“First African-American Cabinet member” and “Jordan Retires” - This Day in History – Jan 13th

First African-American cabinet member selected by President Johnson

Bank in 1966, Robert C. Weaver became the first African-American cabinet appointed by a President, Lyndon B. Johnson.  Mr. Weaver was the head of the agency that enforces national fair housing laws and policies, The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

According to history.com, “In keeping with his vision for a Great Society, Johnson sought to improve race relations and eliminate urban blight. As many of the country's African Americans lived in run-down inner-city areas, appointing Weaver was an attempt to show his African-American constituency that he meant business on both counts.  Weaver's expertise in social and economic issues concerning urban African Americans was well-known.”

Mr. Weaver had previously worked with two fellow Democratic Presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s advisor to the secretary of the interior and John F. Kennedy’s head of the Housing and Home Finance Agency.

History.com stated that, “As HUD's senior administrator, Weaver expanded affordable housing programs and, in 1968, advocated for the passage of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibited discrimination against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith, because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin. Weaver and Johnson shared the goal of revitalizing America's urban areas through improved housing, the creation of inner-city parks and support for African American-owned businesses.”

Link to video related to this article:

http://youtu.be/3j8GMrYPRPE

Michael Jordan retires again from basketball

Back in 1999, NBA’s elite Chicago Bulls player, Michael Jordan retired for a second time from basketball.  While making this speech in front of fans at Chicago’s United Center, Mr. Jordan decision was based on a feud with the Bulls manager, Jerry Krause and the departure of his coach Phil Jackson from the team. 

History.com acknowledged that, “though he had earlier stated publicly that he would not play for any coach besides Jackson, Jordan explained his decision to retire by saying he had lost the drive and desire that was necessary to continue playing at such a high level, and that he wanted to spend more time with his family. When asked if there was a chance he would come back, Jordan said he was "99.9 percent" sure he would not.”

Mr. Jordan would later become a part owner of the Washington Wizards and would play for this team and score his 30,000^th career point.  However, he would retire a third and final time in 2003.   Mr. Jordan is known as one of the greatest basketball players ever in this sport.

Link to video related to this article:

http://youtu.be/1v2sYHcUT9Y

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/zolas-jaccuse-letter-is-printed?catId=8