January 1996

Jackson merged his Operation PUSH with the National Rainbow Coalition into Rainbow/PUSH, creating a unified advocacy organization that continued his work on economic justice, voter registration, and international diplomacy.

Parks's play about Saartjie Baartman, the 'Venus Hottentot,' was one of multiple Obie-winning works that established her as the most innovative Black woman playwright of her generation.

The retired federal judge's scholarly examination of race in American law became required reading in law schools and extended his influential legacy in civil rights jurisprudence.

Harrison's arrival in Indianapolis, where he would eventually set the single-season reception record, began a run with Peyton Manning that produced one of the NFL's greatest receiver-quarterback partnerships.