Today in History–March 7–the Library of Congress features the first civil rights march from Selma, Alabama to the state capital in Montgomery, which was led on this day in 1965. Unfortunately, the marchers, which numbered about 600, had scarcely left Selma when they were were brutally assaulted by heavily armed state troopers and deputies. The ugly incident…
Today in History–February 10–the Library of Congress features singer Leontyne Price, born on this date in 1927. This opera star earned 20 Grammy awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Learn more about Price by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources about opera from across the Library. Leontyne Price Born from America’s Library Leontyne Price image set…
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features the 24th amendment, ratified on this day in 1964. This constitutional amendment barred the poll tax which, up until this time, required voters in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, and Virginia to pay in order to vote in a national election. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links to related…
Today in History–January 6–the Library of Congress features jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, who died on this date in 1993. Learn more about the terrific trumpeter-composer-bandleader who was one of the key figures in modern jazz music by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. Dizzy Gillespie from America’s Library Dizzy Gillespie, Carl Van Vechten image set Dizzy Gillespie, William…
Today in History–November 22–the Library of Congress features John F. Kennedy, assassinated on this day in 1963. Find out more about this tragic day in our nation’s history by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more resources and individual primary sources related to the 35th president of the United States. Primary sources Letter,…
Today in History–August 22–the Library of Congress features the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC), later renamed the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), which was formed on this day in 1966. Under the leadership of founders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, the UFW won many concessions for disenfranchised Mexican-American farmworkers. Find out more by reading the Today in History section, then clicking the…
Today in History–June 23–the Library of Congress features renowned choreographer Bob Fosse, born on this day in 1927. It seems Fosse was born into the business since his father worked in vaudeville. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more resources about Fosse, dance, and vaudeville. Robert “Bob”…