March 16

Wandering into the fledgling settlement, Samoset startled the Pilgrims by speaking broken English he had learned from fishermen along the coast. He introduced himself and offered to broker peace between the English and local Wampanoag tribes. His timely visit laid the groundwork for the first formal alliance in New England under Chief Massasoit. The Pilgrims benefited from Samoset’s knowledge of the land and resources, crucial for their survival. This encounter is remembered as one of the earliest peaceful interactions between Native Americans and European colonists. Historians praise Samoset’s courageous initiative in bridging two cultures.

On March 16, 2021, a gunman carried out attacks at three massage businesses, claiming eight lives, six of whom were Asian women. The suspect was apprehended shortly after the final shooting amid intense law enforcement operations. The incident reignited discussions on anti-Asian hate, public safety, and gun control laws in the U.S. Communities held vigils to honor the victims and called for solidarity against racial violence. Policy makers and activists used the tragedy to push for expanded hate crime protections and stricter firearm regulations.