Top online courses in Teaching & Academics Top online courses in Health & Fitness
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledges the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial for his “I Have a Dream” speech

Today in History: August 28

August 28th stands as a powerful day in history, marking moments of profound significance that have shaped our world.

1963: A Dream for the Ages
On this day, August 28, 1963, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before a crowd of over 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. This moment, during the March on Washington, became a defining event in the fight for civil rights, echoing the aspirations of millions for equality and justice.

1845: Birth of a Scientific Giant
August 28, 1845, saw the debut of “Scientific American,” the first issue of what would become the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States. This publication has been a cornerstone of scientific knowledge, inspiring generations to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

1862: The Second Battle of Bull Run
On this date in 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run erupted in Prince William County, Virginia, during the Civil War. This brutal conflict, which saw the Union army suffer 14,000 casualties and retreat after two days, was a critical moment in a war that would define the nation’s future.

1898: The Birth of Pepsi-Cola
In 1898, pharmacist Caleb Bradham of New Bern, North Carolina, made a pivotal change. He rebranded his carbonated creation, first concocted five years earlier as “Brad’s Drink,” to the name we know today: Pepsi-Cola. This decision sparked the rise of one of the world’s most beloved beverages, a brand that would become synonymous with refreshment.

Emmett Louis Till, a 14 year old Chicago boy, was murdered in Mississippi for whistling at a white lady.

1955: The Tragic Loss of Emmett Till
August 28, 1955, marked a dark chapter in American history. Emmett Till, a Black teenager from Chicago, was abducted from his uncle’s home in Money, Mississippi, by two white men, following an accusation that he had whistled at a white woman. His brutal murder three days later would become a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, a harrowing reminder of the fight against racial injustice.

1957: A Filibuster for the Record Books
On this day in 1957, U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond from South Carolina embarked on the longest speaking filibuster in Senate history, clocking in at 24 hours and 18 minutes. His marathon effort was aimed at blocking the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, a testament to the intense struggles over civil rights legislation during that era.

1968: Chaos in Chicago
August 28, 1968, witnessed a clash of ideals as police and anti-war demonstrators battled in the streets of Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. Amidst the turmoil, Hubert H. Humphrey was nominated for president, but the day was marked by the raw tensions of a nation deeply divided over the Vietnam War.

Demonstrators are placed into police vans during a melee in Chicago outside the site of the Democratic National Convention.

1988: A Tragedy in the Sky
On this day in 1988, a devastating accident occurred when three Italian Air Force stunt planes collided during an air show at the U.S. Air Base in Ramstein, West Germany. The tragic incident claimed 70 lives and left the world in mourning, a stark reminder of the dangers that can accompany the thrill of aviation.

2013: Justice for Fort Hood
Finally, on August 28, 2013, justice was served as a military jury sentenced Maj. Nidal Hasan to death for his role in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage. The attack, which took 13 lives and left 30 others injured, was a somber event in American history, and the sentencing marked the end of a painful chapter for the victims and their families.

Each event on August 28 serves as a reminder of the complex tapestry of human history—moments of triumph, tragedy, and transformation that continue to resonate through time.


You May Also Like These Topics...
Former hostage Terry Anderson at a news conference in the Syrian Foreign Ministry in Damascus after his release (AP Photo - Greg English)

Today in History: December 4

Today in History: December 4:
On Dec. 4, 1991, after being abducted and held for nearly seven years as a hostage by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon,Terry Anderson was released from captivity.
In 1783, Gen. George Washington bade farewell to his Continental Army officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York.
In 1969, Fred Hampton and Mark Clark of the Black Panther Party were shot and killed during a raid by Chicago police.

The final scene of the original Broadway production of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' with Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, and Jessica Tandy as Blanche (AP Photo)

Today in History: December 3

Excerpts:Today in History: December 3:
In 1947, the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway.
In 2015, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the armed services to open all military jobs to women.

Jarvik 7 artificial heart, the same one implanted in Dr. Barney Clark at Utah University Medical Center (AP Photo)

Today in History: December 2

Today in History: December 2:
In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France in a coronation ceremony at Notre Dame de Paris cathedral.
In 2018, Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on bribery charges, adding to a growing collection of legal troubles for the longtime leader.

Rosa Parks riding on a Montgomery Area Transit System bus - undated photo (AP Photo - Daily Advertiser)

Today in History: December 1

Today in History: December 1:
In 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus.
In 1824, the presidential election was turned over to the House of Representatives after none of the candidates (John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay) won over 50% of the electoral vote.

Better Yourself, Lead Others
Personal Development Life Coach Certification
Tags: , , ,
Previous Post
The Beatles perform at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.
Today In History

Today in History: August 29

Next Post
Barack Obama speaks on the field at Invesco Field in Denver during the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention
Today In History

Today in History: August 27