"Exploring Black History: Key Events from April 2-8, 2025"

APRIL 21855—John Mercer Langston makes history as the first African American elected to public office in Ohio. A lawyer and educator, he championed Black rights and founded Howard University's law department. 1932—Renowned Black cowboy William “Bill” Pickett dies after a horse accident. He was instrumental in rodeo history, inventing bulldogging.1939—Marvin Gaye, iconic R&B vocalist, is born in Washington, D.C., later becoming famous for hits like “What’s Going On.”