July 05

In July 1934, deep economic hardship and labor unrest culminated in a general strike led by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in San Francisco. On July 5, a confrontation between striking dockworkers and police turned deadly, earning the day the name 'Bloody Thursday'. The violence galvanized public support for the labor movement and led to significant advances in workers' rights. It marked a turning point in the struggle for union recognition on the West Coast. Today, Bloody Thursday is remembered as a symbol of working-class solidarity and resilience.

New York's Fifth of July commemorates the day when the state officially abolished slavery in 1827. Although emancipation was legally effective on July 4, many African Americans and abolitionists celebrated the following day. Festivities included parades, speeches, and community gatherings, becoming an important symbol of freedom. The celebration highlighted the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States. While no longer widely observed, the Fifth of July remains a poignant reminder of New York's role in the abolition movement.