January 21

Amid the broader Protestant Reformation, radicals in Zürich sought a return to New Testament principles. On January 21, 1525, Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, and George Blaurock baptized each other in Manz's mother's home, rejecting infant baptism. This act established the Swiss Anabaptist Movement, emphasizing voluntary faith and church autonomy. By separating church and state, they broke a millennium-old tradition of ecclesiastical union. Their beliefs spread rapidly and provoked severe persecution across Europe. The Anabaptists' emphasis on believer's baptism laid a foundation for modern notions of religious liberty.

The Sullivan Ordinance was passed by the New York City Board of Aldermen on January 21, 1908. It sought to prohibit women from smoking tobacco in public spaces, reflecting social anxieties over gender and morality. Mayor McClellan vetoed the measure just days later, criticizing its impracticality and potential for public ridicule. The ordinance sparked national debate over women's rights and public decency during the early Progressive Era. Though short-lived, it underscored changing gender norms and the limits of moral legislation in urban America. The incident became a symbol of evolving attitudes toward women's autonomy and public conduct.

A group of Detroit businessmen established Kiwanis International to promote community service and civic engagement. Officially chartered on January 21, 1915, the organization focused on leadership, character building, and improving young lives. Kiwanis quickly expanded across the United States and later worldwide, founding local chapters to serve diverse needs. Through initiatives like pediatric health programs and youth mentorship, Kiwanis members have impacted communities globally. The organization's motto, “Serving the Children of the World,” reflects its enduring commitment to humanitarian efforts. Today, Kiwanis remains one of the largest service clubs, continuing its century-old legacy of volunteerism.

On January 21, 1986, a group of conservative students at Dartmouth College assaulted a mock shanty town constructed on the college green by anti-apartheid demonstrators calling for divestment from South Africa. The makeshift settlement was intended to highlight the injustices of apartheid and pressure university leadership to act. Tensions escalated when the attackers tore down shelters and confronted activists, prompting campus security intervention. The incident ignited campus-wide debates over free speech, civil disobedience, and the moral responsibilities of academic institutions. College administrators condemned the violence and launched disciplinary proceedings against those involved. The episode became a flashpoint in the broader U.S. anti-apartheid movement, illustrating the polarized climate of student activism in the 1980s. It underscored the growing influence of social justice campaigns on university policies and public opinion.

Citizens in Belmopan took to the streets protesting fresh tax measures introduced by the Belizean government aimed at fiscal reform. Tensions flared as demonstrators clashed with riot police, vandalizing government buildings and setting fires to barricades. The unrest highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions and perceptions of government overreach. Authorities eventually deployed additional security forces to restore order, resulting in dozens of arrests and several injuries. Political leaders responded by promising a review of tax policies and engaging with community representatives. The episode underscored the delicate balance between economic policy and public sentiment in developing nations. It remains a significant example of civil action influencing Belize's fiscal decisions.

Organized largely via social media, the global Women's March brought together diverse groups advocating for gender equality, reproductive rights, and social justice. Millions of participants filled streets in Washington, D.C., New York City, London, Sydney, and beyond, making it one of the largest single-day protests in history. The marches aimed to send a unified message against policies perceived as discriminatory and to champion human rights. Speakers included activists, celebrities, and community leaders who addressed issues such as healthcare access, immigration reform, and environmental protection. The event demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to mobilize citizens across political and cultural boundaries. It also sparked ongoing campaigns and local advocacy groups that continue pushing for legislative change. The 2017 Women's March remains a landmark in modern protest movements and a testament to global solidarity.