1665day.year
The London Gazette, the oldest surviving journal, is first published.
The London Gazette, recognized as Britain’s oldest surviving journal, was first published on November 7, 1665.
On November 7, 1665, the London Gazette appeared for the first time, establishing itself as the world’s longest-running English-language newspaper. Originally titled The Oxford Gazette, it served to communicate official government notices during the plague in London. Its establishment under King Charles II provided a reliable source for state proclamations, military dispatches, and public information. Over time, the Gazette became an essential instrument for parliamentary and legal announcements. Its enduring publication chronicles centuries of British history and continues to operate as a government journal today.
1665
The London Gazette
1775day.year
John Murray (also known as Lord Dunmore), the Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia, starts the first mass emancipation of slaves in North America by issuing Lord Dunmore's Offer of Emancipation, which offers freedom to slaves who abandoned their colonial masters to fight with Murray and the British.
On November 7, 1775, Lord Dunmore offered freedom to slaves who joined British forces, initiating America’s first mass emancipation.
In a bold wartime measure on November 7, 1775, John Murray, the Royal Governor of Virginia known as Lord Dunmore, issued his Offer of Emancipation. The proclamation promised freedom to enslaved people who abandoned rebel colonial masters to fight for the British crown. This policy aimed to undermine the Patriots’ labor force while bolstering British military ranks. Thousands of enslaved men took up the offer, reshaping the social and political dynamics of Revolutionary America. Although many faced hardship and limited follow-through after the war, Dunmore’s decree marked the first large-scale emancipation plan in North America. The episode highlights the complex intersections of war, freedom, and colonial power.
1775
John Murray
Royal Governor
Colony of Virginia
Lord Dunmore's Offer of Emancipation
1837day.year
In Alton, Illinois, abolitionist printer Elijah P. Lovejoy is shot dead by a mob while attempting to protect his printing shop from being destroyed a third time.
In 1837, abolitionist publisher Elijah P. Lovejoy is killed by a pro-slavery mob in Alton, Illinois while defending his printing press.
Elijah P. Lovejoy, a staunch opponent of slavery, moved his printing press to Alton, Illinois, after facing earlier attacks.
On November 7, 1837, a mob intent on destroying his press stormed his warehouse.
Lovejoy courageously stood guard, firing into the crowd before being shot and killed.
His martyrdom galvanized the abolitionist movement, drawing national attention to the fight against slavery.
Press freedom advocates hailed him as a hero, and his death helped fuel growing anti-slavery sentiment leading up to the Civil War.
1837
Alton, Illinois
abolitionist
Elijah P. Lovejoy
1893day.year
Women's suffrage: Women in the U.S. state of Colorado are granted the right to vote, the second state to do so.
In 1893, Colorado becomes the second US state to grant women the right to vote after a popular referendum.
On November 7, 1893, Colorado voters approved a ballot initiative extending suffrage to women.
Campaigners had lobbied vigorously for months, holding meetings and publishing pamphlets across the state.
Their success followed Wyoming’s earlier decision, making Colorado the second state in the nation.
This victory energized suffragists elsewhere, demonstrating the power of organized grassroots activism.
It laid groundwork for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting national women’s suffrage.
1893
Women's suffrage
Colorado
1920day.year
Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow issues a decree that leads to the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.
Patriarch Tikhon's decree sparks the creation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, reshaping ecclesiastical life for exiles.
In November 1920, facing persecution by the new Soviet regime, Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow issued a decree allowing Russian Orthodox communities abroad to govern themselves. This measure aimed to ensure the survival of Russian religious traditions among expatriates and refugees. The decree led directly to the establishment of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), headquartered in Serbia. ROCOR provided spiritual leadership and maintained ecclesiastical continuity for émigré communities scattered across Europe and beyond. The new church body navigated complex relations with both the Soviet authorities and other Orthodox jurisdictions. Over the ensuing decades, ROCOR played a crucial role in preserving Russian liturgical practices and supporting displaced faithful during political upheavals.
1920
Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow
Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
1991day.year
Magic Johnson announces that he is HIV-positive and retires from the NBA.
In 1991, NBA star Magic Johnson shocked the world by revealing he was HIV-positive and stepping away from basketball at the peak of his career.
On November 7, 1991, Earvin “Magic” Johnson publicly announced his diagnosis of HIV, bringing global attention to the AIDS crisis.
His retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers stunned fans and highlighted the stigma surrounding the disease.
Before his announcement, Johnson had won five NBA championships and three MVP awards, cementing his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats.
His courageous disclosure challenged misconceptions about HIV transmission and sparked increased public awareness and education initiatives.
Johnson later became an advocate for HIV prevention and research, and made successful returns to the NBA in special appearances, using his platform to fight for change.
1991
Magic Johnson
HIV
NBA