TODAY IN HISTORY

1962

James Meredith, a Black student, was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Democratic Gov. Ross R. Barnett.

1984

A suicide car bomber attacked the U.S. Embassy annex in north Beirut, killing at least 14people, including two Americans and 12 Lebanese. The family sitcoms

“The Cosby Show” and “Who’s the Boss?” premiered on NBC and ABC, respectively.

2001

During an address to a joint session of Congress, President George W. Bush announced a new Cabinet-level office to fortify homeland security and named Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge its director.

2011

Repeal of the U.S. military’s 18-year-old “don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise took effect, allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly.

2017

Hurricane Maria, the strongest hurricae to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80years, struck the island, wiping out as much as 75 percent of the power distribution lines and causing an island-wide blackout.