1851 – Sojourner Truth Gives Famous “Ar’nt I A Woman?” Speech
Sojourner Truth (c. 1797–1883) was one of the most renowned Black women orators of the 19th century. Born into slavery in New York and freed in 1827, she became a powerful voice for abolition and equal rights for both women and men. Her most famous speech, “Ar’nt I a Woman?” was delivered at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, on May 29, 1851. The speech powerfully challenged the exclusion of Black women from the women’s rights movement.
Two versions of the speech exist. The widely quoted one was published decades later, while a contemporaneous version appeared in the Anti-Slavery Bugle in June 1851. Without an official transcript, Truth’s exact words remain uncertain.
1914 – Henry C. McBay Is Born
Henry Ransom Cecil McBay born on May 29, 1914, was a pioneering Black chemist and educator from Mexia, Texas. After earning degrees from Wiley College, Atlanta University, and the University of Chicago, he made significant contributions to chemical research and science education. McBay taught at Morehouse College for over three decades, mentoring over 45 students who earned doctorates in chemistry.
He conducted groundbreaking research, served as a U.N. technical expert in Liberia, and held prestigious academic positions at Atlanta University and Clark Atlanta University. A dedicated scholar, McBay published widely and continued teaching until his passing in 1995.
1973 – Thomas Bradley Becomes Los Angeles’ First Black Mayor
Thomas J. “Tom” Bradley (1917–1998), born in Calvert, Texas, was the grandson of former slaves and became the first Black mayor of Los Angeles, serving five historic terms from May 29, 1973 to 1993. A former LAPD lieutenant and city councilman, Bradley built a powerful coalition of Black and white voters and worked to reform police oversight, develop downtown L.A., and secure the 1984 Olympics for the city.
Bradley twice ran for governor of California, narrowly losing in 1982. Though later criticized during the Rodney King era, his legacy endures through landmarks like LAX’s Bradley Terminal and his transformative impact on Los Angeles.
