What Happened In Past Junes?
June 11, 2009
Compiled by Phyllis Barr
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This month in 2003, Oprah’s book club reinvents itself to promote not only popular books, but classic literature as well. Here are some other notable moments:
June 1, 1875 — The first African-American is ordained an American Catholic Bishop, James A. Healy, who serves in Portland, Maine. Healy was born in 1830 and died in 1900.
June 1, 1968 — Helen Keller dies 26 days shy of her 86th birthday. Ms. Keller is an author, activist, and a lecturer. When she is 19 months old, she loses her hearing and sight. She becomes the first person who was both deaf and blind to receive a bachelor’s degree in this country. The story of her life is told in many mediums, including the play and film, “The Miracle Worker.”
June 2, 1731 — Martha Washington is born. She is the first “First Lady” but she doesn’t want to be! She initially refuses to come to New York City, then the capital of the new United States, for George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789, but she finally comes on May 27. She hosts gatherings in New York City and later in Philadelphia when it becomes the U.S. capital. She is called “Lady Washington,” because the title “First Lady” had not been used yet. The title “First Lady” is first used in the United States in 1849 when President Zachary Taylor calls Dolley Madison by that title as he gives the eulogy at her funeral. Mrs. Madison, the wife of James Madison, also serves as “First Lady” at times during widower Thomas Jefferson’s administration.
June 2, 1953 — Queen Elizabeth II is crowned in Westminster Abbey. Her uncle Edward VIII abdicated, which led to her father being crowned king. She is married to Prince Philip and has four children, including Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.
June 2, 1966 — An unmanned U.S. spacecraft lands on the moon.
June 4, 1919 — Congress passes the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote. It then goes to the states for ratification and becomes law in 1920.
June 4, 1975 — The Forbes No. 1 on the 100 most powerful celebrities list, Angelina Jolie, is born. Jolie is an acclaimed actress who has won several awards and nominations for her performances, including an academy award for her role in “Changeling.” She is also well known for her charitable work with the UNHCR. Some of her recent work includes “Kung Fu Panda,” “Changeling,” and “Wanted.”
June 5, 1987 — Dr. Mae C. Jamison becomes the first African-American woman astronaut. She spends 190 hours and 30 minutes in space. She is also a science specialist on the Endeavor in 1992. In addition to a medical degree, she has a B.S. in chemical engineering and a B.A. in African-American studies. She says that she is inspired by Star Trek to go into space.
June 8, 1953 — Discrimination in Washington D.C. is ruled as unconstitutional by The Supreme Court.
June 8, 1977 — Acclaimed musical artist and producer, Kanye West, is born. West has produced four albums and continues to make music, receiving several Grammy awards.
June 10, 2007 — Mudslides caused by monsoon rains kill at least 62 people in Bangladesh China.
June 11, 1880 — The first woman elected into the House of Representatives, Jeanette Pickering Rankin is born. A Republican, she represents Montana. She wins her seat in 1917, three years before women get the right to vote. Her main interests are maternal health and reducing infant mortality. Rankin wants to be a senator but doesn’t get the nomination.
June 12, 1939 — The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated in Cooperstown, N.Y.
June 13, 1967 — Thurgood Marshall is nominated to the Supreme Court by President Lyndon B. Johnson. He is the first African-American to be nominated and serves on the court until 1991.
June 14, 1777 — The Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia and adopts the Stars and Stripes as the design of the nation’s flag.
June 16, 1963 — Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, who was born in 1937, becomes the first woman to go into space. She is an expert in parachuting, which is required to join the cosmonaut corps. She spends 70 hours and 50 minutes in space.
June 17, 1775 — Peter Salem, an African-American, joins the Minutemen and fights in the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal early battle in the American Revolution.
June 19, 1885 — The Statue of Liberty, which is a gift from France, arrives in New York City. It is erected on Liberty Island the following year.
June 19, 1908 — The first Nickelodeon opens in Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 20, 1782 — The Continental Congress adopts the design of The Great Seal of the United States and the eagle as the official symbol/bird. Benjamin Franklin wants the turkey selected.
June 21, 1788 — New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, which then goes into effect.
June 24, 1910 — Congress passes legislation stating that radio equipment must be carried on all passenger ships leaving the United States.
June 26, 1945 — The United Nations is established. Delegates from 50 countries meet in San Francisco to sign the charter.
June 28, 1770 — The Quakers in Philadelphia establish a school for African-Americans.
June 30, 1917 — Singer and actress Lena Horne is born. She sings with Duke Ellington and Artie Shaw. Jazz, pop music and Broadway show tunes are her specialty, and she acts in movies, including “Cabin in the Sky” and “The Wiz.”
Until next month,
Historically yours,
Phyllis
Phyllis Barr, known as “lady history” specializes in historical research. Her company, Corporate Culture Marketing by Barr Consulting, helps companies leverage history and heritage as a marketing tool and uses history to help companies resolve culture clashes after a merger. She also offers services in curating , preserving records, and oral history. Contact her at lady...@earthlink.net</strong>
