March 2
Wilt Chamberlain Scores 100 Points
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks. The feat remains the most by any player in a single NBA game.
Howard University Founded
Founded on March 2, 1867, Howard University was named after General Oliver Otis Howard, commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau. It became a center of African American intellectual life and produced leaders including Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, and Kamala Harris.
Reconstruction Begins
On March 2, 1867, Congress overrode President Andrew Johnson's veto to pass the First Reconstruction Act. It required Southern states to adopt new constitutions guaranteeing Black male suffrage as a condition for readmission to the Union. This began the period when formerly enslaved people gained unprecedented political rights.
12 Years a Slave Wins Best Picture
On March 2, 2014, "12 Years a Slave," directed by Steve McQueen, won Best Picture at the 86th Academy Awards. Based on Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir, the film depicted the brutality of slavery with unflinching realism. McQueen became the first Black director to win Best Picture.
Claudette Colvin Refuses to Give Up Bus Seat
On March 2, 1955, Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old student, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus and was arrested. Her case was one of several that led to the Browder v. Gayle lawsuit that ultimately ended bus segregation.
Establishment of the South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University was established as a land-grant institution for African Americans.
Reconstruction Act
Legislation that laid the groundwork for Reconstruction in the South.
Birth of Mark Dean
Mark Dean, an engineer and computer scientist known for his work on the IBM PC, was born.