Black History Month Facts of the Day: Feb 16th


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On every single day of Black History Month this February, we will provide you with a daily fact that occurred on the same day in a past year in history.

Today’s Black History Month facts focus on Joe Frazier and Bessie Smith.

– On this day in 1857, Frederick Douglass was elected President of Freedom Bank and Trust

– On this day in 1923, Bessie Smith made her first recording, “Down Hearted Blues, which sold 800,000 copies for Columbia Records.

– On this day in 1951, the NYC Council passed a bill prohibiting racial discrimination in city assisted housing developments.

– On this day in 1957, actor Levar Burton was born.

– On this day in 1970, Joe Frazier knocked out Jimmy Ellis to become world heavyweight champion.

 


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