DAY IN HISTORY

Friday, June 19, 2020

Today is the 171st day of 2020 and the 93rd day of spring.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1865, with the arrival of federal troops, slaves in Texas were informed of their freedom. The day is celebrated as the holiday Juneteenth.

In 1934, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created.

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was approved after a lengthy filibuster in the Senate.

In 1978, Jim Davis’ “Garfield” comic strip made its debut.

In 1991, the last Soviet troops left Hungary after 45 years of occupation.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS:

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), philosopher/scientist; Moe Howard (1897-1975), actor; Lou Gehrig (19031941), baseball player; Lester Flatt (1914-1979), bluegrass guitarist; Salman Rushdie (1947- ), author; Phylicia Rashad (1948- ), actress; Kathleen Turner (1954- ), actress; Paula Abdul (1962- ), singer/tv personality; Boris

Johnson (1964- ), British prime minister; Dirk Nowitzki (1978- ), basketball player; Zoe Saldana (1978- ), actress; Macklemore (1983- ), rapper; Paul Dano (1984- ), actor.

TODAY’S FACT: Juneteenth has been celebrated as an official state holiday in Texas since 1980.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1846, the New York Nine defeated the New York Knickerbockers by a score of 23-1 at Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey. The game is widely regarded as the first officially recorded baseball game under codified rules in the United States.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “There’s always something to suggest that you’ll never be who you wanted to be. Your choice is to take it or keep on moving.” — Phylicia Rashad

TODAY’S NUMBER: 83 — days for which senators in opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act filibustered the bill.

TODAY’S MOON: Between last quarter moon (June 12) and new moon (June 20).