April 11
Alice Walker Wins Pulitzer Prize
In April 1983, Alice Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel "The Color Purple," which explored the lives of African American women in the rural South. The book was later adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg.
Spelman College Founded
Founded on April 11, 1881, Spelman College began in a church basement with 11 students. It grew to become the top-ranked HBCU and one of the most prestigious women's colleges in the nation. Notable alumnae include Marian Wright Edelman, Alice Walker, and Stacey Abrams.
Daunte Wright Killed During Traffic Stop
On April 11, 2021, Daunte Wright was killed by officer Kim Potter during a traffic stop. Potter said she mistook her gun for her taser. Wright's death came during the trial of Derek Chauvin, intensifying grief and protests in the Minneapolis area. Potter was later convicted of manslaughter.
Percy Julian Born
Born April 11, 1899, Percy Julian developed methods to synthesize physostigmine for glaucoma treatment, cortisone for rheumatoid arthritis, and hormones from soybean oil. Despite extraordinary achievements, he faced racism throughout his career, including arson attacks on his home.