1. Historical events on February 21
2. Significant moments in history on February 21.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Today is Wednesday, Feb. 21, the 52nd day of 2024. There are 314 days left in the year.
Highlights in History
On Feb. 21, 1965, Malcolm X, a prominent minister and civil rights activist, was tragically shot to death inside Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom in New York. Following his assassination, three men affiliated with the Nation of Islam were convicted of the murder and incarcerated. In November 2021, new evidence emerged that led to the dismissal of the convictions of two of the men.
Significant Events on this Date
In 1437, James I, King of Scots, was assassinated, leading to his 6-year-old son, James II, succeeding him as the monarch.
1885 witnessed the dedication of the Washington Monument, a historic landmark in the United States.
Renowned composer Gustav Mahler, despite battling a fever, conducted the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall on this day in 1911, in what would be his final concert before his passing the following May.
In 1964, the first shipment of U.S. wheat purchased by the Soviet Union arrived in the port of Odessa, marking a significant trade development between the two nations.
President Richard M. Nixon embarked on a historic visit to China on Feb. 21, 1972, accompanied by his wife, Pat, as they arrived in Beijing, fostering diplomatic relations between the United States and China.
In 1973, Israeli fighter planes tragically shot down Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 over the Sinai Desert, resulting in the loss of all but five of the 113 individuals on board.
Former Attorney General John N. Mitchell and ex-White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman were sentenced to 2 1/2 to 8 years in prison in 1975 for their involvement in the Watergate cover-up, with each serving 1 1/2 years.
In 1992, Kristi Yamaguchi of the United States clinched the gold medal in ladies’ figure skating at the Albertville Olympics, with Midori Ito of Japan securing the silver and Nancy Kerrigan of the U.S. taking home the bronze.
Chicago adventurer Steve Fossett achieved a remarkable feat in 1995, becoming the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean by balloon, landing in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Rev. Billy Graham, a prominent Christian evangelist and confidant of presidents, passed away in 2018 at his North Carolina home, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of religious ministry.
In 2019, teachers in Oakland, California, initiated a strike as part of a broader wave of teacher activism that had seen walkouts in Denver, Los Angeles, and West Virginia.
2020 marked a significant milestone in the United States’ engagement with Afghanistan, as a temporary truce between the U.S. and the Taliban came into effect, paving the way for the signing of a peace deal the following week.
Birthdays on Feb. 21
Actor Gary Lockwood celebrates his 87th birthday today, while actor-director Richard Beymer turns 85. Actor Peter McEnery marks his 84th birthday, and film/music company executive David Geffen reaches 81 years of age. Other notable birthdays today include actor Tyne Daly (78), actor Anthony Daniels (78), and former Sen. Olympia J. Snowe of Maine (77).
Rock musician Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads turns 75 today, while actor Christine Ebersole celebrates her 71st birthday. Actor William Petersen and actor Kelsey Grammer both turn 71, and singer/guitarist Larry Campbell marks his 69th birthday. Country singer Mary Chapin Carpenter celebrates her 66th birthday today, alongside actor Kim Coates and actor Jack Coleman, both turning 66.
Actor Christopher Atkins celebrates his 63rd birthday, while actor William Baldwin turns 61. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona marks his 60th birthday, and rock musician Michael Ward turns 57. Actor Aunjanue Ellis celebrates her 55th birthday, and blues musician Corey Harris turns 55. Country singer Eric Heatherly marks his 54th birthday, while rock musician Eric Wilson and rock musician Tad Kinchla of Blues Traveler both turn 54.
Singer Rhiannon Giddens of Carolina Chocolate Drops celebrates her 47th birthday today, and actor Tituss Burgess turns 45. Actor Jennifer Love Hewitt also marks her 45th birthday, alongside comedian-actor Jordan Peele. Actor Brendan Sexton III turns 44, while singer Charlotte Church celebrates her 38th birthday. Actor Ashley Greene and actor Elliot Page both turn 37, while actor Corbin Bleu celebrates his 35th birthday. Actor Hayley Orrantia turns 30, and actor Sophie Turner marks her 28th birthday.
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1. Anniversary of Malcolm X’s assassination
2. Assassination of Malcolm X.
