Memorable Moments in Black History (1945-2005 *)

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OCTOBER 23, 1945--Brooklyn Dodgers sign Jackie Robinson and send him to the team's Montreal farm team. On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his debut at Ebbetts Field and became the first Black in the Major Leagues in modern times.

NOVEMBER 1, 1945--Founding of EBONY magazine marks the beginning of a new era in Black-oriented journalism.

MARCH 21, 1946--Kenny Washington signs with the Los Angeles Rams and becomes the first Black player in professional football in 13 years. Three other Blacks Woody Strode of the Rams and Ben Willis and Marion Motley of the Cleveland Browns signed in the same year.

JUNE 3, 1946--U.S. Supreme Court (Irene Morgan v Commonwealth of Virginia) bans segregation in interstate bus travel.

DECEMBER 5, 1946--President Harry S. Truman creates the landmark Committee on Civil Rights. In October 1947, the committee issued a formal report, "To Secure These Rights," which condemned racism in America.

JULY 26, 1948--In response to widespread Black protests and a threat of civil disobedience, President Truman issues two executive orders ending racial discrimination in federal employment and requiring equal treatment in the armed services.

SEPTEMBER 22, 1950--Ralph J. Bunche, the first Black to win a Nobel Prize, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his successful mediation of the Israeli-Palestine conflict.

NOV. 1, 1951--Publication of first issue of Jet magazine by Johnson Publishing Company marks …