Today in Black History: June 4th

June 4, 2026

This article covers two significant events in African American history that occurred in early June. In 1972, activist Angela Davis was found not guilty by a jury in San Jose on serious criminal charges connected to a violent courthouse incident two years earlier, following a high-profile case that generated worldwide support for her release. The second event commemorates the 1973 death of Arna Bontemps, an influential literary figure from the Harlem Renaissance era who made lasting contributions through his creative works and his extensive archival efforts.

Who is affected

Angela Davis (activist who was acquitted)
Jonathan Jackson (used weapons in courtroom shootout)
George Jackson (Jonathan's brother, target of attempted freeing)
Arna Bontemps (Harlem Renaissance writer and educator who passed away)
Students and researchers at Fisk University
The "Free Angela Davis" movement supporters internationally

What action is being taken

No explicit next steps stated in the article
(Note: The article describes historical events from 1972 and 1973; no current ongoing actions are described)

Why it matters

Angela Davis's acquittal represented a major victory against racial injustice and demonstrated the power of international solidarity movements in confronting politically-charged prosecutions. Arna Bontemps's legacy matters because he preserved African American cultural history through his role in building critical literary archives, while also creating works that documented Black life and resistance, ensuring these stories and materials would be available for future generations.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

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