October 26

Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases was published by African American journalist and activist Ida B. Wells on October 26, 1892. Drawing on her investigations, Wells documented multiple lynching cases and challenged the prevailing justifications of white mobs. She accused local authorities of complicity and appealed to the conscience of the nation. The pamphlet was widely circulated in the North and helped launch the anti-lynching movement. Wells’s work laid the foundation for civil rights advocacy and remains a seminal piece of investigative journalism against racial violence.

On October 26, 2004, Rockstar Games launched Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas exclusively for the PlayStation 2 in North America. Set in the early 1990s, the open-world game follows protagonist Carl "CJ" Johnson as he navigates crime and corruption in a fictional California. The title introduced expansive environments, character customization, and an engaging storyline blending action and satire. Its innovative gameplay and controversial themes fueled both critical acclaim and public debate over video game violence. San Andreas sold over 12 million units on PS2, cementing its status as the console’s all-time best-seller. The game influenced the design of future open-world titles and remains a landmark in gaming history. Its soundtrack, radio stations, and immersive world-building continue to be celebrated by fans and developers alike.