What happened on June 19th?

Good morning,

While today is a holiday that commemorates the official end of slavery in the US, it’s also a big day for space enthusiasts! Today  in 1963, Valentina Tereshkova!, the first woman in space, returned home from her voyage, escalating the space race between the US and the Soviet Union and taking a large step forward for women in science. 

Here’s more about this moment and the rest of the stuff that happened on June 19th:

🚀 1963: Valentina Tereshkova Returns to Earth From Outer Space

On June 19, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova returned to Earth, completing her historic mission as the first woman in space. Piloting the Vostok 6 spacecraft, Tereshkova orbited the Earth 48 times over nearly three days. Her successful mission marked a significant milestone in the space race and women's achievements in STEM fields and demonstrated the capabilities of female astronauts. 

Tereshkova's journey not only shattered gender barriers but also collected valuable data on the female body's response to spaceflight. Her bravery and pioneering spirit inspired generations of astronauts and contributed to the advancement of space exploration for all humankind.

🕊️ 1865: Slavery Ends in the US

Union General Gordon Granger arrived on this day in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, effectively enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation in the last Confederate state. This day, known as Juneteenth, commemorates the freedom of enslaved African Americans and is an important moment in American history. Though slavery did not officially end until the ratification of the 13th amendment on December 6, 1865, this moment has important symbolic significance and also marks a key moment in the end  of the US civil war.

 Juneteenth has since evolved into an annual holiday celebrated across the United States, honoring African American culture and heritage, and recognizing the enduring struggle for equality and justice. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday, further cementing its significance in the nation's collective memory. 

⚾ 1846: Alexander Joy Cartwright Arranges a Baseball Game

Alexander Joy Cartwright, often called the "father of baseball," organized one of the first recorded modern baseball games in Hoboken, New Jersey. It is considered to be a landmark event because the game was played under a set of standardized rules that Cartwright helped develop. These rules included using a diamond-shaped infield, nine players per team, and the three-strike rule. Read more about the evolution of baseball in Origins of Baseball: Evolved out of Cricket and Rounders.

🇺🇲 1856: First Republican National Convention Ends

On June 19, 1856, the first Republican National Convention concluded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This historic event saw the newly formed Republican Party nominate John C. Frémont as its first presidential candidate. The convention united anti-slavery factions and established the Republican Party as a significant force in American politics. Frémont's campaign slogan, "Free Soil, Free Men, and Frémont," underscored the party's commitment to opposing the expansion of slavery. Although Frémont lost the election to Democrat James Buchanan, the convention marked the beginning of the Republican Party's rise to prominence in American political life. Read about slavery in America in Slavery in America: United States’ Black Mark.

🧑‍💼 1910: The First Father's Day Is Celebrated

The first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington. It was initiated by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children. Inspired by Mother's Day, Dodd advocated for a day to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of fathers. While the celebration gained traction locally, it wasn't until 1972 that Father's Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in the United States, signed into law by President Richard Nixon. 

✊ 1968: “Solidarity Day” Rally Takes Place at Resurrection City 

The “Solidarity Day” rally took place at Resurrection City in Washington, D.C., as part of the Poor People's Campaign. Organized by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and led by Coretta Scott King following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the rally aimed to draw attention to poverty and economic injustice in the United States. Thousands gathered in Resurrection City, a temporary encampment on the National Mall, to demand better jobs, housing, and living conditions for all Americans.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1566: James I, King of England and Scotland

James I was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. He became James VI of Scotland in 1567, following his mother's abdication, and later ascended to the English throne in 1603, becoming James I of England and Ireland. His reign marked the first time England and Scotland were ruled by the same monarch, a union that laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of Great Britain. Read about other British monarchs in The Kings and Queens of England: English Monarchs Timeline from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II.

1903: Lou Gehrig, Baseball Player

Lou Gehrig was an iconic American baseball player renowned for his incredible talent and durability. Nicknamed the "Iron Horse" for his (then) record-breaking streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, Gehrig spent his entire 17-season career with the New York Yankees. Sadly, his career and life were cut short by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that now bears his name.

💔 Died on This Day in History

1937: J.M. Barrie, Scottish Author

J.M. Barrie was a Scottish author and playwright best known for creating the beloved character Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up. His play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up premiered in 1904 and later inspired a novel and numerous adaptations in various media..

1993: William Golding, British Novelist

William Golding, best known for his novel Lord of the Flies, won the Nobel Prize in Literature and is celebrated for his exploration of the human condition through his compelling and often dark narratives.

2013: James Gandolfini, Actor

James Gandolfini is best known for his iconic role as Tony Soprano in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos. His portrayal of the complex mob boss earned him widespread acclaim and multiple awards, including three Primetime Emmy Awards. Beyond The Sopranos, Gandolfini had a successful career in film and theater, appearing in movies such as True Romance, Get Shorty, and The Mexican.

That’s all for today guys! See you tomorrow again with more interesting events.

Matt