One Mic Black History

Today in History, Martin Luther King was stabbed

September 20, 1958, Martin Luther King Jr. was attacked while signing copies of his book “Stride Toward Freedom” at Blumstein’s Department Store in Harlem.

Izola Ware Curry stabbed King in the chest with a letter opener. King was rushed to Harlem Hospital and underwent more than two hours of surgery, doctors said:

“Had Dr. King sneezed or coughed, the weapon would have penetrated the aorta.… He was just a sneeze away from death”. Curry battled delusions about the NAACP and Dr. King accusing them of causing her to lose her job and forcing her to change religions. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, she was found not competent to stand trial and committed to a state hospital.

Despite the attack, MLK held no ill will toward Curry stating;

“The experience of these last few days has deepened my faith in the relevance of the spirit of nonviolence, if necessary social change is peacefully to take place.”

Black History Everyday, Charlie Bucket was originally Black

Roald Dahl’s classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is well for its rags-to-riches storyline, with the likable Charlie Bucket. However, In the early draft Charlie was a little black boy. In a 2017 BBC Radio interview, Dahl’s widow, Liccy, revealed:

“His first Charlie that he wrote about was a little black boy.”

The character was changed due to Dahl’s agent, who believed a black hero wouldn’t appeal to readers. Dahl wasnt a saint, He had controversial views himself, especially against Jewish people, and his initial depiction of the Oompa-Loompas as African pygmies faced criticism.

The NAACP raised concerns over the depiction resembling slavery, prompting Dahl to revise the characters in later editions to have orange skin and green hair, removing any African references.

Today in History, Jimi Hendrix passed away

Born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle. He faced a challenging upbringing. Music became his refuge, inspired by blues and rock ‘n’ roll. At 16, his father gave him his first guitar, setting the stage for a legendary career.

After dropping out of high school, Hendrix joined the Army in 1961, forming a band called King Kasuals. After the military, he played as a session musician for icons like Little Richard and B.B. King. In 1966, Chas Chandler became Hendrix’s manager, leading to the formation of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hits like “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze,” and “The Wind Cries Mary” catapulted him to stardom. His performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock’s iconic rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” solidified his iconic status.

Struggling with substance abuse, Jimi Hendrix passed away on September 18, 1970, only at 27, but his influence left an indelible mark on music.

Happy Birthday, Rube Foster

The “Father of Black baseball” was born on September 17, 1879, in Calvert, Texas. Foster began his pro baseball career at 18. Standing 6’4”, he first gained fame in 1903 as a pitcher for the Cuban X-Giants, winning four games in the “Colored Championship of the World.” In 1905, while playing for the Philadelphia Giants, he earned his nickname by outdueling Rube Waddell.

Returning to Chicago in 1907, he managed the Leland Giants to a 110–10 record. Rube Foster formed the Chicago American Giants, where he served as a player, manager, and owner. They became one of Black baseball’s greatest teams, winning championships in 1914, 1915, and 1917.

In 1920, Foster along with 7 other Black team owners, established the Negro National League. Under his leadership, the league thrived, although the pressure took a toll on his health, leading to his hospitalization in 1926.

Foster passed away in 1930 and was inducted into the Baseball HoF in 1981.

New Episode! "How the One Drop Rule Shaped Blackness"

This is how the 'One Drop Rule.' a principle that stated that person with known even a drop of African ancestry makes that person Black, and how its legacy continues to affect us today.

Audio Onemichistory.com

Follow me on Instagram: ...

How the One Drop Rule Shaped Blackness This is how the 'One Drop Rule.' a principle that stated that person with known even a drop of African ancestry makes that person Black, and how its legacy continue…

Imagine living in a world where even a single drop of Black ancestry could dictate your entire life.

This principle, known as the 'one-drop rule,' is deeply rooted in American history. Its echoes still reverberate today in our perceptions of mixed-race individuals, including notable figures like Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, and Kamala Harris

One Drop of Black One Mic Black History Newsletter #22

Dr. Mae Jemison became the First Black woman in Space

Born Mae Carol Jemison, October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, moved to Chicago at age 3, where parents’ strong support fueled her passion for science, especially astronomy.

Educated from Stanford and Cornell, she joined NASA in 1987 out of 2,000 applicants. By 1992, she soared aboard the Endeavour on mission STS47, becoming the first Black woman in space. After leaving NASA in 1993, Jemison appeared on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” in a guest role as Lt. Palmer.

She became a science educator, establishing the Jemison Group and the international space camp “The Earth We Share.” She is also an author and frequent public speaker, advocating for science and diversity.

Rest in Power, James Earl Jones

born January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, overcame a severe childhood stutter that left him shy and withdrawn. Raised by his maternal grandparents, he moved to Michigan, where an encouraging English teacher helped him find his voice by challenging him to recite a poem in front of his class.

After moving to New York, Jones made his Broadway debut in the 1950s in the “Sunrise at Campobello”. Renowned for his deep, iconic voice, most famously as Darth Vader. He has won Tony Awards for The Great White Hope and Fences. In 1991, he made history as the first actor to win two Emmys in one year.

