Thirteen years ago this week, a monumental step was taken for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. President Barack Obama signed into law the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, officially ending the discriminatory policy that had forced gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members to serve in silence for 17 years.
Read MoreToday, we pause to remember a day etched in tragedy: December 14, 2012. Ten years ago, in the quiet town of Newtown, Connecticut, the unthinkable unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary School. A lone gunman took the lives of 20 children and six educators, leaving a nation heartbroken and forever changed.
Read MoreOn December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, killing 2,403 Americans and injuring 1,178 others. This attack not only shattered the nation’s isolationist stance but also marked a transformative period in world history, with the United States joining the battle against Axis powers.
Read MoreThis week marks the 60th anniversary of the tragic event that changed the course of history—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. On November 22, 1963, President Kennedy was fatally shot while riding in an open-car motorcade in downtown Dallas, Texas, sending shockwaves across the nation and the world.
Read More34 years ago this week, Czechoslovakia witnessed a transformative event known as the Velvet Revolution. From November 17 to December 29, 1989, a wave of non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and spirited demonstrations swept across the nation, etching a pivotal chapter in the region’s history. This period of profound change sprang from the roots of political repression, economic stagnation, and a collective yearning for freedom under the Communist government.
Read MoreOn this day 102 years ago, The American Birth Control League (ABCL) was founded by the indefatigable Margaret Sanger. This remarkable organization emerged from the shadows of societal taboos to advocate for women's reproductive rights. It played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of women's health and rights in the United States. However, it's essential to acknowledge that Margaret Sanger wasn't alone in this endeavor. Another extraordinary woman, Mary Ware Dennett, made significant contributions to the cause.
Read MoreToday marks a historic milestone in music history as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of a legendary moment that shaped the world of music forever! On this day, Clive Campbell, famously known as DJ Kool Herc, set the Bronx on fire at his sister Cindy's birthday party.
Read More46 years ago this week, President Jimmy Carter founded the Department of Energy (DOE) in response to the energy crisis. The crisis, marked by a heavy dependence on imported oil and susceptibility to supply disruptions, posed a substantial threat to the nation's economy and security. Carter recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive energy policy and believed that the DOE would play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country. Despite initial skepticism, the department has evolved into a vital agency, promoting energy independence, driving innovation, and safeguarding the nation's energy supply.
Read MoreOn June 24, 1982, nearly 20,000 garment workers rallied in Columbus Park in New York City's Chinatown. They were protesting against the refusal of Chinese contractors to renew their contract with the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). The workers were demanding higher wages, better benefits, and an end to discrimination.
Read MoreMay 17, 2004, marked a historic day in the United States. Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, paving the way for other states to follow suit. The landmark decision was made by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which ruled that the state constitution guarantees the right to same-sex marriage.
Read MorePresident George H. W. Bush designated May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992. In this annual celebration, Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, and Native Hawaiians are recognized for their many contributions and achievements. This month-long observance was established to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843.
Read More59 years ago today, Sidney Poitier won the Oscar for Best Actor. This is a significant moment in the history of Hollywood and American society. At the time, Poitier was the first Black actor to receive the award, which was a major milestone for racial representation in the film industry.
Read MoreThis week marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment states that "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
Read MoreThe United States experienced two periods of the Red Scare - after the Bolsheviks took power in Russia (1917-1920) and during World War II. One example of this was the Palmer Raids, a series of violent law-enforcement raids ordered by US Attorney General Alexander Mitchell Palmer that targeted and arrested leftists and anarchists. The period became known as the "Red Summer."
Read MoreWomen's History Month is dedicated to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to the history of the United States. Women such as Abigail Adams, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Rosa Parks have left a significant impact on women's history that dates back to the founding of the nation. It has since become an international celebration, with countries around the world recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of women.
Read MoreThis week marks the 100th anniversary of the recording of Bessie Smith's first song, "Downhearted Blues." The Harlem Renaissance singer is popularly known as the Empress of Blues.
Read MoreHe was called the "best and fastest pitcher I've ever faced" by Joe DiMaggio. On this day fifty-two years ago, Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige became the first Negro League veteran to be nominated into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Read MoreCondoleeza Rice was confirmed Secretary of State 18 years ago today, making her the highest ranking African American woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet.
Read MoreOne hundred twenty-seven years ago today, the Austrian newspaper of record, "Die Presse" announced a revolutionary moment in the history of science, Dr. Wilhelm Röntgen's discovery of X-rays. Röntgen, a German physicist, was working with cathode ray tubes in his laboratory when he noticed that a fluorescent screen near the tube was glowing, even though the tube was wrapped in heavy black paper to block any light from escaping.
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