TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

Oct. 16, 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.

ON THIS DATE 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.

1995

A vast throng of Black men gathered in Washington, D.C., for the “Million Man March” led by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.