November 24 has witnessed a series of significant historical events throughout the years. The day is marked by pivotal occurrences spanning different fields, such as politics, science, and social justice.
Key Events on November 24
1963: Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald
On this date in 1963, Jack Ruby infamously shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas. Oswald was the primary suspect in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This shocking event occurred in front of live television cameras, captivating the nation.
1859: Darwin’s Evolution Theory
British naturalist Charles Darwin published his groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species.” This publication introduced the theory of evolution through natural selection, fundamentally changing the understanding of biological science.
1865: Enactment of Black Codes
Mississippi became the first Southern state to adopt laws known as “Black Codes.” These laws aimed to restrict the rights of newly emancipated African Americans. Other former Confederate states soon followed suit.
1947: The Hollywood Ten
A group of writers, directors, and producers became known as the “Hollywood Ten.” They were cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions regarding supposed communist influences in the film industry.
1971: The Mystery of D.B. Cooper
A man identified as Dan Cooper, later dubbed “D.B. Cooper,” hijacked a plane in 1971. After receiving $200,000 in ransom, he parachuted from a Northwest Orient Airlines 727 over the Pacific Northwest. His fate remains a mystery to this day.
1974: Discovery of Lucy
In 1974, scientists in Ethiopia uncovered the skeletal remains of a hominid nicknamed “Lucy.” These fragments date back around 3.2 million years, providing crucial insights into human evolution.
1991: Freddie Mercury’s Passing
Rock legend Freddie Mercury, renowned as the lead singer of Queen, passed away on November 24, 1991, in London. He died at the age of 45 due to complications from AIDS-related pneumonia.
2012: Tragic Factory Fire in Bangladesh
A devastating fire broke out in a garment factory in Bangladesh that supplied major Western retailers. The incident claimed the lives of 112 people, with many victims trapped by a lack of emergency exits in the building.
2014: Ferguson Protests
In 2014, a grand jury in St. Louis County, Missouri, opted not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown. This decision sparked widespread protests, leading to violent clashes and property damage in Ferguson.
2017: Sinai Mosque Attack
A terrorist attack on a mosque in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula resulted in the deaths of at least 235 individuals. The assault was attributed to a local affiliate of the Islamic State.
2021: Convictions in Ahmaud Arbery Case
Three men were convicted of murder in the February 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery while he was running through a Georgia neighborhood. This case highlighted ongoing issues of racial injustice in the United States.
2023: Derek Chauvin Assault
In 2023, Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd, sustained serious injuries after being stabbed by another inmate. He has since been transferred to a different correctional facility for his safety.
These events reflect the historical significance of November 24 across various spheres, showcasing moments of triumph and tragedy that have shaped societal narratives over time.
