GUAP NEWS CROWN Act tested in Texas as Black student suspended AdminSeptember 18, 2023098 views MONT BELVIEU, Texas — After serving an in-school suspension over his hairstyle, a Black high school student in Texas immediately received the same punishment when he arrived at school Monday wearing his hair as before in twisted dreadlocks tied on top of his head, his mother said. Darryl George, a junior at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, was initially suspended the same week his state outlawed racial discrimination based on hairstyles. School officials said his dreadlocks violated the district’s dress code because his hair fell below his eyebrows and ear lobes. Darryl George, a 17-year-old junior, before walking across the street to go into Barbers Hill High School after serving a 5-day in-school suspension for not cutting his hair Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Mont Belvieu. Michael Wyke, Associated Press George, 17, served the first suspension last week at the Houston-area school. He was in tears when he was sent back to in-school suspension Monday, his mother Darresha George said. “He has to sit on a stool for eight hours in a cubicle. That’s very uncomfortable. Every day he’d come home, he’d say his back hurts because he has to sit on a stool,” she said. People are also reading… The incident recalls debates over hair discrimination in schools and the workplace and is already testing the state’s newly enacted CROWN Act, which took effect Sept. 1. The law, an acronym for “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is intended to prohibit race-based hair discrimination and bars employers and schools from penalizing people because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including Afros, braids, dreadlocks, twists or Bantu knots. Texas is one of 24 states that have enacted a version of the CROWN Act. A federal version of the CROWN Act passed in the House of Representatives last year, but was not successful in the Senate. For Black people, hairstyles are more than just a fashion statement. Hair has always played an important role across the Black diaspora, said Candice Matthews, national minister of politics for the New Black Panther Nation. (Her group is not affiliated with another New Black Panther organization widely considered antisemitic.) “Dreadlocks are perceived as a connection to wisdom,” Matthews said. “This is not a fad, and this is not about getting attention. Hair is our connection to our soul, our heritage and our connection to God.” In George’s family, all the men have dreadlocks, going back generations. To them, the hairstyle has cultural and religious importance, his mother said. “Our hair is where our strength is, that’s our roots,” Darresha George said. “He has his ancestors locked into his hair, and he knows that.” Darryl George, left, a 17-year-old junior, and his mother Darresha George, right, talks with reporters before walking across the street to go into Barbers Hill High School after Darryl served a 5-day in-school suspension for not cutting his hair Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Mont Belvieu. Michael Wyke, Associated Press Historians say braids and other hairstyles served as methods of communication across African societies, including to identify tribal affiliation or marriage status, and as clues to safety and freedom for those who were captured and enslaved. After slavery was abolished, Black American hair became political. Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex and national origin, Black people continued to face professional and social stigma for not adopting grooming habits that fit white, European beauty standards and norms. The issue of race-based hair discrimination in the workplace has long existed alongside concerns in public and private schools. In 2018, a white referee in New Jersey told a Black high school wrestler to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit a match. Viral video of the wrestler having his hair cut with scissors as the crowd watched prompted the referee’s suspension and spurred passage of the state’s CROWN Act. Darresha George said her son has been growing his dreadlocks for nearly 10 years and the family never received pushback or complaints until now. When let down, his dreadlocks hang above his shoulders. She said she couldn’t understand how he violated the dress code when his hair was pinned up. “I even had a discussion about the CROWN Act with the principal and vice principal,” she said. “They said the act does not cover the length of his hair.” In this photo provided by Darresha George, her son Darryl George, 17, a junior at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas, sits for a photo showing his locs, at the family’s home, Sept. 10, 2023. Darresha George via AP Barbers Hill Independent School District prohibits male students from having hair extending below the eyebrows, ear lobes or top of a t-shirt collar, according to the student handbook. Additionally, hair on all students must be clean, well-groomed, geometrical and not an unnatural color or variation. The school does not require uniforms. The school previously clashed with another Black male student over the dress code. Barbers Hill officials told a student he had to cut his dreadlocks to return to school or participate in graduation in 2020, which garnered national attention. Greg Poole, who has been district superintendent since 2006, said the policy is legal and teaches students to conform as a sacrifice benefitting everyone. “When you are asked to conform … and give up something for the betterment of the whole, there is a psychological benefit,” Poole said. “We need more teaching (of) sacrifice.” Nearby districts have less stringent policies in place. For example, Poole noted others allow students to wear jeans with holes in them, while Barbers Hill does not. He said parents come to the district because of its strict standards and high expectations, which he credits for the district’s academic success. Attorney Allie Booker, who represents the family, said the school’s argument doesn’t hold up because length is considered part of a hairstyle, which is protected under the law. “We are going to continue to fight, because you can’t tell someone that hairstyles are protected and then be restrictive. If style is protected, then style is protected,” she said. Darresha George said she and her son refuse to conform to a standard set by someone who is uncomfortable or ignorant. Candice Matthews, left, National minister of politics for the New Black Panther Nation; Darryl George, center left, a 17-year-old junior, and his mother Darresha George, center right, and a unidentified female, right, begin their walk across the street to go into Barbers Hill High School after Darryl served a 5-day in-school suspension for not cutting his hair Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Mont Belvieu. Michael Wyke, Associated Press “My son is well-groomed, and his hair is not distracting from anyone’s education,” Darresha George said. “This has everything to do with the administration being prejudiced toward Black hairstyles, toward Black culture.” The district defends its dress code, which says its policies are meant to “teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards and teach respect for authority.” George’s situation has drawn solidarity from young Black people around the nation, who say they have long dealt with discriminatory dress codes and comments from adults about their hair. Victoria Bradley, 19, poses for