This Day in History: 1956-04-10

While performing before an all-white audience of 4,000 at the Municipal Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama, African American singer and pianist Nat King Cole is attacked and knocked down by a group of white men. Before the attack, a drunk man near the front row jeered at Mr. Cole, “Negro, go home.” Outside the arena, police later found a car containing rifles, a blackjack, and brass knuckles. Learn more.