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The first successful Negro League created
On the this day, the first successful Negro League was established by Andrew "Rube" Foster, who is also known as "the father of black baseball", in Kansas City, Missouri. The first league was called the National Negro League with member teams in the South and Midwest. The league was successful until 1931. -
Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in Berlin Summer Olympics
on this day, Jesse Owens won the gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics in the 100 meter sprint. He went on to win gold medals in long jump (August 4), 200 meters sprint (August 5), and the 4 x 100m (August 9). -
Jackie Robinson-First African American to play Major League baseball
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball. He became Rookie of the Year with a batting average .297, a .383 on-base percentage, and ,427 slugging percentage. Robinson was an all-around athlete becoming the first athlete at UCLA to receive a varsity letter in football, baseball, and track and field. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. He also is honored throughout the country with plaques, builidngs, and statues named after him. -
Earl Lloyd- first African American to play in an NBA game
On this day, Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in an NBA game. The contest was against the Washington Capitols and the Rochester Royals. Lloyd played for the Capitols. -
Althea Gibson becomes the first African American woman to win Wimbeldon
On this day, Althea Gibson became the first African American woman to win the Wimbeldon and the U.S. Open in 1958. SHe was also the the first African American woman to join the LPGA. In 1971, Gibson was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame. -
Willie O'Ree becomes the first black to play in the National Hockey League
On this day, Willie O'Ree became the first black to play in the NHL. He was called by the Boston Bruins to replace an injured player against the Montreal Canadiens. He would only play two games with the Bruins. In 1961,O'Ree would return to the NHL to play in 43 games, scoring 4 goals and getting one assist on the season. -
Wilma Rudolph becomes the first woman to win three gold medals in the Olympics
On this day, Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics. She received the medals in 100 mete sprint, the 200 meter sprint and the 4 x 100 meter relay. She tied the record in the 100 meter sprint and set the record in the 200 meter sprint. -
Hank Aaron breaks Babe Ruth's homerun record
On this day, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career homerun record of 714 against the Dodgers. He went onto extend that record to 755. In 1999, commissioner Bud Selig created the "Hank Aaron" award in honor of the 25th anniversary of Aaaron breaking Ruth's record. It is awarded to the best hitter in the National and American Leagues. -
Michael Jordan scores 63 points against Boston Celtics
YouTube-Michael Jordan scores 63 points vs Boston Celtics in playoff game
On this day, Michael Jordan scored 63 points in a playoff game against the Boston Celtics. Even though the Bulls lost to the Celtics in double overtime, it is still til this day considered the best playoff game ever played in playoff history. -
Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy- first African Americans to coach in the Super Bowl
On this day, Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith and the Indianapolis Colts' head coach Tony Dungy became the first African Americans head coaches to lead their teams to the Super Bowl. The Colts won the game 29-17 in Miami, FL.