a picture at her home, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Detroit. Historians say braids and other hairstyles served as methods of communication across African societies. Jose Juarez, Associated Press “When I was in fifth grade, I had a teacher tell me that my blue hair, my pink hair, was unnatural and too distracting for the other students in the class,” said Victoria Bradley, 19, who lives in Detroit. Michigan passed the CROWN Act into law this year. Bradley, whose hair is braided and currently dyed multiple colors, said she attributes a lot of her hair confidence to her mother, Bernita Bradley, a longtime hair stylist and director of parent voice for the National Parents Union. Bernita Bradley said her first introduction to the CROWN Act was in 2021, when a biracial, 7-year-old girl in Michigan had her hair cut by a school worker without her parents’ permission. The girl’s father, Jimmy Hoffmeyer, filed a $1 million lawsuit against the school district, alleging racial discrimination and ethnic intimidation. The lawsuit was settled earlier this year. Victoria Bradley, left, 19, relaxes at home with her mother, Bernita, 52, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Detroit. Jose Juarez, Associated Press “That was modern-day scalping of this Black child,” Bradley said. This is Darryl George’s first year at Barbers Hill High School. Last year, he went to a school in nearby Baytown, Texas, where he had no problems wearing the same hair style, his mother said. Darresha George said they recently moved to the Mont Belvieu area for personal reasons. The family was told they need to schedule a meeting with the principal, Darresha George said. After the suspension, “his grades are suffering, which also means he is not able to play football or participate in any extracurriculars,” Darresha George said. “He was on track to graduate early, and now he is falling behind and will have to work double time just so he can still graduate.” Darryl George, center left, a 17-year-old junior, and his mother Darresha George, center right, share a hug before walking across the street to go into Barbers Hill High School after Darryl served a 5-day in-school suspension for not cutting his hair Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Mont Belvieu. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) Michael Wyke Black history from the year you were born Black history from the year you were born Each February, Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating the achievements, and reflecting on the experiences, of African Americans. What began as a week in 1926 has blossomed into 28 days of remembrance and lessons on the contributions of Black Americans. Many Black Americans come from a lineage of captured and enslaved people who were forcibly brought to the U.S. to build the culture and infrastructure of a place in which they never asked to live. Forced immigration and centuries of cultural genocide have driven Black Americans to literally and figuratively rebuild a culture from the ground up. In the face of historical oppression and inequality—slavery, Jim Crow laws, and the police violence that spawned the #BlackLivesMatter movement—African Americans have continuously fought for their rights and spawned countless milestones, achievements, and freedoms. While being forced to exist largely on the fringes of society, Black Americans nevertheless have made many significant contributions to the arts, education, politics, technology, and numerous other fields. Many well-known moments and figures appear below: The 1930s saw history from Olympic track and field star Jesse Owens and the eventual breakout moment of author and activist Zora Neale Hurston; in the ‘50s, the first Civil Rights Act since 1875 was signed into law; five decades later, American elected the first Black president. But in the theme of education—part of the function of this month for much of the country—you’ll learn of other less-discussed moments and faces in Black history: The 1940s’ desegregation of the armed forces, the first Black Miss America in the ‘80s, or the 1995 Million Man March in Washington D.C. to name a few examples. Click through Stacker’s 100-year list to learn more about just some of the significant achievements and moments in African American history from 1919 to 2019. You might also like: Notable companies founded by Black entrepreneurs U.S. Department of Justice // Wikimedia Commons 1919: Oscar Micheaux produces ‘The Homesteader’ Regarded as the first African American feature filmmaker, Oscar Micheaux produced the film version of his book “The Conquest” under the name “The Homesteader.” This silent film featured an all-Black cast and touched on the issues of race relations during that era. Micheaux Film 1920: Zeta Phi Beta is established at Howard University This historical, Greek-lettered sorority was created by five women Howard University students. Their vision was to effect positive change and raise cultural awareness within their community while promoting high educational standards. The sorority is still around today and remains based out of its Washington D.C. headquarters the sorority purchased in 1959. Brian Stukes // Getty Images 1921: ‘Shuffle Along’ becomes the first major African American musical on Broadway When “Shuffle Along” debuted on May 23, 1921, almost a decade had passed since an all-Black musical of any kind had graced a Broadway stage. The vaudeville-style play about a mayoral race launched the careers of Josephine Baker and Paul Robeson and is widely regarded as one of the first Black musicals to cross over to mainstream white audiences. As such, the musical’s success signaled a change and dismantling of sorts of racial segregation in the Broadway theater world. Walter McBride // Getty Images 1922: Abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ home becomes a national museum In 1922, Cedar Hill, Douglass’ home until his 1895 death, became a certified historical site. Among the preserved sites visitors can see during a visit is his “growlery,” or man cave. Douglass would retreat to this private room with a stove, desk, and a bed whenever he wanted privacy to work on his writing. Library of Congress // Wikimedia Commons 1924: National Bar Association founded The National Bar Association was founded out of two movements—the Greenville Movement and the Convention of the Iowa Colored Bar Association—after a number of Black lawyers were denied membership to the American Bar Association. Today, the association has more than 84 chapters and represents more than 60,000 law professionals. Afro American Newspapers/Gado // Getty Images 1925: A. Philip Randolph and Milton P. Webster create the BSCP Organized by African American employees of the Pullman Company, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) was the first labor union by and for Black employees. A first of its kind, BSCP is largely considered significant in both the labor and civil rights movements. [Pictured: Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters display their banner at a 1955 ceremony celebrating the organization’s 30th anniversary. Asa Philip Randolph (1889-1979), Union president, seen wearing black and white shoes, holds up Brotherhood flag.