First American Travels to Space
Alan Shepard made history on May 5, 1961, as the first American to travel into space, aboard the spacecraft Freedom 7. His suborbital flight, which came just a few weeks after Yuri Gagarin’s orbital flight, ignited a fierce sense of competition and pride that would fuel the U.S. efforts in the ensuing Space Race. Shepard’s […]
Martha Jones Becomes First Black Woman to Receive U.S. Patent
On this day in 1868, Martha Jones of Amelia County, Virginia, became the first Black woman to receive a U.S. patent. Her invention, a cutting-edge improvement in the corn husker and sheller, showcased not only her ingenuity but also her courage in breaking through the racial and gender barriers of her time. Jones’ achievement is […]
Tragedy at Kent State
The Kent State shootings occurred on May 4, 1970, when members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on students protesting the Vietnam War at Kent State University in Ohio, killing four and wounding nine others. This tragic event shocked the nation and became a symbol of the deep divisions and tumultuous conflicts of the […]
The First Freedom Ride Departs from Washington, D.C.
The first Freedom Ride departed from Washington, D.C., on May 4, 1961, as an integrated group of civil rights activists set out to challenge racial segregation in the southern United States. Organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), these brave men and women rode buses into the Deep South, facing violent opposition and enduring […]
Ella Fitzgerald Becomes First Black Woman to Win a Grammy
On this day in 1959, Ella Fitzgerald became the first Black woman to win a Grammy Award, taking home two awards for Best Jazz Performance and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her victories at the inaugural Grammy Awards ceremony not only highlighted her exceptional talent but also represented a significant breakthrough in the recognition of […]
Exxon Executive is Murdered
The murder of Sidney Reso, an Exxon executive, on May 3, 1992, by kidnappers who sought ransom, shocked the corporate world. This crime highlighted the vulnerabilities of corporate executives and led to increased security measures within major companies to protect their personnel. The case, widely covered by the media, also brought attention to issues surrounding […]
A Tragic Loss Gives Rise to MADD
On this day in 1980, the daughter of Candy Lightner, Cari Lightner, was tragically killed by a drunk driver in Fair Oaks, California. This heartbreaking loss led Candy to found Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an organization that would become a powerful force in the advocacy for stricter drunk driving laws and the promotion of […]
Niccolò Machiavelli is Born
Niccolò Machiavelli, born on May 3, 1469, in Florence, Italy, would grow to be one of the most influential political philosophers of the Renaissance. His most famous work, “The Prince,” continues to be a pivotal text in the study of political science and realist theory, offering candid, at times controversial, insights into political leadership and […]
Osama bin Laden is Killed
On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11 attacks and other terrorist activities, was killed by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan. This operation, nearly a decade in the making, marked a significant moment in U.S. and world history, symbolizing a measure of justice for the victims of terrorism. Bin Laden’s […]
Dick Clark and the Payola Scandal
American television icon Dick Clark testified before the U.S. Congress on May 2, 1960, during the investigation into the Payola scandal, where music industry figures were accused of accepting bribes for promoting certain records. Clark’s reputation survived the scandal relatively unscathed, allowing him to continue his influential career in music and television. This event highlighted […]