Focus on Black History Celebrates the Civil Rights Act, Two Legendary Singers, and a Political Party Leader
On this day, February 10, in Black History, we celebrate the births of two legendary performers, Leontyne Price and Roberta Flack, and the passage of the Civil Rights Act, a monumental milestone in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, Ron Brown became the first African American to take a top seat in a major political party. Maya Angelou poetically remembers our past “rooted in pain,” yet we arise. And we honor the contributions made by those who went before us. Today’s notable history-makers will forever be remembered for the gifts, abilities, and talents they offered the world.
The Civil Rights Act
On February 10, 1964, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass the Civil Rights Act, which had been debated for seventy days. Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Act on July 2, amidst legislators and a proud Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. standing in the background. The Act made it illegal to discriminate based on color, race, national origin, sex, and religion in employment, public housing, and federally funded programs.
In a March 26, 1964, speech in Washington, King committed to “working passionately and relentlessly for the passage of this bill.” Although it was signed into law, it took years for different areas of the country to recognize the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Nonetheless, King’s tireless efforts to pass this bill left a monumental mark on Black history.
Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price was born on February 10, 1927, in Laurel, Mississippi. This Black history maker is the first African American singer to attain international recognition in opera. As a girl, she sang in both her grandfathers’ Methodist churches. Desiring to become a professional singer, she studied music at New York’s Juilliard School of Music for four years. Price’s debut performance was in Broadway’s “Four Saints in Three Acts,” which traveled to Paris, where Ira Gershwin chose her to sing in “Porgy and Bess.”
She began touring Europe and the United States and singing lead roles in operatic performances. By 1960, Price was the most celebrated lyric soprano in the United States. She performed at the Metropolitan Opera in “Trovatore,” “Madame Butterfly,” “Don Giovanni,” and “Turandot.” Her awards include more than twenty Grammys, a Lifetime Achievement award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the National Medal of the Arts.
Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack was born February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina. As a singer and pianist, Flack was known for emotive ballads and blending jazz, folk, and R&B. Her chart-topping singles include “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Feel Like Making Love,” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” As a Black history maker, Flack became the first to win consecutive Grammys for Record of the Year. As a collaborator, Flack recorded ballads with singers Donny Hathaway and Peabo Bryson.
In 2020, Flack attained the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Growing up in a musical family, Flack started playing early. By nine, she was taking formal lessons, and by thirteen, she was performing in statewide competitions. At fifteen, Flack won a music scholarship to Howard University. Her break came when she signed with Atlantic Records in 1968, and her debut album, First Take, hit the charts three months later. Flack’s illustrious career included numerous albums and performances well into her eighties, making her a key figure in Black history.
Ron Brown
The February 10, 1989, election of Ron Brown as chairman of the Democratic National Committee secured his place in Black history. Brown became the first African American leader of a major United States political party. He is credited with running a successful Democratic National Convention in 1992, which led to Bill Clinton’s win in that year’s presidential election. In 1993, President Clinton appointed Brown the United States Secretary of Commerce. During Brown’s tenure, he led delegations of entrepreneurs, financiers, and businesspeople around the world.
February is Black History Month
Celebrate the accomplishments and achievements that have helped shape not only the political landscape of this country but also classical, jazz, and R&B music. February 10 will forever be etched in our hearts and minds as we remember the Civil Rights Act championed by Dr. King. Also, trailblazers Leontyne Price, Roberta Flack, and Ron Brown contributed not only to Black history but to history worldwide. We salute these leaders for the abilities, gifts, and talents they gave to the world.
