Today in Black History: March 21st
1894 – Death of Benjamin Sterling Turner
In 1870, Benjamin Sterling Turner became the first African American Representative in Alabama history to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives during the Reconstruction period. Raised as a slave, Turner managed a hotel and stable in Selma and later saved his slave earnings to purchase the property. The U.S. Census of 1870 reported Turner owned $2,500 in real estate and $10,000 in personal property, making him one of the wealthiest freedmen in Alabama. He became a teacher in 1865, establishing the first school for African American children. He ran for a second term in 1872 but was challenged in the Republican primary by another African American candidate. The Black vote was divided and a white Republican won the primary. Turner returned to Selma but was never able to revive his political career. He later passed away on March 21, 1894.
1973– Larry Holmes First Match
Larry Holmes, American heavyweight boxing champion of the late 1970s and early ’80s, was known for his solid defense throughout his professional boxing career. Holmes, a street fighter in his youth, entered organized boxing at a youth center in Easton, Pennsylvania. He won 19 of his 22 fights and several titles before turning professional at age 24. His first professional match was against Rodell Dupree resulting in a four-round decision win on March 21st, 1973. This was the start of his career. He went on to win against formidable boxers such as Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Gerry Cooney and Ken Norton that landed him the WBC Heavyweight Champion title from 1978 to 1983. Holmes was also the Ring Heavyweight Champion from 1980 to 1985, and the IBF Heavyweight Champion from 1980 to 1985. He was later inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008 before his death on July 28, 2022.
