On February 11:
Feb. 11, 1961 - Robert Weaver sworn in as administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, highest federal post to date by a black American.
Feb. 11, 1976 - Clifford Alexander Jr. confirmed as the first black secretary of the United States Army.
Feb. 11, 1990 - Nelson Mandela is released from a South African prison after being detained for 27 years as political prisoner.