September 04

On September 4, 1781, Los Angeles was founded as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de los Ángeles by a group of 44 Spanish settlers. Established along the banks of the Los Angeles River, it began as a small farming community supplying food to nearby missions and presidios. The settlement’s name honored the Virgin Mary as the Queen of the Angels. Over time, Los Angeles grew into a major center of trade, culture, and immigration in North America. Its humble origins are still celebrated in the city’s annual Fiesta de Los Angeles each September.

In late August 1949, a performance by singer and activist Paul Robeson in Peekskill ignited violent backlash. Undeterred by mobs and cross burnings, Robeson organized a follow-up concert on September 4. Thousands gathered despite threats to enjoy his powerful voice and hear calls for civil rights. The event became a symbol of artistic courage and the struggle against racial intolerance. Robeson's stand in Peekskill is remembered as a landmark moment in the fight for freedom of assembly.

The Little Rock Crisis began on September 4, 1957, when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus deployed the National Guard to prevent nine African American students from entering Little Rock Central High School. This defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision ignited a national confrontation over school desegregation. Images of angry crowds and armed guards were broadcast nationwide, galvanizing the Civil Rights Movement and leading to the landmark Cooper v. Aaron case in 1958. President Eisenhower's decision to federalize the Guard and send troops underscored the federal government's commitment to uphold civil rights. The events in Little Rock became a defining moment in America's struggle for racial equality.

Developed by the Oriental Land Company and designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, Tokyo DisneySea debuted as the second park at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Its seven themed ports, including Mediterranean Harbor, Arabian Coast, and Mysterious Island, offered immersive storytelling centered around the magic of the sea. Signature attractions like Journey to the Center of the Earth and Tower of Terror combined Disney storytelling with cutting-edge ride technology. The park’s architecture and detailed landscapes drew inspiration from global maritime legends and nautical exploration. Tokyo DisneySea quickly became known for its sophisticated design, elaborate shows, and culinary offerings not found in other Disney parks. Within months of opening, it recorded millions of visitors and received praise for its innovation. The park continues to rank among the world’s most visited and is celebrated for its ability to blend fantasy with cultural authenticity.