Jones received numerous accolades, including a Grammy for the educational recording Great American Documents, Kennedy Center Honor and an honorary Academy Award in 2011, making him a noncompetitive EGOT winner

Jones’ legacy is as the voice of a generation

Charles Hamilton Houston, The Legal Pioneer

born on September 3, 1895, in Washington, DC, A graduate of Amherst College and became the first black editor of the Harvard Law Review, his experiences with racial injustice during his time in the U.S. Army fueled his resolve to become a lawyer.

As dean of Howard University Law School, he mentored young Black lawyers, including Thurgood Marshall. Houston’s strategic planning as Special Counsel for the NAACP laid the groundwork for the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. His and Marshall’s work, such as the successful 1935 Pearson v. Murray case, challenged school segregation and advanced civil rights.

Houston passed away in 1950, but his legacy lives on in Brown v. Board of Education.

New Episode! "How One Black Character Changed Comics"

In 1968, a schoolteacher feeling compelled to make a difference during the civil rights moment, So she reached out to Charles M. Schulz with a proposal for a new character

Audio Onemichistory.com

Follow me on Instagram:
Follow me on...

How One Black Character Changed Comics In 1968, a schoolteacher feeling compelled to make a difference during the civil rights moment, So she reached out to Charles M. Schulz with a proposal for a new ch…

New Episode! "The Black Guide That Changed Travel"

Discover the history of the Negro Motorist Green Book, a vital guidebook for African American roadtrippers. Founded by Victor Hugo Green, this publication provided safe travel options and listed welcoming establishments across the country during a...

The Black Guide That Changed Travel Discover the history of the Negro Motorist Green Book, a vital guidebook for African American roadtrippers. Founded by Victor Hugo Green, this publication provided …

Michelle Obama with the bars

New Episode! "The Man Who Passed for White"

Walter White grew up Black but had features that allowed him to "pass" as a white man. This helped him live with two different identities, By pretending to be white, he was able to uncover and fight against racial injustice in the United States....

The Man Who Passed for White Walter White grew up Black but had features that allowed him to "pass" as a white man. This helped him live with two different identities, By pretending to be white…

New Episode! "Unmasking the Legacy of Race Records"

This term "Race Records" was used to categorize music made by African American artists for the African American community regardless of genre.

Audio Onemichistory.com

Follow me on Instagram:
Follow me on Twitter:...

Unmasking the Legacy of Race Records This term "Race Records" was used to categorize music made by African American artists for the African American community regardless of genre. Audio Onemichistory…

Full quote:
We don’t think you fight fire with fire best ; we think you fight fire with water best. We’re going to fight racism not with racism, but we’re going to fight with solidarity. We say we’re not going to fight capitalism with black capitalism, but we’re going to fight it with socialism. We’re stood up and said we’re not going to fight reactionary pigs and reactionary state’s attorneys like this and reactionary state’s attorneys like Hanrahan with any other reactions on our part. We’re going to fight their reactions with all of us people getting together and having an international proletarian revolution.

New Episode! "When Ford Motor Company REJECTED The GOAT"

In 1948, heavyweight champion, Joe Louis is ready to hang up his gloves. Seeking a new venture, he reaches out to none other than Henry Ford II to explore opening a car dealership in Chicago.

Audio Onemichistory.com Follow me on Instagram:...

When Ford Motor Company REJECTED The GOAT In 1948, heavyweight champion, Joe Louis is ready to hang up his gloves. Seeking a new venture, he reaches out to none other than Henry Ford II to explore opening a…

“Obviously she’s not a white person…but I love Usha, she’s such a good mom.” I’m sure Thomas Jefferson said the same thing about Sally Hemings

New Episode! "Why Black Folks love a Well Done Steak"

Join us while we, explore the rich history of Black community timeless love for a well cooked steak.

Audio Onemichistory.com

Follow me on Instagram:
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/
Follow me on Facebook:...

Why Black Folks love a Well Done Steak Join us while we, explore the rich history of Black community timeless love for a well cooked steak. Audio Onemichistory.com Follow me on Instagram: …

“We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.”
-Dr King

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the movie “Purple Rain,” which debuted on July 27, 1984.

The song which serves as a crucial plot point in the film was originally written as a country song, it was intended to be a collaboration with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. Overwhelmed by the task, Nicks received a 10-minute instrumental from Prince and ultimately declined, feeling she couldn’t do it justice.

Prince described “Purple Rain” the song as representing the end of days, where red and blue skies mix to create purple—a metaphor for seeking guidance from a higher power amidst chaos.

In the film, Prince’s bandmates Wendy and Lisa are credited with writing the song, which he initially overlooks. However, Prince later acknowledges their work and performs “Purple Rain,” leading to an unforgettable showdown with The Time and the climatic conclusion.

I hate that this even needs to be explained but here we are.

Historicans estimate around 58% of enslaved women aged 15-30 were sexually assaulted by their owners and other white men. Many forced to bear children with their masters or overseers.

