May 25
George Floyd Murdered in Minneapolis
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was murdered when Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. His death sparked the largest civil rights protests in U.S. history, with demonstrations in all 50 states and over 60 countries.
Emmett Till Born
Emmett Louis Till was born on July 25, 1941, but his story is inseparable from the civil rights struggle. His brutal murder in Mississippi at age 14 in August 1955 and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley's decision to hold an open-casket funeral shocked the nation and helped catalyze the modern civil rights movement.
Madam C.J. Walker Dies
On May 25, 1919, Madam C.J. Walker died at age 51. She left two-thirds of her estate to charitable causes. Her legacy as a businesswoman, philanthropist, and activist continues to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide.
Oprah Winfrey's Final Show Airs
On May 25, 2011, The Oprah Winfrey Show aired its final episode after 25 seasons. The show had revolutionized television and made Winfrey the first African American woman billionaire. She used her platform to address issues of race, class, and empowerment, reaching millions worldwide.