Jerry Mitchell

On this day in 1967, Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” hits No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart with the song, “Respect.”

On this day in 1958, Ernest Green became the first Black American to graduate from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

On this day in 1961, 27 Freedom Riders headed to New Orleans were arrested in the Jackson, Mississippi, bus station.

The FBI executed federal search warrants on a busienss and office of HindsCounty District Attorney Jody Owens II.

Mississippi’s state officer certification and training board now has the power to investigate law enforcement misconduct.

Medgar Evers, assassinated 60 years ago, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.

The House on Saturday and Senate on Monday passed legislation to give the state’s officer certification board power to investigate law enforcement misconduct.

On this day in 1964, civil rights activists started the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party to challenge the statei’s all-white regular delegation.

On this day in 1892, civil rights pioneer Vernon Johns was born in Darlington Heights, Virginia, in Prince Edward County.

On this day in 1957, award-winning filmmaker Spike Lee was born in Atlanta.