Spanish retreat from Aztec capital


Photo12/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

June 30, 1520: Faced with an Aztec revolt against their rule, forces under the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés fight their way out of Tenochtitlan at heavy cost. Known to the Spanish as La Noche Triste, or “the Night of Sadness,” many soldiers drowned in Lake Texcoco when the vessel carrying them and Aztec treasures hoarded by Cortés sank. Montezuma II, the Aztec emperor who had become merely a subject of Cortés in the previous year, was also killed during the struggle; by the Aztecs or the Spanish, it is not known.

Tenochtitlan was founded in 1325 A.D. by a wandering tribe of hunters and gatherers on islands in Lake Texcoco, near the present site of Mexico City. In only one century, this civilization grew into the Aztec Empire, due largely to its advanced system of agriculture. The empire came to dominate central Mexico and by the ascendance of Montezuma II in 1502 had reached its greatest extent, reaching as far south as perhaps modern-day Nicaragua. At the time, the empire was held together primarily by Aztec military strength, and Montezuma II set about establishing a bureaucracy, creating provinces that would pay tribute to the imperial capital of Tenochtitlan. The conquered peoples resented the Aztec demands for tribute and victims for the religious sacrifices, but the Aztec military kept rebellion at bay.

Source: history.com for the complete article

USDA~ FSN ~ FDA ~ June 2026 -Recalls – Food Safety Alerts – Previous Month & last day of prior month update


** La Ceiba Foods Latin Market Inc. Recalls Cottage Cheese Products Because of Possible Health Risk. La Ceiba Foods Latin Market Inc. is conducting a recall of Requesón Salvadoreño (Salvadoran Cottage Cheese) and Requesón Mexicano (Mexican Cottage Cheese) products marketed under the La Colonia and Selectos Latinos brands, due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers with questions can contact the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, on behalf of Clover Hill Dairy, at 240-528-8850 extension 327, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time).

La ColoniaSalvadoreno Requeson,
Soft Ricotta Cheese
73684638309914 oz05/11/2026-
06/01/2026
07/10/2026
Selectos
Latinos
Requeson Salvadoreno,
Ricotta Style Salvadorean
Style Cheese
76778798452616 oz05/11/2026-
06/01/2026
07/10/2026
Selectos
Latinos
Requeson Mexicano,
Mexican Cottage Cheese
76778798451916 oz05/11/2026-
06/01/2026
07/10/2026
Clover HillBuket of Requeson 18 lb05/11/2026-
06/01/2026
07/10/2026

** TAHER, Inc

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat chicken Caesar wrap products due to concerns that the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes ( Lm). A recall was…as not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase TAHER, Inc

Impacted Products

8.7-oz. clear plastic wrapped packages of “FRESH SEASONS Kitchen Chicken Caesar Wrap” with “Sell By:6/24/2026” printed on the back label above the ingredients.

** Arizer Solo III Portable Vaporizers Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury or Death; Imported by 7111495 Canada.

Hazard: The internal lithium-ion battery can explode or ignite, posing fire and burn hazards.

** TOMY Recalls Boon NURSH 8 oz Reusable Baby Bottles Due to Choking Hazard; Sold at Walmart. The hard plastic outer shell can bubble or partially peel off, resulting in loose pieces of film-like plastic that pose a choking hazard to young children.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled baby bottles immediately and contact TOMY to receive a refund in the form of a $22 booninc.com store credit or a replacement set of three bottles in a different color. 

** Joyin Recalls Sloosh Dive Sticks Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Impalement; Violate Federal Dive Sticks Ban

The recalled dive sticks violate the federal dive sticks ban because they exceeded the compress limit, posing an impalement hazard. In shallow water, children may fall or land on a dive stick, resulting in serious piercing injuries. Facial and eye injuries are also possible when children attempt to retrieve the sticks underwater.

Remedy:

Consumers should stop using the recalled dive sticks immediately, take them away from children and dispose of them. Consumers will be asked to take a photo of the disposed dive sticks in the trash and email it to Joyin at support@joyin.com. Once received, Joyin will send the consumer redesigned dive sticks that meet federal regulations.

** MorningStar Farms Voluntarily Recalling Two Varieties Due to Possible Plastic Presence.

MORNINGSTAR FARMS is voluntarily recalling two varieties of products in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Costa Rica because of possible plastic pieces in the food. Recalled varieties are: MORNINGSTAR FARMS Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets (10.5 oz) and MORNINGSTAR FARMS Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties (8 oz).

MORNINGSTAR FARMS
Buffalo Chikn’n Nuggets
000 28989 10110 510.5 ozJuly 07 2027 
July 08 2027
MORNINGSTAR FARMS 
Hot and Spicy Sausage 
Patties
000 28989 10094 88.0 ozJuly 05 2027 
July 06 2027 
July 07 2027

No other MORNINGSTAR FARMS brand products are affected by the recall.

