March 6
Dred Scott v. Sandford Decision
In one of the most infamous decisions in U.S. judicial history, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney declared that Black people "had no rights which the white man was bound to respect." The ruling deepened sectional tensions and helped precipitate the Civil War. It was effectively overturned by the 13th and 14th Amendments.
Ghana Becomes Independent
On March 6, 1957, the Gold Coast became the independent nation of Ghana, marking a pivotal moment in African decolonization. Kwame Nkrumah, who became the nation's first prime minister, declared: "We are going to create our own African personality." Ghana's independence inspired liberation movements across the continent.
Dred Scott Decision
On March 6, 1857, Chief Justice Roger Taney's majority opinion declared that Black people "had no rights which the white man was bound to respect." The ruling intensified tensions that led to the Civil War.
Ghana Gains Independence
On March 6, 1957, Ghana gained independence from Britain under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, who became the nation's first prime minister. Ghana's independence inspired liberation movements across Africa and the African diaspora.
Lonnie Johnson Patents the Super Soaker
Lonnie Johnson, a former NASA and U.S. Air Force engineer, patented the Super Soaker on March 6, 1991. Johnson invented the toy accidentally while working on a heat pump that used water. The Super Soaker generated over $1 billion in sales and Johnson has used proceeds to fund energy technology research, holding over 100 patents.