Gwendolyn L. Ifill was born on September 29, 1955, in Jamaica, Queens. The first African American woman to host a national political show and moderate a vice presidential debate, she was widely known and respected for her integrity and ability to remain unbiased.
On September 8, 1966, the first episode of Star Trek premiered on television. While the original series only lasted three seasons, it developed a cult following, leading to movies, several new series, comics, games, and more.
Louis Daniel Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Armstrong was one of the most influential jazz musicians in American history. His distinct gravelly voice, skill in improvising lyrics, and mastery of the trumpet helped make jazz music a popular art form.
Poet Paul Laurence Dunbar was born on June 27, 1872, in Dayton, Ohio. He was one of the most prolific African American writers his time, despite having his life cut short by illness.
Legendary illustrator Albert Hirschfeld was born on June 21, 1903, in St. Louis, Missouri. Hirschfeld’s work was so iconic, the USPS broke their own rules to feature his illustrations on two sets of stamps…
Irish tenor John McCormack was born on June 14, 1884, in Athlone, Ireland. Eventually becoming an American citizen, he was internationally renowned for his singing abilities and breath control.
On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey. The number of drive-ins in the US would eventually grow to over 4,000, becoming a beloved pastime for millions.
Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope was born on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, London, England. Hope was the most honored entertainer in history, but his greatest legacy was the gift of laughter he brought to millions of American service men and women stationed far from home.
Henry Jaynes Fonda was born on May 16, 1905, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Known for his roles in The Grapes of Wrath, 12 Angry Men, and On Golden Pond, among many others, Fonda was one of the most successful actors of his era. He was named the sixth greatest male screen legend of the Classic Hollywood era.