President George Bush vetoes the Civil Rights Bill of 1990, which would have established racial quotas in employment.

The African American Marketing and Media Association was organized on this date.

Lawyer and politician Roland Burris is elected to the Office of Illinois State’s Attorney General.

Maxine Waters is elected to the 35th Congressional District of the United States Congress for the State of California on this day.

William J. Jefferson is elected to the United States Congress to represent the 2nd District of Louisiana.

Author Charles R. Johnson was awarded the National Book Award on this date for his sea story called Middle Passage.