Dr. Charles E. Whitman, Jr., Historian at Large

What Happened On October 15th? Founding of the Black Panther Party (1966) October 15th, 1966 witnessed the founding of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. The party emerged as a response to systemic racism and police brutality faced by African Americans during the civil rights movement. The Black Panthers advocated for social justice, equal rights, and self-defense for Black communities. Their iconic black berets, armed patrols, and community programs aimed at providing education, healthcare, and food made them a symbol of empowerment and resistance. The legacy of the Black Panther…

What Happened On October 12th? Columbus Arrives in the Americas (1492) On October 12th, 1492, the Italian explorer named Christopher Columbus, under the sponsorship of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, made landfall in the Americas. This historic voyage, known as the "Columbian Exchange," forever changed the course of history by bridging the gap between Europe and the New World. Columbus' arrival marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and colonization, forever altering the history, culture, and demography of both continents. Although Columbus' arrival brought forth immense repercussions, it is crucial to recognize the devastating impact it had on…

What Happened On October 1st? Ford Launches New Vehicle (1908) While tragedies have left their scars, October 1st has also witnessed historic events that continue to shape the world we live in. One such moment took place in 1908 when Henry Ford introduced the Model T automobile. As the first operating automobile ever, this invention severely impacted the evolution of the various car companies throughout the world. This groundbreaking invention revolutionized transportation and paved the way for modern-day automobiles, changing the course of history forever. Disney Channel Makes Its Debut (1961) In 1961, another momentous event occurred on this date…

What Happened On September 27th? The Infamous Black Monday Crash (1987) On September 27th, 1987, the world witnessed one of the most devastating stock market crashes in history - the infamous Black Monday Crash. It sent shockwaves through the global financial system, causing widespread panic and wiping out billions of dollars in a matter of hours. The crash was triggered by various factors, including overvaluation of stocks, increased computerized trading, and a lack of regulations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted by a staggering 22.6%, leaving investors in a state of disbelief. The repercussions of Black Monday were felt for…

What Happened On September 19th? Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (1824) On September 19th, 1824, Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, also known as the "Choral Symphony," had its premiere in Vienna, Austria. This momentous occasion marked the completion of Beethoven's final symphony and was a true masterpiece that set a new standard for classical music. The symphony, with its powerful and uplifting "Ode to Joy" finale, showcased Beethoven's genius and innovative approach to composition. The premiere was a resounding success, with the audience erupting into thunderous applause. Today, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony remains one of the most celebrated and beloved musical pieces in…