On this day in 1949, a shocking and violent scene unfolded in Peekskill, New York. Over 140 people were injured following a performance by the legendary singer and activist Paul Robeson. Known for his unwavering commitment to pro-trade unionism, civil rights, and his associations with communism, Robeson’s concert concluded without incident. However, as concertgoers began to leave, they were met with a horrific onslaught from an anti-Communist mob. Families, including children, were forced to navigate a miles-long gauntlet where their cars and buses were pelted with rocks, shattering windshields and leaving a lasting scar on American history.
Also on this date:
– 1781: Los Angeles was founded by a group of 44 Spanish settlers under the directive of Governor Felipe de Neve. These pioneers from central New Spain (modern-day Mexico) established what is now Downtown Los Angeles, laying the foundation for one of the world’s most iconic cities. This settlement was a critical step in Spain’s strategy to solidify its presence in California.
– 1944: During the throes of World War II, British forces achieved a crucial victory by liberating Antwerp, Belgium. After intense skirmishes, including battles in the city’s central park and on Meir, British troops secured control of the city, marking a significant turning point in the war.
– 1957: A dark chapter in American civil rights history, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine Black students from entering the all-white Central High School in Little Rock. This event ignited national outrage and underscored the fierce resistance to desegregation in the United States.
– 1972: U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz made Olympic history by becoming the first athlete to win seven gold medals in a single Games. His triumph in the 400-meter medley relay at the Munich Olympics was followed by a swift exit from the Games as terrorists attacked and killed members of the Israeli Olympic team, casting a shadow over his incredible achievement.
– 1972: The American television landscape was forever changed with the debut of “The Price is Right” on CBS. Originally launched in 1956 with host Bill Cullen, the show was revitalized in 1972 under the title “The New Price Is Right” with Bob Barker as host. It became the longest-running game show in U.S. history, capturing the hearts of millions.
– 1974: A significant step in Cold War diplomacy, the United States formally established diplomatic relations with East Germany. After years of tension and non-recognition of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), the U.S. finally acknowledged it as a separate state from West Germany, paving the way for ambassadors to be exchanged.
– 1998: A revolution in the digital world began when Stanford University Ph.D. students Sergey Brin and Larry Page founded Google. Initially conceived as a project named “BackRub,” the search algorithm they developed focused on analyzing the importance of web pages based on backlinks. This innovation laid the groundwork for what would become the world’s most powerful search engine, transforming the internet as we know it.
– 2016: In a moment of profound religious and humanitarian significance, Pope Francis canonized Mother Teresa, elevating her to sainthood. The “saint of the gutters” was celebrated for her radical dedication to the world’s most marginalized, and her fearless condemnation of the global leaders who perpetuated poverty.
– 2018: The Senate Judiciary Committee began the contentious confirmation hearings for future Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The hearings were marked by intense and often acrimonious exchanges between Democrats and Republicans, reflecting the deep political divides in the United States.
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