This Week In Black History ( May 18th -24th )

May 18, 1896 – In the case of Plessy vs. Ferguson, the Supreme Court upholds the “Separate But Equal” doctrine.

May 19, 1991 – Willy T. Ribbs becomes the first Black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

May 20, 1961- The Freedom Riders arrived at the Montgomery bus terminal and were attacked by an angry mob of around 300. They were beaten and one rider was covered with kerosene and set on fire.

May 21, 1904 – Internationally renowned jazz pianist and comedian Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was born.

May 22, 1967 – Poet, playwright and columnist Langston Hughes died in New York City.

May 23, 1990- Civil War hero Sgt. William H. Carney became the 1st African American to receive the Medal of Honor (37 yrs. after the Battle of Fort Wagner).

Coleman Young, the first Black mayor of Detroit and former Tuskegee Airman was born.