Fact 1: The Day of Native Tongue
February 21 is celebrated as International Mother Language Day. Adopted by UNESCO in 1999, it is a day to promote, protect and preserve the diversity of languages around the globe. The day has its roots in the Bangladeshi Language Movement, where Bangladeshi students lost their lives, demonstrating for their right to speak in Bengali.
Fact 2: An Important Day for Civil Rights
On February 21 in 1965, an assassination that rocked the world occurred. Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, was killed while he was giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. This day marks an important, though tragic, moment in American history.
Fact 3: The Invention of the Telegraph
February 21, 1848, marks the day when Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail received their patent for the telegraph, a revolutionary invention of communication in that era. This system allowed messages to be transmitted over long distances, drastically changing the world of communication.
Fact 4: The Birth of Nina Simone
The world renowned jazz singer, Nina Simone, was born on February 21, 1933. Known for blending jazz, classical music, and blues into her own style, her impact resonates within both music and activist circles till this day.
Fact 5: The Death of The Chicano Poet
On February 21, 2008, the renowned poet Alurista, also known as Alberto Baltazar Urista Heredia, died. Hailed as a one of the foundational voices of Chicano poetry, his work has been translated into over a dozen languages.
Fact 6: The Launch of The New Yorker
February 21, 1925, saw the debut of the notable magazine, The New Yorker. Established by Harold Ross and Jane Grant, the publication is famed for its commentaries on popular culture, meticulous journalism and iconic cartoons.
Fact 7: The Birth of Sophie Turner
Popular actress Sophie Turner, best-known for her role as Sansa Stark in the TV series "Game of Thrones," was born on February 21, 1996. She is also noted for her role in the X-Men film series.
Fact 8: A Day for Sticky Buns
This day is also marked as 'National Sticky Bun Day' in the United States. It offers the perfect opportunity to indulge and enjoy the sweet, syrupy goodness of sticky buns.
Fact 9: The Birth of Ellen Page
Acclaimed actress Ellen Page, known for her powerful performances in films like "Juno" and "Inception", was born on February 21, 1987. She has won numerous awards for her performances and is hailed as a role model within the LGBTQ+ community.
Fact 10: Nixon's Historic Visit to China
On February 21, 1972, President Richard Nixon visited China, making history. This marked the first time a U.S president visited the country while in office, initiating a process that started normalizing relations between the two nations.
Fact 11: The Birth of Alan Rickman
One of Britain's most beloved actors, Alan Rickman, was born on this day in 1946. Gaining widespread fame for his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, he was renowned for his distinctive voice and the intensity of his performances.
Fact 12: A Day to Remember Peanuts
"National Grain-Free Day," celebrated annually on February 21, invites people to explore grain alternatives in meals, focusing on the mighty peanut. This legume offers a healthy, protein-rich alternative to grains.
Fact 13: February 21 Belongs to Pisces
Born between February 18 and March 20, Pisces is the zodiac sign for this date. Pisces are believed to be empathetic, artistic, and intuitive.
Fact 14: The Birth of Anais Nin
Anais Nin, an important author of the 20th-century known for her writings exploring the human psyche and female sexuality, was born on this day in 1903.
Fact 15: The Evolution of the Mobile Phone
On February 21, 2001, Nokia 3310 was introduced to the world. This device was one of the most durable and popular cell phones of its time.
Fact 16: Karl Marx's Manifesto Published
The Communist Manifesto, one of the most influential political manuscripts ever written, was published on February 21, 1848. Authored by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, it set forth the principles of Marxism.
Fact 17: An Important Day for Pluto
On February 21, 1930, Pluto, once regarded as the ninth planet in our solar system, was photographed for the first time at the Lowell Observatory.
Fact 18: The Birth of Alan Trammell
Alan Trammell, a former professional baseball shortstop, manager and coach, was born on February 21, 1958. A prolonged player for Detroit Tigers, he is notable for his contributions to the sport.
Fact 19: The Debut of The Beach Boys' Album
On this day in 1964, America's favorite surf rock band, The Beach Boys, released their album, 'Shut Down Volume 2’. It includes the hit 'Fun, Fun, Fun'.
Fact 20: A Step Forward in Human Rights
Lastly, February 21, 1961, is remembered as the day when the United States Supreme Court ruled that the "White" and "Colored" signs in courtrooms were unconstitutional. This ruling was a significant stride towards racial equality within the United States.