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1926: Negro History Week is formed The precursor to Black History Month was the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Corresponding with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, the week was initially erected to give Black Americans a sense of pride in their own history and has since been expanded to a whole month. [Pictured: Negro History Week proclamation on Feb. 6, 1956, with (from left) Dr. Leroy Weeks, Vassie D. Wright, and Mayor Norris Poulson.] Los Angeles Examiner/USC Libraries/Corbis // Getty Images 1928: First African American elected to Congress Oscar Stanton De Priest began his career in politics in 1915 with a stint on the Chicago City Council. More than a decade later, he made history when he was tapped as the Republican candidate for a seat in the House of Representatives representing the state of Illinois. You may also like: 25 Black businesspeople who helped shape America U.S. Congress // Wikimedia Commons 1929: Negro Experimental Theatre established The Negro Experimental Theatre (aka the Harlem Experimental Theatre) was the project of librarian and playwright Regina M. Anderson. The early theater company produced one-act plays and was one of the early companies to influence and encourage the arts in Black communities. [Pictured: The 135th Street branch of the New York City Public Library in 1930.] Smith Collection/Gado // Getty Images 1930: Howard University Gallery of Art is established Artist James V. Herring organized Howard University’s student gallery, a first of its kind. Howard University Gallery of Art was the first gallery on a Black campus, and the only gallery controlled entirely by African Americans. [Pictured: An art class at Howard University dated 1936.] U.S. National Archives 1931: Scottsboro boys are falsely convicted In March 1931, nine African American teenagers were falsely accused of rape while aboard a train in Alabama. Eight of the nine were convicted and sentenced to death. The cases were eventually appealed in the United States Supreme Court, raising questions about unfair court proceedings for Black defendants, like being judged by an all-white jury. Over the course of subsequent retrials (and reconvictions), the boys in total served in excess of 100 years in prison. Ultimately, it was revealed the boys had been illegally hopping trains in search of work and, while detained for a minor charge, deputies convinced two white women to accuse the boys of rape. One of the women, Ruby Bates, recanted her story and became an advocate for freeing the Scottsboro boys. [Pictured: The young Black men accused in the Scottsboro rape case under the protection of National Guard on Mar. 20, 1931, in Scottsboro, Alabama.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1932: ‘Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male’ begins The U.S. Public Health Service, in conjunction with the Tuskegee Institute, began studying the natural occurrences of syphilis in the human body on unassuming and ill-informed Black male participants. The experiment involved more than 600 men, many of whom were not informed of their infection. They were also not given adequate or correct treatment for the disease. The study ended at the hands of a whistleblower in 1972; President Bill Clinton issued a formal apology in 1997. U.S. National Archives // Wikimedia Commons 1933: Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s ‘The Mis-Education of the Negro’ is published “When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions,” says Dr. Carter G. Woodson in his groundbreaking book, “The Mis-Education of the Negro.” Woodson asserted that Blacks were essentially being mentally controlled by the public school system. In 1998, singer and rapper Lauryn Hill would make reference to the book with her debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” In addition to launching Negro History Week and penning “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” Woodson was an accomplished author, journalist, American historian, and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. You may also like: What having a baby was like the year you were born U.S. National Park Service // Wikimedia Commons 1934: Maggie Lena Walker dies Maggie Lena Walker grew up helping her mother, a former slave, with her laundry business. This early exposure to entrepreneurship made an impression; in 1903, Walker became the first African American woman to be president of a bank when she founded St. Luke Penny Savings Bank. In 1930, the bank became the Consolidated Bank and Trust Company, with Walker staying on as chairman. The bank continued on as a Black-owned institution following Walker’s death and was sold in 2005. U.S. National Park Service // Flickr 1935: National Council of Negro Women is created The National Council of Negro Women, founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, continues to be influential in advocating on the behalf of African American women in the United States. Bethune was a champion of higher education: The school she founded, Bethune-Cookman University, became a four-year college in 1941. Photo Quest // Getty Images 1938: Artist Jacob Lawrence shows his first exhibition Painter Jacob Lawrence’s brand of modernism depicted the various aspects of life in Harlem. His first solo exhibit was shown in February 1938 at the Harlem YMCA on 135th Street. A few years later, when he was just 24, Lawrence became one of the first Black artists to be presented by Downtown Gallery. [Pictured: Artist Jacob Lawrence in March 1945.] You may also like: History of African Americans in the US military Bettmann // Getty Images 1939: Marian Anderson sings at Lincoln Memorial Opera singer Marian Anderson was scheduled to sing at Washington’s Constitution Hall on Easter Sunday in 1939. But at the last minute, she was refused the opportunity because of her race by Daughters of the American Revolution (a move that caused First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to leave the group). Instead, Anderson gave a free open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The moment brought even greater awareness to the issues of racial injustice during that time period. Harris & Ewing // Library of Congress 1940: Hattie McDaniel wins an Academy Award Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American person to win an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in “Gone With the Wind.” She came under fire at the time for her portrayal of a maid, but the defiant McDaniel famously retorted, saying she’d rather play a maid than serve as one in real life. [Pictured: Actress Fay Bainter (at right) presents Hattie McDaniel with the Oscar for her supporting role in “Gone With the Wind” on Feb. 29, 1940, at the Twelfth Annual Banquet of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1941: National Negro Opera Company is created The National Negro Opera Company was the first of its kind when musician Mary Cardwell Dawson founded it in 1941. The Black music association was created with the vision of affording Black Americans opportunities for cultural development through classical music. [Pictured: Dorothy I Height, speaker at the National Negro Opera Foundation banquet, is shown with Dorothy Farrabee of Howard University and Mary Caldwell Dawson, founder and president of the National Negro Opera Foundation, in 1961.