Today in Black History:  January 23rd

1976 – Paul Robeson Passes Away 

Paul Robeson, celebrated athlete, singer, actor, and human rights advocate, fought for racial justice throughout his career. Born on April 9, 1898, in Princeton, New Jersey, to a former slave and a mother from a prominent mixed-race family, Robeson overcame early hardships to excel as an athlete, scholar, and performer, graduating as valedictorian from Rutgers University.

Robeson’s career spanned theater, film, and activism. He starred in notable works like Othello and The Emperor Jones, choosing roles that challenged racial stereotypes. Despite backlash for his socialist views, he championed equality and peace until retiring in Philadelphia, where he died on January 23, 1976, at 77.

1998 – Lionel Wilson Passes Away 

Lionel Wilson, lawyer, judge, and politician, was born on March 4, 1915, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and moved with his family to Oakland, California, in 1918. A graduate of McClymonds High School and UC Berkeley, Wilson excelled in athletics but faced racial barriers in professional sports. After serving in World War II, he earned a law degree from Hastings in 1949, focusing on civil rights and pro bono work.

In 1960, Wilson became Alameda County’s first Black judge and, in 1977, Oakland’s first Black mayor. Though he spurred downtown growth, critics accused him of neglecting neighborhoods. He died on January 23, 1998, at 82.

2003 – Nell Hardy Carter Passes Away 

Nell Carter, an acclaimed actress and vocalist, had a 25-year career spanning film, stage, television, and music. Born Nell Ruth Hardy on September 13, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama, she was raised in a low-income neighborhood with eight siblings. Carter began singing in church and on a local radio show at 11. After graduating from A.H. Parker High School in 1966, she moved to New York City, performing in nightclubs before landing her first Broadway role in Soon (1971). She gained fame with her Tony-winning performance in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1978) and later won an Emmy for its televised version.

Carter achieved widespread recognition as Nell Harper in the sitcom Gimme a Break! (1981–1987), earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Despite her success, she faced personal struggles, including addiction, health issues, and professional setbacks like her controversial replacement in Annie (1997). Carter died on January 23, 2003, from heart and diabetic complications, leaving behind two adopted sons.