B H This Day in Black History

January 22

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January 22, 1931

Sam Cooke Born

Born January 22, 1931, Sam Cooke was a pioneer of soul music. His hit "A Change Is Gonna Come" (1964) became an anthem of the civil rights movement. He was also one of the first Black artists to found his own record label and publishing company.

People: Sam Cooke
Sources
1. Sam Cooke - The Library of Congress2. Sam Cooke - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
January 22, 2021

Lloyd Austin Becomes Secretary of Defense

On January 22, 2021, Lloyd Austin was confirmed as the 28th Secretary of Defense, the first African American to hold the position. A retired four-star Army general, he had previously led U.S. Central Command.

People: Lloyd Austin
Sources
1. Lloyd J. Austin III - U.S. Department of Defense2. Lloyd J. Austin III: First African American Secretary of Defense - U.S. Army3. Lloyd Austin sworn in as first Black Secretary of Defense - PBS NewsHour4. Lloyd Austin Becomes First Black Secretary of Defense - NPR5. Lloyd Austin Becomes First Black Secretary of Defense - The New York Times

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