June 21

Marie-Joseph Angélique was an enslaved woman brought to New France who was accused of arson in 1734. A fire broke out on April 10 and destroyed large portions of Montreal's wooden buildings. Angélique was tortured and convicted amidst questionable evidence, raising debates about race and justice in colonial Canada. Her execution by hanging on June 21 drew public attention to the harsh realities of slavery in French colonies. Some historians suggest she may have been scapegoated for broader social tensions. Angélique's story has since become a symbol of resistance and a subject of modern research and artistic portrayals. Her life highlights the complexities of power, race, and gender in the 18th century.

On June 21, 1919, during the Winnipeg General Strike, thousands of unemployed workers and war veterans marched in protest against poor wages and working conditions. Confrontations escalated when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police attempted to disperse the crowd in downtown Winnipeg. The police opened fire, killing two veterans and wounding dozens in an event that became known as 'Bloody Saturday.' The violence shocked the nation and intensified public debate over labor rights, police power, and veterans’ treatment. Although the strike ended shortly afterward without immediate concessions, it galvanized the labor movement across Canada. The legacy of the 1919 strike influenced future social reforms and union solidarity for decades to come.

On June 21, 1952, Republic Act No. 792 transformed the Philippine School of Commerce into the Philippine College of Commerce, expanding its academic mandate. The upgrade introduced collegiate programs in business administration, accounting, and finance. This move aligned with post-war economic reconstruction and increased demand for professional skills. Enrollment grew as students pursued affordable higher education. The institution continued to evolve, adopting the name Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 1978. Today, PUP is one of the country's largest state universities, noted for its accessible tuition and vital role in workforce development.

Prime Minister John Diefenbaker appointed Ellen Fairclough as Minister responsible for the Department of Immigration on June 21, 1957, breaking political barriers in Canadian government. As the first woman in the federal Cabinet, she advocated for fair and merit-based immigration policies. Her appointment marked a significant shift towards gender inclusion in public office. Fairclough later served as Secretary of State and played a pivotal role in constitutional discussions. Her trailblazing career inspired future generations of women politicians. Today, she is celebrated as a pioneering figure in Canada's journey toward equality and representative governance.

On June 21, 1964, civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner disappeared in Neshoba County, Mississippi, while investigating the burning of an African American church. Their bodies were discovered buried in an earthen dam weeks later, exposing deep-seated racism and collusion in local law enforcement. The murders prompted a massive FBI investigation dubbed "Mississippi Burning," drawing national outrage and media attention. The brutality of the crime highlighted the dangers faced by activists during Freedom Summer and increased support for federal civil rights legislation. Public reaction to the case contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, a landmark law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting. The memory of Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner endures as a testament to the sacrifices made for equality.

On June 21, 1973, the Primer Congreso del Hombre Andino opened in Arica, Chile, gathering delegates from across the Andean region to celebrate indigenous heritage and address shared challenges. Organized by cultural and academic groups, the congress focused on preserving native languages, traditional knowledge, and community governance. Participants debated education reform, land rights, and environmental stewardship, aiming to forge alliances across national borders. The event marked one of Latin America’s earliest continental forums for indigenous solidarity and identity. Although it preceded significant political upheaval in Chile, the congress left a lasting impact on subsequent indigenous movements. Its emphasis on self-determination and cultural revival continues to inspire activism today.