June 17
Charleston Church Shooting
On June 17, 2015, a white supremacist opened fire during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, killing nine people including pastor Clementa Pinckney. The massacre led to the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House and renewed debate about racism and gun violence.
Juneteenth Becomes Federal Holiday
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing June 19 as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It was the first new federal holiday since MLK Day was created in 1983. Activist Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," attended the signing.
James Weldon Johnson Born
Born June 17, 1871, James Weldon Johnson was the first African American admitted to the Florida Bar, served as a U.S. consul, and led the NAACP. His poem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," set to music by his brother, became known as the "Black National Anthem."
Venus Williams Born
Born June 17, 1980, Venus Williams won seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Serena. She also fought successfully for equal prize money for women at Wimbledon and the other Grand Slams.
Rodney King Dies
Rodney King was found dead in his swimming pool at the age of 47.
Birth of James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson, an influential author, educator, and civil rights activist, was born.