TODAY IN HISTORY

1793

During the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, was beheaded.

1859

Radical abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry in what was then a part of western Virginia.

1934

Chinese Communists, under siege by the Nationalists, began their “long march” lasting a year from southeastern to northwestern China.

1962

The Cuban missile crisis began as President

John F. Kennedy was informed that reconnaissance photographs had revealed the presence of missile bases in Cuba.

1968

American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos sparked controversy at the Mexico City Olympics by giving “Black power” salutes during a victory ceremony after they’d won gold and bronze medals in the 200-meter race.

1984

Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu was named winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of non-violent struggle for racial equality in South Africa. Birthdays

Actor Angela Lansbury is 96. Actor Barry Corbin is 81. Rock singer-musician Bob Weir is

74. Rock musician Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 59. Rock singer Chad Gray (Mudvayne) is 50. Singer John Mayer is

44. Actor Jeremy Jackson is 41.