This Month in History
- In 1863, Samuel Clemens adopted the pen name Mark Twain and began his mark as a famous American storyteller.
- In 1895, William George Morgan, invented mintonette – later to be known as volleyball.
- The Teddy Bear was born. It was in tribute to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt who, during a hunting trip – refused to kill a bear that was tied to a tree. Morris and Rose Michtom created the toy in 1903.
- U.S. President, Harry S. Truman, publicly supported civil rights in America. In 1948, he sought support from Congress and when that failed issued executive orders. His directives desegregated the military and Federal employees.
- In 1960, British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan – rattled South Africa with his wind of change speech against apartheid.
- In 1979, Curtis Sliwa brought his community together and formed The Guardian Angels. Today, their safety patrol efforts span worldwide.
- South Africa’s President, F.W. de Klerk – legalized various political organizations opposing apartheid. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison and became the country’s president (four years later).
- In 2005, Ellen MacArthur broke records as she sailed solo around the world in 71 days.