JFK AssassinatedOn November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas, President John F. Kennedy was riding in a motorcade when several shots were fired, striking the President in the neck, back, and head. There are many theories on who did it, but Lee Harvey Oswald was caught at the scene of the crime with numerous pieces of evidence against him. Oswald was at the scene of the crime and there were bullet shells from his rifle, both found on the scene. Still, many question whether Oswald was innocent or framed. During his presidency, JFK had smartly prevented nuclear war with the Soviet Union because of their Cuban missiles, as well as creating Peace Corps. and NASA.
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Malcolm X AssassinatedMalcolm X, a critical religious and political leader, was assassinated on February 21, 1965, one week after his home was firebombed. Malcolm X first began his journey with religion while serving in prison because of armed robbery. After he got out, he became the Minister of the Nation of Islam's New York Temple. In 1964, Malcolm eventually leaves and created new organizations called Muslim Mosque, Inc. and later Organizations of Afro-American Unity. He then spreads his message across the Middle East and Asia, as well as America and led many civil rights events including Unity Rally.
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In 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first African-American to be elected as Supreme Court Justice. Starting in Baltimore, Marshall attended law school at Howard University before becoming part of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. As part of the NAACP, Marshall played a significant role in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas case in 1954. By winning this case, segregation of schools was not allowed. While on the Court, Marshall stayed true to his morals of equality for all. He continued working with the Court until his retirement in 1991.
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Marilyn Monroe Found DeadMarilyn Monroe, formerly Norma Jean, was found dead on August 5, 1962 at age 36. She was discovered at her home, overdosed on sleeping pills. It was ruled a suicide, yet many believe it may have been connected to the supposed affair between her and President Kennedy. Monroe began her career slowly, gradually building popularity until a nude photo shoot boosted her fame. At that point, she acted in movies until her death.
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First Woman in Space
Russian born Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman to travel into space. Beginning her journey on June 16, 1963, Tereshkova boarded the Vostok 6 and remained in space for 71 hours. She was honored the United Nations Gold Medal of Peace. Though she never traveled in space again, Tereshkova became a spokeswoman for the Soviet Union. Though this did not directly effect the US, this event made them feel as though they had to make a larger impact on space history.
Written by Elizabeth Zelenka