1980s
1980–1989The crack epidemic and the War on Drugs reshape Black America.
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Key events
- 1982Alice Walker's "The Color Purple"
Walker's novel wins the Pulitzer Prize the following year.
- November 30, 1982Michael Jackson's Thriller
The best-selling album of all time reshapes pop music and breaks MTV's color barrier.
- August 30, 1983Guion Bluford, first Black American in space
Bluford flies aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
- September 8, 1986The Oprah Winfrey Show goes national
Winfrey launches a media empire and becomes one of the most influential figures in the world.
- June 30, 1989Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing"
Lee's film becomes a landmark of American cinema.
- April 12, 1983Harold Washington, first Black mayor of Chicago
Washington wins a historic election in a major American city.
- September 17, 1983Vanessa Williams, first Black Miss America
Williams breaks a long-standing color barrier.
- September 20, 1984"The Cosby Show" premieres
A hit sitcom reshapes how Black family life is portrayed on television.