1945 – John Carlos Is Born

John Carlos, born June 5, 1945, in Harlem, gained international attention for raising a black-gloved fist with Tommie Smith during the 1968 Olympics medal ceremony, a protest against racial injustice. A talented sprinter, he began college at East Texas State before transferring to San Jose State University, where he was part of the United Black Students for Action during the Black athlete revolt. He won bronze in the 200-meter dash at the Mexico City Games and faced suspension for his protest.

Despite backlash, Carlos continued to make his mark. He briefly played professional football, then worked for Puma and later the U.S. Olympic Committee during the 1984 Olympics. He also served as a counselor and track coach at Palm Springs High School. His defiant act on the Olympic podium became a symbol of resistance and opened doors for future generations of Black athletes.

1955 – Bernadette Mary Allen Is Born

Bernadette Mary Allen, born June 5, 1955, in Washington, D.C., began her diplomatic career in 1980 and was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Niger in 2005, serving until 2010. Fluent in French and Mandarin, she held posts in Burundi, the Philippines, Japan, China, Canada, and the U.S., working across three global bureaus. She earned degrees from Central College and George Washington University, and studied at the Sorbonne and in Taiwan.

Allen earned multiple State Department honors for leadership and service, notably in Montreal and Guangzhou. Beyond diplomacy, she has volunteered with Big Sisters, served her church, and is a lifelong U.S. Tennis Association member.

1973 – Cardiss Collins Won the Seventh Congressional
Seat of the Democratic Party

Cardiss Collins, born September 24, 1931, in St. Louis, moved to Detroit as a child and later attended Northwestern University. She worked her way up to revenue auditor for Illinois and became active in Chicago politics through her husband, Congressman George Collins. After his death in 1972, she won a special election on June 5th, 1973, became the first African American woman to represent a Midwestern district.

During her 23-year tenure, Collins broke barriers as the first Black woman Democratic whip-at-large and president of the Congressional Black Caucus. She championed national healthcare, child safety, and civil rights, earning honorary degrees and national recognition for her work.