#OTD Slaves in the state of Texas learned of their freedom, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Actor Tom Wright narrates.

#OTD Dr. Samuel Nabrit was appointed to the United States Atomic Energy Commission making him the first African American to hold that position.

#OTD Security guard Frank Wills foiled a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters that led to the uncovering of the Watergate Scandal and eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon.

#OTD Politician Kenneth Gibson was elected as the 36th Mayor of Newark, New Jersey and the first African American to hold that position.

#OTD Lieutenant Henry O. Flipper became the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

#OTD Pitcher Don Newcombe, the first African American pitcher to start a World Series game, was born in Madison, New Jersey. Actor Edwin Hodge narrates.

#OTD Langston Golf Course opened in Washington, DC as a nine-hole public course. Actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph narrates.

#OTD Actress Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy Award, was born in Wichita, Kansas. Recording artist Deborah Cox narrates.

#OTD Boxer Larry Holmes defeated Ken Norton to become the WBC world heavyweight champion

#OTD Hall of fame baseball pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige, who had a 40-year career between the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball, passed away at the age of 75.