1980

Black Entertainment Television (BET), the nation's first and only Black owned cable network, was founded by owner Robert L. Johnson.

1981

Minister, gospel singer, pianist, composer, choir director, and recording artist James Cleveland became the first Black gospel artist to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

1984

Singer and songwriter Marvin Gaye, was killed by his father, Reverend Marvin Gaye, Sr.

Lena Horne received the Kennedy Center Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, and an honorary doctorate from Howard University.

1986

The "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin, was the first Black woman selected for induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

1987

President Ronald Reagan awarded the National Medal of Arts to artist and painter Romare Bearden.

1988

Will Smith and partner DJ Jazzy Jeff were the first rap group to win a Grammy Award.

1989

Denzel Washington received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the film "Glory."