Remember When: The Dedication of the Lincoln Memorial
This week, as we turn the pages of history, we land on a momentous occasion: the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial. On May 30th, 1922, a nation still healing from the Civil War came together to honor the man who preserved the Union,Abraham Lincoln.
Remember When: Celebrating the 141st Birthday of the Brooklyn Bridge
This week marks the 141st anniversary of one of the most iconic engineering marvels and architectural achievements in American history - the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge on May 24, 1883. Spanning the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, this suspension bridge was dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" upon its completion and is a marvel of 19th-century engineering.
Remember When: The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
81 years ago this last month, on April 19, 1943, the brave Jewish residents of the Warsaw Ghetto in Nazi-occupied Poland rose up against their oppressors in a historic act of resistance. The first shots rang out as the Jewish Combat Organization (ŻOB) and Jewish Military Union (ŻZW) fought back against the Nazis' efforts to deport the remaining ghetto inhabitants to the Treblinka extermination camp.
Remember When: The Start of the Nixon Impeachment Hearings
On May 9, 1974, the U.S. House of Representatives began formal impeachment hearings against President Richard Nixon, marking a pivotal moment in the Watergate scandal that would ultimately lead to his resignation.
Remembering the Kent State Protests of May 1970
Today, let's take a moment to remember a pivotal moment in American history – the protests at Kent State University in May 1970. It's a story worth revisiting, as it reminds us of the power of student activism and the importance of peaceful dissent.
Remember When: The 1989 Tiananmen Square Protests and Massacre
In the spring of 1989, a wave of demonstrations swept through China, centered on Beijing's Tiananmen Square. What began as a mourning gathering for a pro-reform Communist leader transformed into a mass protest demanding political reform and greater personal freedoms. This movement, primarily led by university students, drew the world's attention and highlighted the Chinese people's disillusionment with the ruling Communist Party's restrictive policies.
Remembering the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
On the evening of April 18, 1775, a young silversmith named Paul Revere embarked on one of the most famous rides in American history. As tensions between the American colonies and the British Empire reached a boiling point, Revere set out on a daring mission to warn his fellow patriots that the British troops were on the move.
Remember When: The Signing of the 1968 Civil Rights Act
On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act. This historic legislation prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, or national origin.
Remember When: The Signing of the North Atlantic Treaty
Cast your minds back to a world just emerging from the ashes of World War II. Europe lay devastated, and the Cold War cast a long shadow. It was in this tense climate that a powerful alliance was born: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO.
Remember When: The Fall of Madrid and the End of the Spanish Civil War
Eighty-five years ago, a dark cloud settled over Spain. The brutal Spanish Civil War, a conflict that had ravaged the country for nearly three years, finally ground to a halt. This day marked the fall of Madrid, the Republican stronghold, to the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco.
Remember When: Lucy Hobbs Taylor, America’s First Female Dentist
In the serene town of Constable, New York, an extraordinary woman came into the world—a woman destined to challenge norms, shatter barriers, and etch her legacy in the annals of dentistry. Her name? Lucy Hobbs Taylor.
Celebrating Women's History Month: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Women Who Shape Our World
March is here, bringing with it Women's History Month – a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women and reflect on the journey toward gender equality. This year's theme, "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," resonates deeply, urging us to dismantle barriers, celebrate unique perspectives, and build truly inclusive spaces.
Remember When: Hattie McDaniel Shattered Glass Ceilings on Oscar Night
February 29, 1940, marked an extraordinary night, illuminated by the radiant lights of the 12th Academy Awards. Hattie McDaniel, a brilliant Black actress and the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, achieved an unprecedented feat: claiming the coveted golden statuette for Best Supporting Actress, thus becoming the first African American to receive an Oscar. This triumph surpassed personal victory; it shattered racial barriers in Hollywood, instilling hope for a future marked by greater inclusion.
Remember When: The “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Winter Olympics
Lake Placid, New York – The air was crisp, and the Olympic Center buzzed with anticipation. The stage was set for an epic showdown between two hockey powerhouses: the United States and the Soviet Union. Little did we know that this clash would become one of the most iconic moments in sports history—the “Miracle on Ice.”
Celebrating Angela Davis: A Journey Through Activism and Academia
This week, on January 26th, we commemorate the birthday of a woman synonymous with the relentless pursuit of justice and challenging the status quo: Angela Davis. Her name conjures powerful imagery – the raised fist, the unyielding gaze, and words that spark revolutions. Beyond the iconic persona lies a legacy of activism, scholarship, and an unswerving commitment to human rights.
Remember When: The Treaty of Versailles
One hundred and four years ago this week, the Treaty of Versailles went into effect. The treaty was signed about six months earlier, in the opulent Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, marking the culmination of the most significant diplomatic effort of World War I. It officially ended the state of war between Germany and the majority of the Allied Powers, five years to the day after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the event that triggered the war's catastrophic chain of events.
Remember When: Nancy Pelosi Becomes the First Female Speaker of the House of Representatives
On January 4, 2007, Nancy Pelosi, a Democratic Representative from California, etched her name in history as the first woman to assume the position of Speaker of the House in the United States. This momentous achievement followed the Democrats' triumph in the 2006 midterm elections, securing a majority in the House of Representatives. Additionally, Pelosi made history as the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress.
Remember When: Celebrating the First Kwanzaa
On December 26, 1966, Kwanzaa was first celebrated in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles. Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor at California State University, Long Beach, created the holiday to celebrate African American culture and heritage. He called it Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits" in Swahili.
Remember When: Don't Ask, Don't Tell was Repealed
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.
Remember When: Sandy Hook Elementary
Today, 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.