NEA DATEBOOK

Today is the 303rd day of 2020 and the

38th day of autumn.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1929, the New York Stock Exchange crashed in what came to be called “Black Tuesday,” marking the beginning of the Great Depression.

In 1966, the newly formed National Organization for Women held its first national conference.

In 1969, the first connection on ARPANET (the precursor to the internet) was made between computers at UCLA and Stanford Research Institute.

In 2004, European leaders signed the first constitution of the European Union.

In 2015, China announced the end of its one-child policy after 35 years.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Fanny Brice (1891-1951), singer/comedian; Bill Mauldin (1921-2003), cartoonist; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (1938- ), Liberian president; Bob Ross (19421995), painter/instructor; Richard Dreyfuss (1947- ), actor; Lee Child (1954- ), author; Dan Castellaneta (1957- ), actor; David

Remnick (1958- ), journalist/editor; Joely Fisher (1967- ), actress; Winona Ryder

(1971- ), actress; Gabrielle Union (1972- ), actress; Ben Foster (1980- ), actor; India Eisley (1993- ), actress.

TODAY’S FACT: Liberian President

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was Africa’s first female elected head of state.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1960, Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali) made his professional boxing debut, winning a sixround decision over Tunney Hunsaker.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “You were fly, dope, and amazing from birth ... From the second you took your first breath, you were worthwhile and valid. And I’m sorry you had to wait so long to learn that for yourself.” — Gabrielle Union, “We’re Going To Need More Wine”

TODAY’S NUMBER: 77 — age of astronaut John Glenn when he flew into orbit aboard the space shuttle Discovery on this day in 1998, making Glenn the oldest person ever to travel in space.