February is Black History Month in the U.S., so this week's sports history column has been dedicated to the accomplishments and honors attributed to African-American athletes. Many of these athletes have made milestone contributions to their sports and have been instrumental in lobbying for equality in America's sports venues. The week of Feb. 5 — Feb. 11 accounted for epic battles between National Basketball Association (NBA) legends, unbelievable boxing upsets, and honoring a fallen tennis legends.

Feb. 5, 1943 - Jake “The Raging Bull” LaMotta defeated boxing legend Sugar Ray Robinson, giving Robinson his first career loss, professional or amateur. The classic sports movie Raging Bull, starring Robert De Niro, would later be filmed commemorating the timeless bout between the two champions. Robinson was hailed as “pound for pound the best fighter of all time” by boxing greats such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Joe Louis. Robinson is one of the most accomplished boxers in history, holding the Welterweight title from 1946 to 1951 and becoming the first fighter to win a divisional world championship five times. Robinson and LaMotta would fight four more times after this bout and Robinson would win all four.

Feb. 5, 1960 - NBA legend Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics pulls down three rebounds in the final 36 seconds of the game, surpasing his own rebound record of 49 with a new record of 51 rebounds in one game. However, the mark didn't stand for long, as Wilt Chamberlain broke the record only months later, adding fuel to the fire of one of the greatest one-on-one rivalries in NBA history.

Feb. 6, 1988 - One of the most epic dunk contests in NBA history occurred at the United Center in Chicago, Ill. between Dominique "The Human Highlight Film" Wilkins of the Atlanta Hawks and Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls. The contest was filled with high flying action and some of the most innovative dunks ever conceived by man. It culminated with an unfathomable foul line leaping dunk by Jordan, which has become his trademark "Air Jordan" logo. The world-renowned foul line jam gave Jordan a perfect score, ending his night with just enough points to defeat Wilkins.

Feb. 6, 1993 - Arthur Ashe, one of the most accomplished African-American tennis players in history, died at the age of 49 from pneumonia coupled with the AIDS virus, which he contracted during a transfusion of tainted blood he received during heart bypass surgery. Ashe was a key member in the advancement of African-American athletes as well as a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. During his tennis career, Ashe was the first African-American male to win a Grand Slam event, eventually capturing U.S. Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon titles.

Feb. 8, 1975 - Bill Russell refused induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. It was Russell’s first year of eligibility and he certainly had the credentials to be inducted: a five-time league MVP, 11 NBA Championships in 13 seasons, 12 All-Star honors, and several league records. Russell did not offer a reason for his refusal, but it is speculated that he felt the Hall of Fame was racist. Had he accepted the induction, he would have become the first African-American in the Hall of Fame. The executive director of the institution claimed that the Hall was not racist, citing that they had honored several African-American players in 1961.