} Afro American Newspapers/Gado // Getty Images 1942: Hugh Mulzac becomes the first African American captain to command an integrated crew Hugh Mulzac, a Black member of the U.S. Merchant Marine, was offered the chance at the onset of World War II to operate his own vessel. That ship was the SS Booker T. Washington, the first Liberty ship named after an African American. Mulzac said no at first, citing Commission policies stipulating he would be commanding an all-Black crew. What followed were protests from Black organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which pressured officials to change course. Mulzac then became the first African American ship commander, doing so over an integrated crew. The milestone did little to change things long-term, however, as he found himself out of a job by the early 1950s. [Pictured: Captain and crew of the SS Booker T Washington on Feb. 8, 1943. Captain Hugh Mulzac is fourth from the left on the first row.] U.S. National Archives // Wikimedia Commons 1943: Detroit Race Riots The great migration from South to North brought mass amounts of Blacks to Detroit in search of work and a better life. Despite the city having 200,000 African American residents, Black people were still treated as second-class citizens—especially where housing was concerned. When Detroit started constructing Black housing projects and factories began promoting Black workers, disgruntled whites decided to fight back against the changing of the times. What followed were racially motivated attacks involving more than 200 Blacks and whites, leaving 25 African Americans dead and hundreds more injured. You may also like: Cities doing the most for a clean energy future Three Lions // Getty Images 1944: United Negro College Fund is created Dr. Frederick D. Patterson, president of the Tuskegee Institute, put out a call to other leaders of historically Black colleges urging them to pool sums of money together in a fund for inbound Black college students in financial need. In the last 70 years, the fund has supported more than 400,000 students in earning college degrees. [Pictured: Tuskegee Institute president Dr. Frederick D. Patterson and George Washington Carver on April 2, 1940.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1945: Ebony magazine debuts John H. Johnson published the first issue of Ebony magazine in November 1945, heralding a new era of putting forth a positive image of Black Americans in mainstream media. A smaller news magazine called Jet was founded a few years later in 1951. [Pictured: John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony Magazine and owner of Johnson publications.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1946: Morgan v. Virginia invalidates separate but equal on interstate bus transport In a case predating the Rosa Parks bus boycott, Irene Morgan was riding on a Greyhound bus and refused to give her seat up to a white passenger. Morgan was arrested but refused to plead guilty to violating Virginia’s segregation law. That move presented an opportunity for Morgan’s lawyer to argue that the law unfairly got in the way of interstate commerce. The case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor. [Pictured: Sign for the “colored” waiting room at a bus station in Durham, North Carolina, May 1940.] Jack Delano/Library of Congress // Wikimedia Commons 1947: 16 men embark on the ‘Journey of Reconciliation’ Sometimes called “the first freedom ride,” 16 Black and white men embarked on a direct-action bus trip that flipped racial structures on their heads: Black protesters sat at the front of the bus, while white protestors sat at the back. Protests like these served as a tangible representation of the power of hands-on activism. [Pictured: As a Trailways bus carrying Freedom Riders arrives in Jackson, Mississippi on May 24, 1961, police officers with dogs prepare to arrest and jail those on board.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1948: Desegregation of the US Armed Forces In a step to dissolve segregated racial lines, President Harry Truman signed an executive order to integrate the U.S. Armed Forces, which effectively ended segregation across the military. There was significant pushback to the order; but by the end of the Korean War, most of the military was integrated. [Pictured: Tuskegee airmen Woodrow W. Crockett and Edward C. Gleed in Ramitelli, Italy, in March 1945.] You may also like: Space discoveries from the year you were born Toni Frissell/Library of Congress // Wikimedia Commons 1949: First Black-owned radio station An accountant and professor by trade, Jesse B. Blayton Sr. made history when he founded WERD-AM in Atlanta, becoming the first Black man to own his own radio station. Blayton pioneered what he referred to as “Negro appeal” music, playing early R&B and soul cuts that didn’t get much airtime elsewhere. The radio station later became a supporter of the civil rights movement. doug_n // Shutterstock 1950: Gregory Swanson is admitted to the University of Virginia Law School With the help of a lawsuit, Gregory Swanson became the first Black student to attend the University of Virginia Law School. This historic victory allowed Black applicants to be permitted into the other University of Virginia professional programs as well. Mmw3v // Wikimedia Commons 1951: ‘We Charge Genocide’ petition is presented to the United Nations Created by William Patterson and the Civil Rights Congress, the “We Charge Genocide” petition suggested the United States committed genocide against African Americans based on the outlines put forth by the U.N. Genocide Convention. More than 150 hate crimes that took place over the previous six years against Black people were documented, along with nearly 350 other violent crimes against Black Americans. The document, signed by 94 individuals and prominent civil rights leaders, was presented at the United Nations Convention in Paris. Drop of Light // Shutterstock 1952: Cora Brown becomes Michigan’s first Black woman elected to state senator Cora Brown’s successful 1952 campaign made her the first Black woman in the U.S. elected to a state Senate seat. She served as Michigan state senator through 1956, advocating on health issues, public utilities, and welfare. She became the special associate general counsel of the U.S. Post Office in 1957. Action Sports Photography // Shutterstock 1954: Davis et al. v. the St. Louis Housing Authority ends racial discrimination in St. Louis Housing Authority Frankie Muse Freeman served as lead attorney in the landmark Davis et al. v. the St. Louis Housing Authority case that effectively put a stop to segregation in St. Louis public housing. Years later, Freeman led a task force to end segregation in St. Louis public schools. [Pictured: Frankie Muse Freeman being sworn in as the first woman member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in 1964. She was the lead attorney in Davis et al. v. the St. Louis Housing Authority.] National Archive // Newsmakers 1955: Read’s Drug Store sit-ins Local African American students of Morgan State College teamed up with the Committee on Racial Equality to stage a series of sit-in protests to desegregate the local lunch counter at Read’s Drug Store in Baltimore, Maryland. The peaceful, five-day protest was a success—after losing significant business, the drug store vowed to serve all customers. [Pictured: A Civil Rights sit-in led by Clara Luper to desegregate the lunch counter at Katz Drug Store at Main and Robinson in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Aug. 26, 1958.] Johnny Melton/Oklahoma Historical Society // Getty Images 1956: ‘The Nat King Cole Show’ challenges racial lines on TV Jazz legend Nat King Cole was the first Black man to host a nationally televised show with “The Nat King Cole Show” in 1956. For a little more than a year, Cole serenaded viewers and featured top entertainers. The show ended after 13 months because advertisers were hard to come