Today in Black History: September 4th

September 4, 2025

Lewis H. Latimer was an influential African American inventor born in 1848 to formerly enslaved parents who taught himself drafting and became a key figure in electric lighting technology. Richard Wright, born in 1908, overcame poverty to become one of the 20th century's most influential African American writers with groundbreaking works like "Native Son.

Who is affected

Lewis H. Latimer and his legacy as an inventor and member of the Edison Pioneers
Richard Wright and his readers/those influenced by his literary contributions
The "Little Rock Nine" Black students who attempted to integrate Central High School
The broader African American community whose history includes these significant figures and civil rights milestones
The American public affected by these cultural and historical developments

What action is being taken

The article is primarily historical in nature and does not describe ongoing actions
No current actions are explicitly described as happening in the present

Why it matters

Latimer's achievements as an African American inventor who worked with Bell and Edison represent important Black contributions to American technological innovation
Wright's literary works pioneered "ghetto realism" and continue to influence discussions on race, protest, and identity
The Little Rock Nine's integration attempt marks a pivotal moment in civil rights history following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling
These historical figures and events highlight both African American achievement and the struggle against racial barriers in different fields and eras

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

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