A Special Series Highlighting Significant Events in African American History During Black History Month
Our semi-regular feature — “Today In History” typically comes out on Fridays. During February, we’re focusing on people and events from the past and present that have special meaning to our African-American community. Let’s dive right into February 16th.
1874 — Frederick Douglass Elected President of Freedman’s Savings Bank
Former slave and prominent Republican Frederick Douglass was an American abolitionist, social reformer, and writer. He can justly be considered one of the most prominent and important activists in history.
Born into slavery in Maryland in the early 19th century, Douglas escaped and became a powerful advocate for the abolition of slavery. Douglass’s eloquent speeches and writings — such as his autobiography “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” — exposed the brutalities of slavery and amplified demands for justice and equality.
There seems to be some confusion about the exact dates, but my research shows that he was elected president of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company on today’s date in 1874 but didn’t actually take the position until a month later.
Image by George K. Warren
Via National Archives and Wikimedia Commons
His election was actually a last ditch effort to save the Bank, which had been devastated by years of corruption and mismanagement. It only took a few weeks, however, for Douglas to realize that the situation was beyond hope and that he was, in his own words, “married to a corpse.” By June, he recommended to Congress that the Bank be closed, and it was.
Image By Carl Van Vechten – Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66207359
1923 – Bessie Smith Makes Her First Recording
Bessie Smith was a Black American singer who became one of the most influential and celebrated blues vocalists of the 1920s. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, her powerful and emotive voice earned her the title of the “Empress of the Blues.” With her soulful delivery and deeply expressive style, Smith captivated audiences with hits like “Empty Bed Blues” and “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.”
Her first big break came on today’s date in 1923 when she recorded “Downhearted Blues” for Columbia Records. It would go on to become a major hit, selling nearly 800,000 records. As it happens, “Downhearted Blues” entered the public domain on January 1st of this year. You can listen to it below by pushing the black arrow “Play” icon. Enjoy.
Ms. Smith passed away in 1937 at the age of only 43, but she left her mark on American music and will never be forgotten. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
1951 — NYC Passes First Housing Anti-Discrimination Law
Following the Great Depression and World War II, vast numbers of African Americans left the Jim Crow South with its segregation, violence, discrimination and continued economic stagnation. Many of them migrated to New York City, and the Harlem neighborhood in particular.
The huge population influx led to housing shortages and extremely crowded conditions. Local housing development agencies actively segregated on the basis of ethnicity and black neighborhoods were increasingly ghettoized. In 1943, the Urban Redevelopment Companies Act made it legal for real estate companies to exclude blacks from housing developments.
During the late 1940s and early 50s, almost all of East Harlem was leveled for three new housing complexes which featured 75,000 low-income housing units for 500,000 tenants. What could possibly go wrong? “The Projects” came to mean “the ghetto,” which left lasting impressions of African American life, families and culture on the American psyche for generations.
The miserable, often unsafe conditions and crowded, impoverished neighborhoods eventually caught the attention of local elected officials. On today’s date in 1951, New York City Council enacted a law which prohibited racial discrimination in city-assisted housing developments. It was the first in the nation. While it obviously couldn’t solve every problem overnight, at least it was an important step in the right direction. If you ask me, the American Character got a little bit better on that day 73 years ago.
Image By Arvee Eco from QUEENS, USA – ,
CC BY-SA 2.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19492100
1970 — Joe Frazier Beats Jimmy Ellis
Professional boxer Joseph William “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier was one of the most renowned fighters in the sport’s history. Born in 1944 in South Carolina, his relentless style and powerful left hook made him formidable and unforgettable. His determination, resilience and explosive punching power made him a world champion. Notably, he won the only American gold medal in boxing at the 1964 Olympics.
It was on today’s date in 1970 that Frazier defeated Jimmy Ellis by technical knock-out at Madison Square Garden to claim the undisputed World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight championship.
Joe Frazier passed away in 2011 at the age of 67. He left behind a legacy and a legend that will never be forgotten.
Notable Birthdays
1952 — James Ingram
Born in Akron, Ohio, James Ingram was a popular and talented singer-songwriter known for his powerful, soulful vocals. He rose to prominence in the 1980s with a string of chart-topping hits like “Just Once,” “Baby, Come to Me,” and “Somewhere Out There.”
Ingram was nominated for 14 Grammy Awards, winning twice, along with two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song. He died of brain cancer in early 2019 at the age of 66.
Image By Kingkongphoto, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74899313
Image by Randy Stewart, http://blog.stewtopia.com.
1957 — LeVar Burton
Accomplished American actor and television personality Levardis Robert Martyn “LeVar” Burton, Jr. was born in Germany 67 years ago today. He is best known for his role as Geordi La Forge on the hit TV series “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
Earlier, Burton had gained widespread recognition for his role as Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” in 1977. His talent, personal warmth and charisma have also made him a beloved figure in the world of children’s television as the host of the educational program “Reading Rainbow.”
1958 — Ice T
Better known by his stage name “Ice T,” multifaceted American actor and rapper Tracy Lauren Marrow was born February 16, 1958 in Newark, New Jersey. This pioneer of “gangsta rap” became well-known for his gritty and socially conscious lyrics. He has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, winning twice.
In the 1980s, Ice T began a successful transition to the acting profession. His commanding presence and authentic portrayal of complex characters have garnered critical acclaim, including five nominations and two victories for the NAACP Image Awards and a News & Documentary Emmy Award nomination for “Planet Rock: The Story of Hip-Hop and the Crack Generation.”
Image By David Shankbone – Own work, CC BY 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6693115
His well-received role as Detective Fin Tutuola on the long-running TV series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” has earned him world-wide recognition and made him pretty much a household name in the US.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
So there you have it. Knowing our own history is a critical component for understanding ourselves, now and in days to come. Beyond that, I firmly believe that becoming familiar with the different histories of other members of our human family not only demonstrates compassion, interest and concern for our fellow humans, but will inevitably help bridge some of the divides between us, and build the foundation for a more unified and brighter tomorrow, for ourselves and for succeeding generations.
By Steven Roberts
