1860day.year
The future King Edward VII of the United Kingdom begins the first visit to North America by a Prince of Wales.
In 1860, Edward, Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII, became the first British heir to tour North America.
Accompanied by an elaborate royal entourage, the prince traveled by ship and rail across Canada and the United States.
He visited major cities such as Quebec, Toronto, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Crowds lined the railways and harbors, eager to witness a living monarch and celebrate Anglo-American ties.
The tour showcased advancements in transportation and highlighted the popularity of royal tours.
The visit helped strengthen diplomatic relations and set a precedent for future royal journeys abroad.
1860
Edward VII of the United Kingdom
1871day.year
Bishop John Coleridge Patteson, first bishop of Melanesia, is martyred on Nukapu, now in the Solomon Islands.
In 1871, Bishop John Coleridge Patteson, the first Anglican Bishop of Melanesia, was killed on Nukapu Island in the Solomon Islands.
A pioneering missionary and linguist, Patteson worked to establish schools, churches, and safe havens for Pacific Islanders.
He sought to protect islanders from blackbirding and negotiated peace among warring tribes.
During a visit to Nukapu, misunderstandings and rumors led islanders to attack and kill him.
His martyrdom galvanized public opinion in Britain and strengthened anti-slavery and missionary efforts.
Patteson is remembered for his compassion and dedication to cross-cultural dialogue amid colonial tensions.
1871
John Coleridge Patteson
Nukapu
1962day.year
James Meredith, an African American, is temporarily barred from entering the University of Mississippi.
On September 20, 1962, James Meredith was temporarily blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi, igniting a landmark civil rights battle.
James Meredith’s court-ordered attempt to register at the University of Mississippi was met with staunch resistance by segregationist state officials on September 20, 1962. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in his favor, Meredith faced physical threats and bureaucratic delays intended to prevent his attendance. The incident drew national attention to the struggle for desegregation in American higher education. President John F. Kennedy ultimately federalized the National Guard to enforce Meredith’s right to enroll, making him the first African American student at the university. His successful admission marked a watershed moment in the civil rights movement, challenging entrenched segregationist policies in the South. Meredith’s perseverance paved the way for further integration and inspired activists nationwide.
1962
James Meredith
1982day.year
NFL season: American football players in the National Football League begin a 57-day strike.
NFL players kick off a 57-day strike at the start of the 1982 season, halting the league’s opening week of games.
On September 20, 1982, over 1,700 NFL players walked out to protest for better free agency rights and higher pay.
The strike lasted 57 days, leading to the cancellation of seven weeks of regular-season games.
As a result, the league adopted a new collective bargaining agreement and introduced a 9-week playoff tournament.
The work stoppage underscored tensions between players and team owners over labor rights.
Despite the disruption, the strike paved the way for future negotiations and free agency reforms.
It remains one of the most significant labor actions in professional sports history.
1982
NFL season
2003day.year
Civil unrest in the Maldives breaks out after a prisoner is killed by guards.
Civil unrest erupts in the Maldives after a prisoner is killed by guards, highlighting tensions in the island nation's justice system.
On September 20, 2003, unrest broke out in the Maldives when guards at a local prison fatally beat a detainee. News of the inmate's death spread quickly, sparking protests and clashes between citizens and security forces. Demonstrators demanded accountability from the government and reforms to the legal and penal system. The disturbances were among the most significant in the nation's recent history, indicating growing public frustration. Authorities responded with a mix of concessions and force, including curfews and arrests. The events underscored challenges in governance, human rights, and transparency. They also accelerated discussions on judicial reform and political liberalization in the archipelago.
2003
Civil unrest in the Maldives
2007day.year
Between 15,000 and 20,000 protesters march on Jena, Louisiana, United States, in support of six black youths who had been convicted of assaulting a white classmate.
Up to 20,000 protesters converge on Jena, Louisiana, after six Black teens are convicted in a racially charged schoolyard brawl, sparking national debate on justice and racism.
On September 20, 2007, a large demonstration took place in Jena, Louisiana, drawing between 15,000 and 20,000 participants. The protest was organized after six African American teenagers were convicted of aggravated assault for fighting with a white classmate, following a series of racially tense incidents at Jena High School. Activists and civil rights groups accused local authorities of racial bias in both the legal proceedings and school disciplinary actions. The rally attracted attention from national figures, including Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. While mostly peaceful, the march highlighted deep divisions over race relations in America. The event galvanized discussions on sentencing disparities and the broader struggle for racial equality. It remains a significant moment in the modern civil rights movement.
2007
six black youths
2011day.year
The United States military ends its "don't ask, don't tell" policy, allowing gay men and women to serve openly for the first time.
The United States officially ends its "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military.
On September 20, 2011, the US Department of Defense formally repealed the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) policy that had barred openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals from military service since 1993. The repeal followed months of legislative debate and certification by President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen. Implementation plans were set in motion to ensure a smooth transition and maintain unit cohesion. The policy change was hailed as a historic victory for LGBTQ rights and military inclusivity. Opponents raised concerns about morale and privacy, but studies after repeal found no negative impact on readiness. The end of DADT paved the way for further advancements in equality for service members.
2011
don't ask, don't tell
2019day.year
Roughly four million people, mostly students, demonstrate across the world to address climate change. Sixteen-year-old Greta Thunberg from Sweden leads the demonstration in New York City.
Around four million people, led by teen activist Greta Thunberg, strike worldwide to demand urgent action on climate change.
On September 20, 2019, an estimated four million students and activists participated in coordinated climate strikes across 150 countries. The demonstrations, part of the 'Fridays for Future' movement, were inspired by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who led the New York City protest outside the United Nations. Participants called on governments and corporations to implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. The scale of the strikes marked one of the largest environmental protests in history and elevated climate change to a top international priority. Leaders at the UN Climate Action Summit faced intense scrutiny from youth delegates. The global movement showcased the power of grassroots activism and the growing influence of young voices in the fight for environmental justice.
2019
demonstrate across the world to address climate change
Greta Thunberg