#OTD Illinois congresswoman Cardiss Collins, a twenty plus year member of the U.S. House of Representatives, was born in St. Louis, Missouri.

Happy heavenly birthday, Ray Charles! Today we celebrate the music legend on what would be his 91st birthday.

#OTD The Emancipation Proclamation, a presidential proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln that changed the legal status under federal law of over three million African Americans from enslaved to free, was announced.

#OTD Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith-Joyner died unexpectedly at the age of 38.

#OTD The groundbreaking television series "The Cosby Show" premiered on NBC.

#OTD Vanessa Williams was crowned Miss America, the first African American to hold the title.

#OTD Miss Missouri Debbye Turner was crowned Miss America, the third African American to hold the title.

#OTD Boxer Muhammad Ali beat Leon Spinks to become the first person to win the World Heavyweight Championship on three separate occasions.

#OTD Opera singer Leontyne Price received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Lyndon B. Johnson. Actress Shondrella Avery narrates.

We remember the life and legacy of recording artist and actor Tupac Shakur on the 25th anniversary of his death.