A well-known example is Sally Hemings, who was r***d by Thomas Jefferson and fathered at least one, if not all, of Hemings’ children. Additionally, Enslaved women had no recourse against sexual violence. Many states didn’t even acknowledge the r**e of enslaved women as a crime, In 1859, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that an enslaved man couldn’t be convicted of ra**ng an enslaved woman, as the law only protected white women.

July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson made history by becoming the first Black tennis player to win a Wimbledon singles title, defeating American Darlene Hard.

Prince Edward County, Virginia Board of Supervisors refused to fund public schools rather than desegregate. This decision led to the closure of the county’s public schools for five years.
white officials created private schools for white children, funded by state tuition grants and county tax credits. Prince Edward Academy became a model for all-white private schools resisting integration, attracting segregationists from Virginia and other southern states.

No plans were made for Black children’s education. Some were taught by relatives or in makeshift church schools, while others traveled out of state with help from groups like the Society of Friends. In 1963-64, about 1,500 students, including some white students, attended the new Prince Edward Free School, but many Black children missed years of education.

Sundown towns

These were communities that excluded non-white people after dark. From the late 1800s and early 1900s, these towns had signs like “Whites Only After Dark.” Those who stayed risked violence, or even lynching.

Local officials, and residents collaborated to maintain these all-white communities. Real estate agents and banks denied homes and loans to minorities. Police strictly enforced the laws, and the entire community worked to ensured compliance by punishing dissent. Sundown Towns weren’t just an African American issue; Native, Asian, and Mexican Americans were also affected. In Minden, Nevada, a law once forced Native Americans to leave by 6:30 p.m. daily. A siren, originally a whistle, would sound at 6 p.m. as a reminder.

Despite Nevada passing a law in 2021 to end such discriminatory practices, Minden continued the siren, claiming it honored first responders. It wasnt removed in 2023.

Happy Fathers Day to my Dad, Michael J Motley Sr. I think this is exactly the type of thing he would enjoy.

Father's Day was the idea of Sonora Smart Dodd. In 1909, Dodd was inspired by a Mother's Day sermon to honor her father, a widower who raised six kids.

She celebrated the first Father's Day in Spokane, WA, June 19th, 1910. Initially endorsed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913, it wasn't until Lyndon B. Johnson's 1966 proclamation and Richard Nixon's designation in 1972 that it became a national holiday.

On June 5, 1966, James Meredith started a 220-mile “March Against Fear” from Memphis to Jackson, Mississippi. Meredith, aimed to inspire African Americans to vote and challenge white supremacist intimidation.

On June 6, Aubrey Norvell ambushed and shot Meredith, who survived but couldn’t continue. Outraged, MLK and Stokely Carmichael continued the march. Meredith rejoined near Jackson and led a final rally to Jackson.

Norvell pled guilty and received a 2 year sentence.

Destruction of Greenwood

May 30, 1921, Dick Rowland entered an elevator of the Drexel building, which had a rare colored restroom. Inside he encountered 17-year-old Sarah Page.

Accounts differ, but Page screamed, prompting a clerk to rush over as Rowland fled. The police were called, By May 31, 1921 Rowland was arrested, headlines assumed his guilt. At 3:30, Tulsa Police Chief John Gustafson got a call about a planned lynching.

This was the catalyst for the Tulsa Massacre. In the aftermath of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Dick Rowland was kept under protective guard and taken out of Tulsa, never to be seen again. By September 1921, charges against him were dismissed.

The massacre destroyed the 35-block Greenwood district, including 191 Black-owned businesses, churches, homes, and a hospital. Casualty estimates range from 36 to over 300. Insurance claims were denied, and the incident was covered up for decades. Efforts to seek reparations continue to this day

Josh Gibson is now the the MLB’s leader in batting average, slugging, and OPS.

Born in Georgia in 1911, Gibson’s legend began in 1930 when he unexpectedly suited up for the injured Buck Ewing at a Homestead Grays game. Playing his entire career in the Negro Leagues, Gibson was considered the era’s best power hitter and inducted into the HoF in 1972.

Satchel Paige on Gibson, “While you’re looking for his weakness, he’s liable to hit 45 home runs.”

New Episode! "The FORGOTTEN Creators of Country Music"

Country music, often seen as a white rural American music genre, has roots deeply woven into various musical traditions, many of which were significantly shaped by African-Americans. When country music started as a genre, it found inspiration from a...

The FORGOTTEN Creators of Country Music Country music, often seen as a white rural American music genre, has roots deeply woven into various musical traditions, many of which were significantly shaped by …

Happy birthday, Stevie Wonder

Born May 13, 1950, with retinopathy leading to blindness, Stevland Judkins, became a Motown prodigy mastering the piano, harmonica, and drums by 10. Famous for hits like “Superstition” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” Wonder’s career extends beyond music. He is a staunch advocate for civil and disabled rights.

Honored with 15 Grammy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Wonder’s legacy is one of a true icon. BlackThreads