Today In Black History: July 10th

July 10, 2025

Mary McLeod Bethune, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, and Arthur Ashe share July 10th as a significant date in their lives, with Bethune and Ashe being born on this day in 1875 and 1943 respectively, while Morton passed away on this date in 1941. Bethune, born to formerly enslaved parents, became an influential educator who founded a school for Black girls that evolved into Bethune-Cookman College and later served as an advisor to President Roosevelt. Morton was a pioneering jazz pianist and composer who led the Red Hot Peppers band and made significant recordings in the 1920s before his death in 1941.

Who is affected

Black girls who attended Bethune's school in Florida (later Bethune-Cookman College)
Jazz musicians and audiences influenced by Morton's compositions and recordings
Black athletes and tennis players who followed Ashe's groundbreaking achievements
Youth benefiting from Ashe's National Junior Tennis League
People with AIDS who gained visibility through Ashe's activism
African Americans broadly affected by all three figures' civil rights work

What action is being taken

The article primarily presents historical information about these three figures rather than describing current ongoing actions.

Why it matters

These three individuals represent significant contributions to American civil rights, education, sports, and cultural history. Bethune's educational initiatives and political advisory work helped advance opportunities for Black Americans. Morton's musical innovations helped shape early jazz, preserving this uniquely American art form. Ashe's achievements both in sports and activism demonstrated how athletic excellence could be paired with meaningful advocacy for social justice, education, and health awareness.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint