Sept. 28, 1961: Playwright, actor and civil rights activist Ossie Davis premiered his musical “Purlie Victorious” on this date.
Sept. 30, 1962: It’s a good bet that Constance Baker Motley was with James Meredith on this date after President John Kennedy dispatched federal troops to accompany him during his integration of the University of Mississippi.
Oct. 4, 1904: Great educator Mary McLeod Bethune opened Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Fla., on this date.