Today in Black History: January 16th
1901 – Hiram Rhoades Revels Passes Away 
Hiram Rhodes Revels, born on September 27, 1827, was the first African American U.S. Senator, a Republican, minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and educator. Born in North Carolina, he was home-schooled before attending seminary. He also worked as a chaplain during the Civil War, helping raise African American regiments and establishing schools for freedmen.
In 1870, Revels was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first African American to serve in that body. Revels passed away on January 16, 1901, leaving behind a legacy of leadership in church, education, and civil rights.
1979 – Aaliyah is Born
Aaliyah Dana Haughton born on January 16, 1979 was a pioneering singer, actress, and model. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Detroit, she began performing at a young age, with her mother enrolling her in vocal lessons. Signed to Blackground Records at 14, her debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number (1994), sold over two million copies. Aaliyah’s second album, One in a Million (1996), cemented her as a major R&B star, followed by Aaliyah (2001), which featured hits like “More Than a Woman” and “Rock the Boat.”
Despite her success, Aaliyah tragically died in a plane crash at 22, shortly after filming the “Rock the Boat” video in the Bahamas on August 25, 2001. Her death left a lasting impact on both music and film.
1986 – MLK Bust Unveiled
Martin Luther King Jr. , born to a family of pastors and civil rights leaders, earned degrees from Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary, and Boston University. In 1957, he founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and gained national prominence that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 before his assassination in 1968.
The bust of MLK, sculpted by John Wilson, was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 16, 1986, commemorating Dr. King’s legacy. The bronze piece, 36 inches high on a Belgian marble base, captures King in a contemplative mood. The commission was awarded after a national competition overseen by the National Endowment for the Arts, with Coretta Scott King providing guidance. Wilson, a celebrated African-American artist, infused his work with powerful symbolism and dignity, creating a lasting tribute to King’s impact on civil rights and justice.
