#OTD Activist and writer Audre Lorde, a self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” was born in Harlem, NY.

#OTD Activist Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party For Self-Defense, was born in Monroe, Louisiana. Recording artist Vivian Green narrates.

#OTD The home of prominent Atlanta businessman Alonzo Herndon was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Actor Charles Michael Davis narrates.

#OTD We remember singer Nat King Cole who succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 45.

#OTD Music teacher Mary Cardwell Dawson, founder of the National Negro Opera Company, was born in Madison, North Carolina. Actor Joe Morton narrates.

#OTD South Africa's Nelson Mandela was released from prison after serving 27 years. Actor Hill Harper narrates.

#OTD Scholar and educator Dr. Joseph Charles Price, founder and first president of Livingstone College, was born in Elizabeth City, NC. Producer and DJ Galestian narrates.

#OTD Astronaut Bernard Harris became the first African American to perform a space walk. Recording artist Howard Hewett celebrates this achievement.

#OTD Figure skater Debi Thomas won the ladies' singles title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the first African American to do so. Actor Gary Anthony Williams narrates.

#OTD We mark the anniversary of the inaugural celebration of what we know as Black History Month. Negro History Week was founded by Carter G. Woodson 96 years ago. Entrepreneur Russell Simmons narrates.