This Day in Quiztory

Today we celebrate singer Billie Holiday on what would be her 105th birthday! Happy Birthday, Lady Day!

Dred Scott filed the first lawsuit for his freedom against John Emerson. This lawsuit would eventually be decided by the United States Supreme Court.

Today we celebrate heavyweight champion boxer Jersey Joe Walcott on what would be his 106th birthday.

Today we celebrate pioneering educator Ruth Wright Hayre, who became the first African American high school teacher and principal in the city of Philadelphia

Today we celebrate Clarence Holt, the largest private collector of books on African American culture and history

Today we shine a spotlight on explorer Matthew Henson who was awarded the Peary Polar Expedition Medal #OTD by the United States Congress

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of gospel legend Mahalia Jackson

Today we celebrate the life of Olympic medalist and professional volleyball player Flora Jean Hyman, who lost her life tragically #OTD during a match in Japan.

Today we share some history on the 24th Amendment to the United States Constitution which prohibits the use of poll taxes as a condition for voting

Today we celebrate Susan Rice, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and the 24th U.S. National Security Advisor

Today we shine a spotlight on Rod Paige, the 7th United States Secretary of Education and the first African American to hold the position

Today we celebrate Colin Powell, the 65th United States Secretary of State and the first African American to hold the position

Today we shine a spotlight on NASA astronaut Ronald McNair, the second African American in space and one of seven crew members lost in the tragic Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.

Today we remember the life and musical legacy of R&B princess Aaliyah

Today we shine a spotlight on civil rights activist James L. Farmer, Jr. who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton

Tune in for some history on a sit-in staged by students in the Afro American Action Committee on the campus of the University of Minnesota

Today we share some history on Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founded #OTD on the campus of Howard University

Today we celebrate Chris "Daddy Mac" Smith, one half of the rap phenomenon Kris Kross, on his 41st birthday.

Today we celebrate pioneering publisher and entrepreneur Earl Graves, founder of Black Enterprise magazine

Today we send a special birthday wish to Olympic sprinter Calvin Smith, former world record holder in the 100m sprint and gold medalist in the 1984 summer Olympics.

Today we celebrate inventor William B. Purvis. On this day, Purvis received a patent for improvements on the fountain pen.

Today we celebrate the life and achievements of pioneering attorney Charlotte E. Ray, the first African American female lawyer in the United States.

Thirty one years ago today, "The Arsenio Hall Show" premiered on late night television. Arsenio Hall became the first African American late night talk show host.

Today we celebrate hall of fame boxing champion Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker

Happy New Year! Today we commemorate President Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation which declared all slaves being held in the rebellious states as free.