Browse or search our African American History timeline. Events on the timeline include key moments in specific HistoryMaker's lives as well as important historical dates.
Rita Dove is appointed U.S. Poet Laureate becoming the first African American female poet to serve in this honorary office.
The worst rioting since the late 1960s erupts in Miami following the controversial acquittal of 4 white deputy sheriffs accused of beating to death a black insurance executive. At least 15 people die in the riots and more than 216 are wounded.
Beauty products entrepreneur Lisa Price is born on this date in Brooklyn, New York.
Founder of the National Council for Negro Women and NAACP co-founder Mary McLeod Bethune died on this date.
MLB Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson was born on this date in Wyancote, Pennsylvania. Jackson earned the nickname "Mr. October" for his baseball heroics during the postseason. He hit 4 consecutive home runs in the 1977 World Series. He won championships with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees. He was AL MVP in 1973 and World Series MVP in the same year and in 1977. He hit 563 career home runs.
Children's advocate Kay Wyrick was born on this date in Hartford, Connecticut. Wyrick went on to be honored by the Parenting Coalition, Inc. for her work and devotion to the development of children.
Health & Family Planning Consultant Naomi Gray is born