March 11
National Urban League Founded
The National Urban League was officially incorporated on March 11, 1910 as the National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes. It became one of the most influential civil rights organizations, focusing on economic empowerment, education, and social justice for African Americans.
Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun Opens
On March 11, 1959, "A Raisin in the Sun" opened on Broadway with Sidney Poitier starring. The play explored a Black family's experiences with housing discrimination in Chicago and became a landmark of American theater.
Andrew Young Elected to Congress
On March 11, 1972, Andrew Young won election to become the first African American member of Congress from Georgia since Reconstruction. He later served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Mayor of Atlanta.
Ralph Abernathy Born
Born March 11, 1926, Ralph David Abernathy co-founded the Montgomery Improvement Association and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with King. After King's assassination, Abernathy led the Poor People's Campaign to Washington, D.C.