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The year 1974 gave the world monumental moments in Black history, from Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record to the Boston busing riots to historic protests in London. 

Through the lens: For Black History Month this year, Axios is looking back at 1974 to highlight moments that changed civil rights and the sports world.

U.S. Rep Barbara Jordan (D-Texas) on the House Judiciary Committee during a hearing on the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, July 1974. 

U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan (D-Texas) on the House Judiciary Committee during a hearing on the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, July 1974. Her primetime remarks on the Constitution riveted the nation and underscored the grave role of serving as a check on the executive branch. Photo: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Students sit on a bus going from Columbia Point to Roxbury High School on Sept. 13, 1974, the second day of school under the new busing system put in place to desegregate Boston Public Schools. The system was met with strong resistance from many residents of Boston's neighborhoods. 

Students sit on a bus from Columbia Point to Roxbury High School on Sept. 13, 1974, the second day of school under the new busing system to desegregate Boston Public Schools. The system was met with solid resistance and violence from many residents of Boston's neighborhoods. Photo: William C. Curtis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

 George Foreman tries to get off the canvas as referee Zack Clayton checks on him during the match against Muhammad Ali at 20th of May Stadium. Kinshasa, Zaire 

Muhammad Ali stands over George Foreman during a dramatic 8th-round knockout to regain the heavyweight title in Zaire, known as the "Rumble in the Jungle." It was one of the most-watched televised events at the time. Photo: Tony Triolo /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Schoolchildren with placards reading 'No More Police Harassment' during a school strike in London, UK, 3rd April 1974. They are demanding the release of the Brockwell Three, three young Black men who were arrested during a disturbance in Brockwell Park, South London, and sentenced to three years in prison. 

School children with placards reading 'No More Police Harassment' during a school strike in London, in April 1974. They are demanding the release of the Brockwell Three, three young Black men who were arrested during a disturbance in Brockwell Park, South London, and sentenced to three years in prison. Photo: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

American actor Rodney Grier and his sister, American actress and singer Pam Grier attend the 7th NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Awards, held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California, 19th January 1974. 

American actor Rodney Grier and his sister, American actress and singer Pam Grier, attend the 7th NAACP Image Awards, held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles in January 1974. Photo: Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Cesar Chavez, United Farm Workers official, was given the Martin Luther King nonviolent peace award at a rally in Atlanta. Mrs. Coretta Scott King, widow of the late Dr. King made the presentation. The affair opened the two-day celebration of King's birthday.

United Farm Workers leader Cesar Chavez is given the Martin Luther King Nonviolent Peace Award at a rally in Atlanta in January 1974. Coretta Scott King, widow of the late Dr. King, made the presentation. The affair opened the two-day celebration of King's birthday. Photo: Bettmann / Contributor

Black Panther and writer Eldridge Cleaver, an exile from American justice, and wife Kathleen sit in their apartment in Paris France during their exile circa 1974.

Black Panther and writer Eldridge Cleaver and his wife, Kathleen, sit in their apartment in Paris during their exile in 1974. Photo: Nik Wheeler/Corbis via Getty Images

Two men posing on a street in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, May, 1974. 

Two men posing on a street on the South Side of Chicago, May 1974. Photo: John White/U.S. National Archives via Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

In photos:  Black history 50 years ago

For Black History Month this year, Axios is looking back at 1974 to highlight moments that changed civil rights and the sports world.

Hank Aaron's mother, Estella, hugs him after he breaks Babe Ruth's all-time home run record on April 8, 1974. 

Hank Aaron's mother, Estella, hugs him after he breaks Babe Ruth's all-time home run record on April 8, 1974. Photo: Bettmann / Contributor

Black History Month

Race and Equity

The year 1974 gave the world monumental moments in Black history, from Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth&#x27;s all-time home run record to the Boston busing riots to historic protests in London. Through the lens: For Black History Month this year, Axios is looking back at 1974 to highlight moments that changed civil rights and the sports world.

2024 will be an election year like no other, as President Biden seeks re-election amid economic uncertainty, two wars and questions about his age. His likely foe, former President Trump, faces felony charges and vows revenge on his political enemies. Meanwhile, Americans generally are dissatisfied with those choices and are divided over immigration, race, education and more.

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In photos: Black history 50 years ago

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