by. Cole’s programming, however, paved the way for successful nighttime series like “The Arsenio Hall Show.” William Gottlieb/LOC // Wikimedia Commons 1957: Civil Rights Act of 1957 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1957 to protect civil rights, specifically Black voting rights. The act also established the Civil Rights Division in the Justice Department, giving federal officers the green light to prosecute those who deny or impede voter rights. U.S. National Archives // Wikimedia Commons 1959: Motown Records is founded With the opening of his Detroit-based label, Berry Gordy began churning out soul hits that left lasting imprints in the hearts of Americans everywhere. Over the decades, the label would go on to produce chart-topping musicians and groups like Diana Ross, the Supremes, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images 1960: Ruby Bridges integrates Louisiana schools Six-year-old Ruby Bridges was selected by the NAACP to integrate an all-white New Orleans school. Desegregating the school was an uphill battle, as many white parents pulled their children from classes, forcing Bridges to do most of her learning alone. Over the years, many more Black students were enrolled in William Frantz Elementary School, and Bridges later graduated from an integrated high school. U.S. Department of Justice // Wikimedia Commons 1961: Whitney Young Jr. is appointed executive director of the National Urban League The National Urban League (NUL) experienced significant growth under the leadership of activist and educator Whitney Young Jr. Those milestones included a nearly twentyfold increase in the organization’s annual budget, becoming a full partner in the civil rights movement, and an increase in staffing from a few dozen to more than 1,000. The NUL in 1963 also hosted planning meetings for A. Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King Jr., and fellow civil rights leaders ahead of the March on Washington, securing the organization’s significance in the growing civil rights movement. Yoichi Robert Okamoto // Wikimedia Commons 1962: James Meredith integrates Ole Miss campus When James Meredith applied to the University of Mississippi, he was accepted. That acceptance, however, was rescinded when his race was discovered. Following 1954’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling, all schools were supposed to desegregate. As such, Meredith sued for discrimination. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor, and in October 1962, he became the first Black person to enroll at the school. Library of Congress // Wikimedia Commons 1964: Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party is established The formation of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) was in direct response to the all-white Mississippi Democratic Party and its control of the state’s political process. MFDP advocated for Black Mississippians and their right to be included in the political process, and rallied against an all-white political party in a state that had a large Black population. [Pictured: Aaron Henry, chair of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party delegation, reading from a document while seated before the Credentials Committee at the 1964 Democratic National Convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Aug. 22, 1964.] Library of Congress // Wikimedia Commons 1965: Malcolm X assassinated Human rights activist Malcolm X committed his life to the advancement of Black people with his “by any means necessary” philosophy. After making a pivot away from the Nation of Islam, he was gunned down in February 1965 by members of the same organization. Many decades later, the men convicted of Malcolm X’s murder, Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Khalil Islam, were exonerated from their murder convictions in 2021 after a review found the FBI and the New York Police Department withheld key evidence during the trial. [Pictured: Martin Luther King and Malcolm X dated Mar. 26, 1964.] Marion S. Trikosko/LOC // Wikimedia Commons 1966: Stokely Carmichael promotes ‘Black power’ Civil rights activist James Meredith—the first Black student to attend the University of Mississippi—set out on a solo “Walk Against Fear” from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi, in June 1966. He was shot in Mississippi just a day into the walk and was hospitalized. Fellow activist Stokely Carmichael—along with Martin Luther King Jr., Cleveland Sellers, Allen Johnson, and several civil rights organizations—continued the march in Meredith’s name. Along the way, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Carmichael gave a speech that etched his name into Black history forever and became a slogan of resistance: “We’ve been saying ‘freedom’ for six years. What we are going to start saying now is ‘Black Power.’” [Pictured: Stokely Carmichael speaks at a civil rights gathering in Washington on April 13, 1970.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1967: Loving v. Virginia strikes down interracial marriage ban in Virginia After being wed in Washington D.C., Richard and Mildred Loving were banned from Virginia as their marriage violated the state’s Racial Integrity Act. The two avoided jail time by moving to the nation’s capital. After five years of living in D.C., the interracial couple longed to return to their hometown. The American Civil Liberty Union got involved with the case, moving it all the way up to the Supreme Court. Bettmann // Getty Images 1968: ‘Julia,’ starring Diahann Carroll, hits TV screens In the groundbreaking sitcom, “Julia,” Diahann Carroll pioneers the role of Julia, a widow and nurse raising a son in the early 1970s. Carroll’s role in this series was notable in that it was one of the first television shows featuring a Black lead who wasn’t a domestic worker. You may also like: 50 famous firsts from TV history Bettmann // Getty Images 1969: UNC food workers go on strike The dining hall workers of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill went on strike, citing poor working conditions and inadequate pay for their labor. The strike, led by Mary Smith and Elizabeth Brooks, began in February and lasted until December and serves as a representation of the effectiveness of peaceful protests against larger institutions. Laqueshia Harris // Wikimedia Commons 1970: Gail Fisher wins a Primetime Emmy Gail Fisher is the first African American woman to win a Primetime Emmy. The award was for her role in “Mannix,” a detective series starring Mike Connors on CBS. Later nominees to follow in her footsteps include Debbie Allen and Nell Carter. Bettmann // Getty Images 1971: Congressional Black Caucus is formed Made up of mostly African American members of Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus has for the last 50 years been committed to ensuring Black Americans and other marginalized members of society have equal rights and opportunities. The Caucus uses constitutional power, authority, and finances to address pressing issues like the reformation of the criminal justice system, voter suppression, and racial health disparities. U.S. Congress // Wikimedia Commons 1972: Shirley Chisholm runs for president Laying the groundwork for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to run for leader of the free world, Shirley Chisholm made history by being the first Black candidate of a major party in a presidential race. As a Barbadian American daughter of immigrants, Chisholm was a fiercely independent and strong thinker. Her campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” suggested as much. Thomas J. O’Halloran LOC // Wikimedia Commons 1973: Combahee River Collective is created The Combahee River Collective, a political group of Black feminists and lesbians, developed in opposition to mainstream feminism that heavily favored the needs and issues of white women. The group was named after the Harriet Tubman uprising that freed more than 700 enslaved individuals. This brand of feminism championed the idea that Black women were inherently valuable and the best in terms of advocating their own liberation. [Pictured: Author Barbara Smith at the 2017 NWSA conference.] You may also like: ‘I Have a Dream’ and the rest of the greatest speeches of the 20th century Shalor (Wiki Ed) // Wikimedia Commons 1974: Henry ‘Hank’ Aaron hits his 715th home run Hank Aaron kicked things up a notch when he hit a home run in the fourth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With that one swing, Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth’s home run record, cementing his position as one of the best in baseball. Sporting News via Getty Images // Getty Images 1976: Barbara Jordan delivers keynote address at Democratic National Convention Barbara Jordan, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, became the first Black woman to deliver a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention. Jordan’s speech is regarded as one of the best of the 20th century and is still relevant today: “We are a people in a quandary about the present. We are a people in search of our future. We are people in search of a national community. We are a people trying not only to solve the problems of the present, unemployment, inflation, but we are attempting on a larger scale to fulfill the promise of America. We are attempting to fulfill our national purpose, to create and sustain a society in which all of us are equal.” Brownie Harris/Corbis // Getty Images 1977: Andrew Jackson Young Jr. becomes ambassador to the United Nations A former senior aide to Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young’s commitment to the civil rights movement made him a perfect candidate for ambassador to the United Nations. Young became the first African American to take on this position and served as the official representative for the Carter administration’s foreign policy program. U.S. National Archives // Wikimedia Commons 1978: Muhammad Ali wins heavyweight boxing title for the third time With his defeat of Leon Spinks, Muhammad Ali became the first boxer to win the world heavyweight boxing title three times in his career. He retired just three years later, returning only briefly for select fights. His accomplishments include 56 wins and 37 knockouts—as well as years working alongside fellow civil rights activists and celebrities in their own right such as Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, and NFL star Jim Brown. [Pictured: World heavyweight campion Muhammad Ali knocks out Sonny Liston in Lewiston, Maine, May 25, 1965.] You may also like: 50 black athletes who transformed American sports Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1979: Assata Shakur goes on the run The revolutionary icon and former member of the Black Liberation Army Assata Shakur escaped from prison in 1979 and went off the grid before being found alive in Cuba five years later. Her initial charges (all steeped in controversy) were attempted murder, murder, bank robbery, kidnapping, and armed robbery. She was convicted of the murder of a police officer because of a loophole in New Jersey law saying it did not need to be proven that Shakur had fired a mortal shot. She was sentenced to life before her escape. She remains in Cuba, although President Donald Trump in 2017 said the U.S. would consider lifting new, stricter rules against visitors to Cuba if fugitives such as Shakur were returned. [Pictured: Assata Shakur (Joanna Chesimard) arrives at Middlesex County jail Jan. 29, 1976.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1980: Robert L. Johnson launches BET After years of working behind the scenes in cable TV, Robert L. Johnson created Black Entertainment Television (BET), the first cable television station geared toward an African American audience. The channel was a hit, and Johnson became the first Black billionaire when he sold his company to Viacom in 2001. The BET division of Viacom today is the most widely received network for African American audiences, with the paid channel reaching about 88,255,000 American households. Mike Theiler // Getty Images 1981: Mumia Abu-Jamal is arrested A routine traffic stop ended with the death of a police officer. Activist Mumia Abu-Jamal was arrested for the crime and put on trial for a murder he says he did not commit. This event catapulted Abu-Jamal to the forefront of a social justice movement against racial bias in the judicial system. Lisa Terry // Getty Images 1982: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ is released “Thriller,” the sixth studio album by Michael Jackson, went on to sell more than 33 million copies worldwide. “Thriller” is largely considered the best-selling record of all time. The following year Jackson released a 13-minute music video for the title song, changing the landscape of music videos forever. [Pictured: Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones pose with their Grammys Feb. 28, 1984, at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.] Michael Ochs Archive // Getty Images 1984: Jesse Jackson runs for president Civil rights activist and politician Jesse Jackson became the second African American to pursue a major campaign for president (after Chisholm), running as a Democrat. He ultimately took third place in the primaries and launched another unsuccessful bid in 1988. In spite of never securing the presidential nomination, Jackson laid the foundation for the election of America’s first Black president 24 years later. David Hume Kennerly // Getty Images 1985: MOVE Black Liberation House is bombed Philadelphia-based radical movement MOVE was headquartered in a house in West Philadelphia. On the morning of May 13, surrounding neighbors were evacuated by authorities before 500 police officers gathered around 6221 Osage to arrest collective members. MOVE members and the police exchanged fire, with the authorities bombing the compound and killing six adults and five children. [Pictured: Aerial view of smoke rising from smoldering rubble where some 60 homes were destroyed by fire after a shootout and bombing at the back-to-nature terrorist group MOVE’s house in West Philadelphia May 14, 1985.] Bettmann // Getty Images 1986: Oprah Winfrey launches her talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show” catapulted news anchor Oprah Winfrey to stardom and went on to run for 25 years. The show was not only an influential platform for Winfrey, who had a rough childhood and worked her way up to co-anchoring the evening news and launching a production company but featured an array of topics and interests from thought-provoking guests. Winfrey’s work—as a talk show host, media empire, actress, author, and mentor—has left a permanent impression on young Black women and what goals they are willing to set for themselves. UPI eh/Ezio Peteresen // Getty Images 1987: Dr. Ben Carson separates conjoined twins Dr. Ben Carson was director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine when he became the first person in history to separate twins conjoined at the head. The risky