1876day.year
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is organized.
On April 11, 1876, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was established, laying the groundwork for one of America’s most enduring fraternal orders.
What started as a modest social club among New York City entertainers blossomed into a nationwide benevolent fraternity dedicated to charity, brotherhood, and community service. The Elks constitution emphasized loyalty, justice, and charity, attracting members across all walks of life. Over the ensuing decades, the organization donated millions of dollars to veterans, youth programs, and scholarships. Lodges became social hubs that promoted fellowship and civic involvement. The Elks’ ritual and philanthropic initiatives fostered a sense of shared purpose. Today, the Order remains active with thousands of lodges and continues to support veterans and local communities. Its founding on April 11 laid the foundation for a legacy of American volunteerism.
1876
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
1881day.year
Spelman College is founded in Atlanta, Georgia as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, an institute of higher education for African-American women.
Spelman College was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, becoming a pioneering institution for African-American women.
On April 11, 1881, the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary opened its doors under the leadership of educator Sophia B. Packard and missionary Harriet E. Giles. The school was established to provide higher education opportunities to African American women in the post-Civil War South. Initial classes were held in a small carriage house with just 12 students and two teachers. Through dedication and fundraising efforts, the institution expanded its curriculum and facilities. In 1924, it was renamed Spelman College in honor of philanthropist Laura Spelman Rockefeller. Over the years, Spelman has produced influential activists, scholars, and leaders in various fields. It remains one of the nation’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), dedicated to the academic success of women of African descent.
1881
Spelman College
Atlanta, Georgia
1981day.year
A massive riot in Brixton, south London results in almost 300 police injuries and 65 serious civilian injuries.
Widespread civil unrest in Brixton, London, resulted in nearly 300 injured police officers and significant community tensions over race and policing.
In April 1981, Brixton in South London became the center of intense rioting sparked by grievances over stop-and-search policies and socioeconomic deprivation. Over three nights, clashes between local residents and Metropolitan Police officers led to property damage, arson, and violent confrontations. Nearly 300 officers were injured alongside scores of civilians, prompting public debate on police practices and community relations. The unrest led to the Scarman Inquiry, which reviewed the causes of the violence and made recommendations for policing reform. The Brixton riot remains a landmark event in Britain’s race and urban history.
1981
riot in Brixton, south London
1986day.year
FBI Miami Shootout: A gun battle in broad daylight in Dade County, Florida between two bank/armored car robbers and pursuing FBI agents. During the firefight, FBI agents Jerry L. Dove and Benjamin P. Grogan were killed, while five other agents were wounded. As a result, the popular .40 S&W cartridge was developed.
A dramatic daylight shootout between FBI agents and bank robbers in Dade County, Florida, resulted in two agent deaths and led to the development of the .40 S&W cartridge.
On April 11, 1986, two heavily armed bank robbers engaged in a firefight with FBI agents on North Miami Beach, Florida, in what became known as the FBI Miami Shootout. Agents Jerry L. Dove and Benjamin P. Grogan were killed, and five other agents were wounded during the intense gun battle. The robbers, Michael Platt and William Matix, also died in the confrontation. The shootout exposed limitations in the FBI’s standard-issue .38 Special revolvers and prompted the Bureau to seek more powerful sidearm ammunition. This event directly influenced the adoption of the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge, reshaping law enforcement firepower.
1986
FBI Miami Shootout
.40 S&W cartridge
1993day.year
Four hundred fifty prisoners rioted at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, Ohio, and continued to do so for ten days, citing grievances related to prison conditions, as well as the forced vaccination of Nation of Islam prisoners (for tuberculosis) against their religious beliefs.
A ten-day riot at Ohio’s Southern Correctional Facility erupted over inmate grievances, including forced vaccination of Nation of Islam members.
Beginning on April 11, 1993, approximately 450 inmates at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville rioted to protest living conditions and a policy requiring tuberculosis vaccinations for Nation of Islam members against their religious beliefs. The riot involved hostage-taking, armed barricades, and extensive prison damage as inmates demanded policy changes. Over the ten-day standoff, corrections officers and state negotiators worked to de-escalate the situation without further bloodshed. The conflict resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries before authorities regained control. The Lucasville riot prompted reviews of prison protocols and religious accommodation in correctional facilities.
1993
rioted
Southern Ohio Correctional Facility
Lucasville, Ohio
prison conditions
vaccination
Nation of Islam
tuberculosis
2021day.year
Twenty year old Daunte Wright is shot and killed in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota by officer Kimberly Potter, sparking protests in the city, when the officer mistakes her pistol for her taser.
In April 2021, police officer Kimberly Potter fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, igniting widespread protests.
On April 11, 2021, 20-year-old Daunte Wright was fatally shot by Brooklyn Center Police Department Officer Kimberly Potter during a routine traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.
The officer claimed she intended to deploy her Taser but mistakenly drew her handgun.
Wright was shot as he attempted to re-enter his vehicle, leading to his immediate collapse and death at the scene.
Body camera footage and witness videos of the shooting rapidly circulated online.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following the trial of Derek Chauvin and prompted widespread protests against police brutality.
In the aftermath, civil rights leaders demanded accountability, and Kimberly Potter was later charged and convicted of manslaughter.
The shooting further fueled national debates on policing practices and racial justice.
2021
Daunte Wright
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota