On this date in 1991, South Africa repealed its last apartheid law, the Population Registration Act, which had been the foundation of apartheid. The system continued for several more years finally ending with the election of Nelson Mandela in1994. He had spent 27 years in prison. His release and subsequent election as president of South Africa has to count as one of the 20th century's most amazing achievements.
On this date in 1972, the Watergate Hotel experienced one of the 20th century's dumbest achievements, the break-in of the Democratic Party Headquarters.
It's the birthday of retired general, Tommy Franks (1945) who led the fight against the Taliban after 9/11.
Also, the birthday of Venus Williams (1980). You know who she is.
It's the birth anniversary of James Weldon Johnson (1871) who wrote "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which became known as the Negro National Anthem after his brother, Rosamand, wrote the music for it five years later.
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