Paul Cuffee, businessman, whaler, and abolitionist was born a free person on this day in 1759 on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts. His success as a businessman led to his advocacy for the return to Africa of Africans in America.
Eartha Kitt, singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, activist, and comedienne, was born on this day in 1927. She was once referred to as the “most exciting woman in the world”.
Lawrence Douglas Wilder, a lawyer and politician and the first African American to serve as Governor of a state since Reconstruction, was born on this day in 1931 in Richmond, Virginia. After his governorship, he went on to serve as the Mayor of his hometown Richmond from 2005 to 2009.
James Earl Jones, stage and screen actor for seven decades, was born on this day in 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi. He is considered one of America’s most “distinguished and versatile actors for his performances in film, theater and television”.
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on this day in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He is acknowledged as the greatest, and widely considered one of the most important Americans of all time.
“And so, as a result of this, we are asking you tonight, to go out and tell your neighbors not to buy Coca-Cola in Memphis. Go by and tell them not to buy Sealtest milk. Tell them not to buy -- what is the other bread? -- Wonder Bread. And what is the other bread company, Jesse? Tell them not to buy Hart's bread. As Jesse Jackson has said, up to now, only the garbage men have been feeling pain; now we must kind of redistribute the pain. We are choosing these companies because they haven't been fair in their hiring policies; and we are choosing them because they can begin the process of saying they are going to support the needs and the rights of these men who are on strike. And then they can move on town -- downtown and tell Mayor Loeb to do what is right.
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