BET Experience

This Day in Black History

This Day in Black History highlights historical events and groundbreaking achievements of African-Americans. Each day, BET.com presents a new historical fact and provides context for how these individuals and events influenced change. From the heroes of the Underground Railroad to the civil rights movement to the election of the country's first Black president, look back at how African-Americans have impacted the world.

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This Day in Black History: May 24, 1918

Coleman Young, the first Black mayor of Detroit, was born on May 24, 1918.

This Day in Black History: May 23, 1975

Jackie “Moms” Mabley, pioneer stand-up comedienne, died on May 23, 1975.

This Day in Black History: May 22, 1940

Bernard Shaw, the trailblazing television news anchor, was born on May 22, 1940.

This Day in Black History: May 21, 1904

Fats Waller, the internationally renowned jazz pianist, composer and comedic performer, was born on May 21, 1904.

This Day in Black History: May 20, 1954

David A. Paterson, the first African-American governor of New York, was born on May 20, 1954.

This Day in Black History: May 19, 1930

Lorraine Hansberry, an African-American writer and activist, was born on May 19, 1930.

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