surgery took 22 hours and was considered by many to be a medical miracle. [Pictured: Dr. Benjamin S. Carson poses for a portrait at Johns Hopkins Hospital on Jan. 24, 2012, in Baltimore, Maryland.] Ricky Carioti // The Washington Post via Getty Images 1988: The film ‘Mississippi Burning’ is released “Mississippi Burning” is a crime drama is loosely based on the 1964 murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. The three field workers organized voter registration for African Americans when they were reportedly abducted and murdered by the Ku Klux Klan. The film showcases the hostility and backlash the case received. [Pictured: Willem Dafoe in a scene from the film “Mississippi Burning.”] You may also like: Bizarre slang words and phrases from every state Orion // Getty Images 1989: Colin Powell becomes chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Nominated by President George H.W. Bush, Army Gen. Colin Powell became the first African American and the youngest person ever to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this position, Powell helped pivot the U.S. military’s agenda away from the Soviet Union to focus on regional and humanitarian needs. Powell passed away from COVID-19 at age 84 in 2021. [Pictured: Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney (left) administers the oath of office to General Colin Powell as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 6, 1989. General Powell’s wife, Alma, is shown holding the Bible. Bettmann // Getty Images 1990: Lawrence Douglas Wilder becomes first elected African American governor Nothing signals the changing times of the 1990s more than when Lawrence Douglas Wilder made history as the first elected African American governor. Twenty-eight years later, Stacey Abrams put up a good fight in her quest to become the first Black woman governor of Georgia. Chip Somodevilla // Getty Images 1991: Julie Dash’s ‘Daughters of the Dust’ is released A period piece set at the turn of the century, “Daughters of the Dust” tells the story of a group of Gullah women as they prepare to migrate north. Experimental in tone and imagery, Dash’s film is the first film directed by an African American woman to receive major distribution across the U.S. Years later, Beyoncé paid homage to the film in her “Lemonade” album. American Playhouse 1992: Rodney King beating ignites the LA Riots Four Los Angeles police officers were acquitted in April of the beating of Rodney King. The vicious beating was caught on tape, however, and showed the extent of police brutality. The acquittal touched off the LA Riots and started an expanded, nationwide debate on racial injustice. Lindsay Brice/Getty Images 1994: Nas’ debut album ‘Illmatic’ is released The debut album of New York rapper Nas cemented his place among hip-hop and rap royalty. “Illmatic” actually didn’t sell well upon its release, but it gained rave reviews amongst music fans and critics. The album is regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times // Getty Images 1995: Million Man March is held in Washington DC Called on by Minister Louis Farrakhan, this mass meeting had the aim of changing the perception of Black manhood. The march has since gone down in history as a positive occasion of brotherhood and personal atonement, though some criticisms regarded the exclusion of women. [Pictured: Attendees at the Million Man March Oct. 16, 1995, in Washington D.C.] TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images 1996: ‘Moesha’ premieres For young Black girls growing up in the 1990s, “Moesha” was the show to watch. Starring R&B and pop singer Brandy, the show portrayed an average Black high school teen growing up in Los Angeles. “Moesha” aired for six seasons and birthed a successful spin-off called “The Parkers.” [Pictured: Moesha stars Brandy (left) and her real-life brother Ray J, pose for production stills.] Matthew Rolston/United Paramount Network // Getty Images 1997: Tiger Woods wins his first major American golf got a much-needed shake-up when 21-year-old Tiger Woods won the prestigious Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Many regard Woods’ monumental win to be one of the greatest performances by a golf pro in history. Since then, he’s won 14 more majors, including four more Masters. Stephen Munday /Allsport // Getty Images 1998: ‘The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer’ is canceled after the first episode “The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer” ignited controversy before it even aired for its lighthearted take on American slavery. Chi McBride starred as the title character, a butler to President Abraham Lincoln. Groups like the NAACP quickly got involved, calling for a boycott of the show and its parent company United Paramount Network. As a result, only one episode aired before its cancellation. You may also like: Which state is this ‘Jeopardy!’ clue about? Paramount Network Television 1999: Serena Williams wins US Open One-half of the dynamic tennis-playing Williams sisters, Serena Williams became the first African American woman to win a grand slam in an Open Era tennis match. She would go on to win a record—male or female—22 more majors. Jamie Squire /Allsport // Getty Images 2000: Venus Williams wins Women’s Singles at Wimbledon The legacy of Althea Gibson received some company when 20-year-old Venus Williams became the first African American woman to win Wimbledon since Gibson in 1958. Venus and Serena became the first sisters in the history of tennis to win the Wimbledon doubles title. Gary M Prior/Allsport // Getty Images 2001: The Rev. Wilton D. Gregory becomes president of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops A man of God his whole life, the Rev. Wilton D. Gregory has held many positions in the church. None, however, were as important as the one he would take on in November 2001 when he became the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was the first African American to head an episcopal conference and was named Time’s Person of the Week in 2002 for his measured approach of defrocking priests embroiled in the sex abuse scandal of the Roman Catholic Church. RICK WILKING/AFP // Getty Images 2002: Halle Berry wins Academy Award for ‘Monster’s Ball’ Halle Berry was the first African American to take home the Academy’s Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a grieving mother and widow in “Monster’s Ball.” Though the floodgates have opened for other women of color to be nominated in the same category, Berry holds the distinction of being the only Black woman to win. Getty Images 2004: Phylicia Rashad wins a Tony for Best Lead Actress in a play Known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the 1980s sitcom “The Cosby Show,” actress Phylicia Rashad is no stranger to groundbreaking roles. She made history again playing the matriarch Lena Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun,” for which she earned the distinction of becoming the first African American woman to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. Gregory Pace/FilmMagic // Getty Images 2005: Condoleezza Rice becomes US secretary of state Condoleeza Rice worked as a national security advisor before becoming the first Black female Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009. During her time in the position, Rice dedicated herself to transforming diplomacy in the Middle East. Shawn Thew – Pool // Getty Images 2006: Soulja Boy records ‘Crank That’ The 16-year-old rapper known as Soulja Boy first recorded his hit “Crank That” in 2006 in his home. A year later he became an overnight sensation after uploading the video to YouTube. The video was viewed tens of millions of times, making it one of the first viral music videos. The song and its catchy dance routine were a hit, with some calling the “Crank That” dance fad the biggest since 1996’s “The Macarena.” Later that year, the unsigned artist was nominated for a Grammy. Ben Rose/WireImage // Getty Images 2007: Barbara Hillary goes to the North Pole Barbara Hillary was 75 years old when she became the first Black woman to reach the North Pole. A few years later, at 79, Hillary trekked to the South Pole as well, becoming the first Black woman to hold that distinction as well. [Pictured: A stock photo of the North pole marker sign.] Maksimilian // Shutterstock 2009: Disney’s first Black princess arrives In a long-overdue move, Disney finally produced a film starring a Black princess to its catalog. “The Princess and the Frog” is set in 1920s New Orleans and follows a young woman called Tiana who dreams of opening her own restaurant. Her plans are dashed when she meets a two-faced prince who turns her into a frog. The film was a hit at the box office and was nominated for three Academy Awards. [Pictured: Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana, arrives for the world premiere screening of Disney’s “The Princess and The Frog” in Burbank, California, Nov. 15, 2009.] ROBYN BECK/AFP // Getty Images 2010: Dustin Byfuglien wins Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks Fifty-two years after Willie O’Ree desegregated the hockey rink, Dustin Byfuglien had a memorable showing during the 2010 Stanley Cup. He tied for the team lead of the Chicago Blackhawks with 11 playoff goals, and his team eventually won the Stanley Cup over the Philadelphia Flyers. Jim McIsaac // Getty Images 2011: Charles E. Samuels Jr. becomes director of Federal Bureau of Prisons Charles E. Samuels started with humble beginnings as a correctional officer in 1988. In 2011, he became the first African American man to oversee the Federal Bureau of Prisons. All his hard work paid off in 2015 when he was awarded the U.S. Department of Justice’s highest award, the Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity, which recognized his contributions to the law enforcement field. Federal Bureau of Prisons // Wikimedia Commons 2012: Fred Luter Jr. is elected the president of the Southern Baptist Convention The Southern Baptist Convention, founded in 1845, is considered by many to be an institution born out of slavery. So when the Rev. Fred Luter Jr. was elected as the group’s first Black president, it was a signal to many that a change had arrived at the doorsteps of many Southern Baptists still holding outdated views. [Pictured: Fred and Elizabeth Luter on May 5, 2017.] Richard David Ramsey // Wikimedia Commons 2014: Ava DuVernay earns a Golden Globe nomination Ava DuVernay earned a Golden Globe nomination for her directorial work on the film “Selma.” She was the first Black woman director to be nominated for a Golden Globe. After the release of “A Wrinkle in Time” in 2018, DuVernay became the first Black woman to direct a $100 million-grossing film. [Pictured: Ava DuVernay attends the 2017 Film Independent Filmmaker Grant and Spirit Award Nominees Brunch in West Hollywood, California.] Amanda Edwards/WireImage // Getty Images 2015: Bree Newsome brings down the flag Artist and activist Bree Newsome famously and boldly took down the Confederate flag in front of the South Carolina Capitol Building. Newsome’s act of defiance has gone down in history as one against hatred and oppression. [Pictured: Bree Newsome speaks onstage at The Gifts of Faith: Cultivating Resilience during SXSW at Austin Convention Center on March 13, 2018, in Austin, Texas.] Ismael Quintanilla // Getty Images for SXSW 2017: Tiffany Haddish hosts ‘Saturday Night Live’ The “Girls Trip” star made history when she hosted “Saturday Night Live,” becoming the first Black woman stand-up comic to do so in the show’s 43-season run. One year later, actor and musician Donald Glover served as host and musical guest. Dia Dipasupil // Getty Images for BET 2018: Stacey Abrams runs for governor of Georgia The minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives threw her hat in the ring in Fall 2018 with her bid for governor of Georgia. Despite losing by roughly 55,000 votes, Stacey Abrams’ campaign put a much-needed spotlight on voter suppression, which still runs rampant in American politics. You may also like: What having a baby was like the year you were born Jessica McGowan // Getty Images 2019: ‘Black Panther’ produces two milestones Not only did the 2018 Marvel film “Black Panther” become the first superhero movie to star a predominantly Black cast, but at the 2019 Academy Awards, Ryan Coogler’s smash hit garnered two history-making Oscars. Ruth E. Carter became the first African American woman to win for Best Costume Design, thanking the Academy, in part, for “honoring African royalty, and the empowered way women can look and lead onscreen.” Hannah Beachler was the first to win for Best Production Design, remarking, “I stand here with agency and self-worth because of Ryan Coogler. … I stand here because of this man who offered me a better perspective of life.” [Pictured: Ruth E. Carter accepts the Costume Design award for “Black Panther” onstage during the 91st Annual Academy Awards.] You may also like: Popular fashion trends the year you were born Kevin Winter // Getty Images 2020: Black Lives Matter/George Floyd Protests Organizer Alicia Garza first used the phrase “Black lives matter” on Twitter in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, in 2012. The term became the rallying cry of a movement that gained momentum in 2016 when San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid, and Eli Harold took a knee during the national anthem before a football game as a way to shine a light on police brutality against Black people. Following the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020, when officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the neck of 46-year-old Floyd for more than eight minutes, protests kicked off around the country and world to honor Floyd and all other Black lives. Michael Ciaglo // Getty Images 2021: Kamala Harris sworn in as VP On Jan. 20, 2021, Kamala Harris became the first vice president of the United States of Black and Asian ancestry and the first woman vice president. ANDREW HARNIK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images 2022: Michaela Jaé Rodriguez wins Best Actress Golden Globe Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, an actress of Black and Puerto Rican ancestry formerly known as Mj Rodriguez, is no stranger to making an impact with her powerful on-screen performance, particularly as Blanca Evangelista on FX’s period drama series, “Pose.” In 2021, Rodriguez became the first transgender woman to earn an Emmy Award nomination in a major category (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series). The following year, in 2022, Rodriguez carved another mark for herself in the history books when she won the Golden Globe Award for best actress at the 79th ceremony, making her the first transgender actor ever to win a category in the history of the awards. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for MTV Mumphrey reported from Phoenix. The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content. 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