Ridgefield Allies

Today in “Hidden” History is a daily listing of important but little-known events illustrating the range of innovators, contributors, or incidents excluded from formal history lessons or common knowledge. Hidden history is intended not as an exhaustive review, but merely as an illustration of how popular narratives "hide" many matters of fundamental importance. Bookmark this page and check daily to quickly expand your knowledge. Suggest entries for Today in “Hidden” History by clicking the Contact Us link. Entries for September 01:

Date	Type	Event
1884		Joseph and Mary Tape, immigrants from China who had lived in the U.S. for over a decade, attempt to enroll their eight-year-old, American-born daughter, Mamie Tape, in San Francisco’s Spring Valley School. The school principal denies the Tapes’ request because of Mamie's race, and the state superintendent—noting that even the California Constitution described Chinese-Americans as “dangerous to the well-being of the state”—supports that decision. Facing these obstacles to securing meaningful education for their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Tape sued the school and won. In January 1885, a California Superior Court judge ruled that the school's refusal to admit Mamie Tape was a violation of California state law and the U.S. Constitution. The California Supreme Court confirmed that decision when the state appealed, and held that Chinese students had a right to public education. The Court's decision did not, however, prohibit the creation of segregated schools. When Mamie Tape arrived for school immediately after the California Supreme Court's decision, she was denied entry because her vaccinations were not up to date. By the time the Tape family was able to comply with the vaccination requirements, a new school had been opened for Chinese-American students in compliance with a new state law, and Mamie was forced to enroll there. The California law banning Chinese-American students from attending public schools with white students was enforced until the late 1920s. Learn more.
1971		The 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates (a team that would, six weeks later, win the 1971 World Series) field the first all-Black lineup in Major League Baseball history. The on-field starting roster that day was comprised of Hall of Famers Willie Stargell (left fielder) and Roberto Clemente (right fielder), along with All Stars Manny Sanguillen (catcher), Dave Cash (third baseman), Al Oliver (first baseman), and Dock Ellis (pitcher), plus Jackie Hernandez (shortstop), Rennie Stennett (second baseman), and Gene Clines (center fielder). Cash was the first to alert his teammates of the unprecedented makeup of the roster before the start of the game. When Sanguillen told Clemente of the milestone during pre-game warmups, Clemente replied earnestly, “We have to win this game. Can you imagine what they’ll say if we don’t win with all of us on the field?” (Pictured from left to right: Sanguillen, Stargell, Oliver, Cash, and Clemente). Learn more.
1975		Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. is promoted to the four-star rank of general (O-10), becoming the highest ranking African-American in the history of the United States military to that date. He was assigned as commander in chief of NORAD/ADCOM at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. In these dual capacities he had operational command of all United States and Canadian strategic aerospace defense forces. On December 6, 1977, he assumed duty as special assistant to the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force. James retired from the Air Force on January 31, 1978. Previously, General James was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He attended the famous Tuskegee Institute and instructed African American pilots during World War II. He flew combat missions during the Korean War and Vietnam War, and received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Meritorious Service Medal, and fourteen Air Medals. Learn more.