On September 15, 2020, Scientific American made history by endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time in its 175-year existence, backing Joe Biden in the U.S. presidential election. This marked a significant shift for the magazine, known primarily for its focus on scientific topics rather than political endorsements.
Historical Events and Cultural Milestones
The date is notable for many significant events throughout history. In 1812, Russian forces set fire to Moscow to thwart the advance of Napoleon Bonaparte and his troops. This drastic measure aimed to deny resources and shelter to the invading French, illustrating the desperation of the Russian defense.
Fast forward to 1954, a memorable moment in cinematic history occurred when Marilyn Monroe filmed the iconic scene in which her skirt is blown upwards by a subway vent while filming The Seven Year Itch. The scene, which became emblematic of Monroe’s career, caused outrage for her then-husband, Joe DiMaggio, who perceived it as overly provocative.
On this day in 1959, Nikita Khrushchev made headlines by becoming the first Soviet leader to visit the United States. His visit was seen as an attempt to ease tensions between Washington and Moscow during the Cold War.
Tragic Incidents and Cultural Advances
September 15 also serves as a reminder of the tragic events in U.S. history. In 1963, a bombing at a church in Birmingham, Alabama resulted in the deaths of four Black girls and further ignited the civil rights movement. The same day, two Black teenage boys were killed during citywide rioting.
In 1999, a devastating shooting at the Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, left seven people dead and seven others injured. The gunman took his own life after the attack, highlighting the increasing concerns over gun violence in the United States.
Years later, in 2011, a serious health crisis emerged as a widespread outbreak of listeria food poisoning was traced back to contaminated cantaloupes from a Colorado company. The outbreak led to approximately two dozen deaths across 20 states, prompting significant legal consequences for the farmers involved, who were sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution.
In a lighter turn, 2019 saw Norman Lear achieve the distinction of becoming the oldest recipient of an Emmy award at the age of 97. He won the Outstanding Variety Special award for his work on Live in Front of a Studio Audience.
In recent years, SpaceX made history with its launch of Inspiration4 in 2021, marking the first all-private orbital spaceflight. This mission showcased the evolving landscape of space exploration and commercial travel.
Each September 15 serves as a reminder of pivotal moments that have shaped history, culture, and society across the globe. From endorsements that influence political landscapes to events that highlight social struggles, the day is filled with reminders of human resilience and the complexities of progress.
