What happened on May 17?

Author

Matthew Jones
May 17, 2024

Hi everyone,

Happy Friday!

May 17 was a big one throughout history. Whether it was George Washington giving Parliament a piece of his mind, or the US Supreme Court finally taking a stance on segregation, a lot happened today.

Here are the highlights:

🗣️1769: George Washington Publicly Criticized "Taxation without Representation”

Appearing before the Virginia House of Burgesses, a young George Washington voiced his criticism against the unfair taxation imposed by the British Parliament on the American colonies without any representation. Throughout the 1760s, Parliament implemented a number of taxation policies that were wholly unpopular across the Colonies, planting the seeds for American independence. Read where this moment fits into the story of American independence in , The American Revolution: The Dates, Causes, and Timeline in the Fight for Independence.

📺1939: The First Televised Sporting Event in the United States

NBC aired a collegiate baseball game between Princeton and Columbia, marking the first-ever televised sporting event in the U.S. 

✈️1943: The Memphis Belle Flew Its 25th Bombing Mission

The legendary B17 Flying Fortress bomber played a critical role in the Second World War. It is just one of five B17’s to complete this many missions during the war. Aerial bombing took on a new role during this global conflict. Learn how the US got into the war in When, Why, and How did the United States enter WW2? The Date America Joins the Party.

🎓1954: U.S. Supreme Court Issues Ruling on Brown vs. Board of Education

A landmark decision, the U.S. The Supreme Court declared, on this day in 1954, that school segregation was in fact unconstitutional. The Brown v. Board of Education case, determined once and for all that "separate but equal," schools were inherently unequal. Discover one of the many stories of those who lived this change in Ruby Bridges: A Black Girl Who Desegregated Her School.

In the fall of 1960, six years after the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling, Ruby Bridges became the first Black student to attend the previously all-white William Frantz Elementary School. Bridges had to be escorted tby US Marshalls due to the threat of violence.

👨‍⚖️1996: U.S. President Bill Clinton Signed Megan's Law

President Bill Clinton signed Megan's Law, a federal law mandating authorities make information available to the public regarding registered sex offenders. The bill was named for Megan Kanka, a seven-year-old from Hamilton Township, New Jersey who was raped and murdered by a convicted sex offender. 

🌟Born on This Day in History

1749: Edward Jenner, Surgeon and Vaccine Developer

Edward Jenner, an English surgeon, revolutionized medicine by introducing the concept of vaccines, notably the smallpox vaccine. His pioneering work laid the foundation for immunology as we know it today and has saved countless lives over the centuries. 

1936: Dennis Hopper, Iconic Actor, Director, and Writer

Known for his roles in groundbreaking films like Easy Rider and Blue Velvet, Hopper's intense performances and artistic direction helped define a new era of filmmaking that challenged societal norms and pushed creative boundaries.

1956: Sugar Ray Leonard, Professional Boxer

Sugar Ray Leonard was not only one of the greatest boxers of his generation but also a charismatic sports personality whose thrilling fights and charismatic demeanor captured the hearts of millions, earning him an Olympic gold medal and titles in multiple weight classes.

💔Died on This Day in History

1510: Sandro Botticelli, the Renowned Italian Painter

A master of the Italian Renaissance whose artworks like The Birth of Venus and Primavera are celebrated for their intricate detail and stunning beauty. 

1727: Catherine I, Empress of Russia

Rising from humble origins to become the Empress of Russia, her reign, though brief, was marked by significant political and social changes. Catherine's life story is one of dramatic rises and enduring impact. Learn more about her fascinating reign in our article Catherine the Great: Brilliant, Inspirational, Ruthless.

1829: John Jay, Early US Statesman

A founding father whose roles included diplomat, statesman, and the first Chief Justice of the United States. His efforts in shaping the early judicial and political landscapes of the United States remain fundamental, with his legacy deeply embedded in the frameworks of American law and governance.

See? Today is quite the day. I hope it’s a great one for you too. We’ll talk tomorrow 😃 

Matt