#OTD Civil rights activist James Meredith graduated from the University of Mississippi after being the first African American student admitted to the institution.

#OTD Priest James Augustine Healy became the first black Bishop in the United States. Actor Tom Wright narrates.

Labor union, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was formed by A. Philip Randolph. It was the first labor organization led by African Americans to receive a charter with the American Federation of Labor.

#OTD Thoroughbred horse racer Marlon St. Julien rode in the Kentucky Derby, making him the first African American jockey to do so since 1921.

#OTD Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. became the first African American admiral in the United States Navy. Actress Keesha Sharp narrates.

#OTD Charlotte E. Ray became the first female admitted to the District of Columbia Bar. Ray was also the first black female attorney in the United States. Recording artist Kevin Ross narrates.

Today we celebrate psychologist Mamie Phipps Clark whose "doll studies" were influential in the U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education

#OTD The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee was organized as the principal channel for student commitment to the civil rights movement in the U.S.

#OTD Elston Howard, the first African American player to make the NY Yankees roster, made his major league debut.

#OTD Several days of rioting began in New York City to protest the draft during the Civil War.