Consumers can contact Consumer Affairs Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM EST, by calling 800-962-0120 or texting 877-453-5837.

** Clover Hill Dairy Expands Recall to Include All Clover Hill Dairy Brand Cheese Due to Possible Health Risk Consumers with questions may contact Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission on behalf of Clover Hill Dairy at 240-528-8850 extension 327 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm eastern standard time. Clover Hill Dairy products are sold directly from their retail market, at farmers markets, and through third party distributors in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Products may be relabeled under a different brand name when distributed, including but not limited to KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO, RIO LINDO. Consumers are urged to check the manufacturer information on packages, if available. The label on clamshell containers should identify the Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit (or plant) number as “24-128”.

Link to Original Press Release

Link to FDA Advisory

** Fry Pie Factory has issued a voluntary recall of its 5-ounce Pepperoni Rolls due to misbranding involving undeclared milk, a known allergen, and a process deviation related to refrigeration. The recalled products were distributed by Fry Pie Factory throughout Ohio and parts of West Virginia in convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations.

No illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard the Pepperoni Rolls or return them to Fry Pie Factory for a full refund.

Customers with questions may contact Mark Thompson at 405-990-4657.

** Potential fungal contamination under certain environmental conditions, allowing the growth of Aspergillus penicillioides. Company Name: BDBrand Name:

BDProduct Description:

ChloraPrep Clear – 1 mL Applicators and ChloraPrep FREPP Clear 1.5 mL Applicators

Affected 
Product NDC 
Product Name Catalog (REF)
Number
Lot 
Number
Expiry 
Date 
Product Package 
Size
54365-400-31BD ChloraPrep™ 
Clear – 1 mL Applicators
930480403218301/31/202760 Applicators per 
Inner Carton
54365-400-30BD ChloraPrep™ FREPP™ 
Clear 1.5 mL Applicators
930299407300503/31/202720 Applicators per 
Inner Carton

In addition, BD is recalling other lots out of an abundance of caution as outlined in the customer letter (External Link Disclaimer.

** The World Health Organization (WHO) is marking World Food Safety Day on June 7 with the release of new global estimates of the impact of foodborne illness. Unsafe food is responsible for about 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths each year, according to the new WHO estimates. That’s similar to the impact of diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, or malaria. Children younger than 5 years of age face almost three times the risk of illness from unsafe food compared to older children and adults.

** Target is voluntarily recalling Up & Up Fragrance Free and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes following customer complaints of product discoloration, and FDA testing that identified the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in product samples. The recalled wipes were manufactured by a supplier and sold at Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com.

Out of an abundance of caution, Target is recalling the following products:

  • Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes
    • 20 Count: UPC 085239265956
    • 72 Count: UPC 085239265949
    • 216 Count: UPC 085239265963
    • 800 Count: UPC 085239266137
    • 1200 Count: UPC 085239266090
  • Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes
    • 72 Count: UPC 085239265970
    • 216 Count: UPC 085239265994
    • 800 Count: UPC 085239265987
  • The Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes are packaged in plastic pouches with each pouch containing 20, 72, or 100 wipes. The wipes were sold individually in 20 and 72 count pouches, a bundle of three 72 count pouches (216 wipes) and 100 count pouches packaged in 800 count and 1200 count boxes.
    • Fragrance Free Baby Wipes with a manufacturing date code of November 07, 2025 (071125X/XX) to May 5, 2026 (050526X/XXX) and expiration dates between May 10, 2028 (100528) through November 5, 2028 (051128)
  • The Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes are packaged in plastic pouches with each pouch containing 72 or 100 wipes. The wipes were sold individually in 72 count pouches, a bundle of three 72 count pouches (216 wipes) and 100 count pouches packaged in 800 count boxes.
    • Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes with a manufacturing code of December 29, 2025 (291225X/XX) to December 30, 2025 (301225X/XX) and expiration dates between June 29, 2028 (290628) through June 30, 2028 (300628).

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to any Target store for a full refund. Consumers can contact Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily for more information.

** Covina, CA – Beekeeper’s Naturals is voluntarily recalling lot # 5950, Exp. Date 02/2028 of Beekeeper’s Naturals Saline Nasal Spray, sold only through Amazon, to the consumer level. This lot, produced at a third-party manufacturer, tested above our acceptable microbiological limits for yeast and may contain Aspergillus spp. If you think you have this lot of Beekeeper’s Naturals Saline Nasal Spray:

  • Check the lot number on the bottom or back label of your Beekeeper’s Naturals Saline Nasal Spray
  • If it reads Lot 5950 (Best By: 02/2028), discontinue use
  • Contact us at contact@beekeepersnaturals.com or 1-888-759-6910, Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm ET, for a refund, or if you have any other questions.
  • If you have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product, contact your physician or healthcare provider

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

** Clover Hill Dairy of Mechanicsville, Maryland is voluntarily recalling all Soft Ricotta/Requeson Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, or others with weakened immune systems. Clover Hill Soft Ricotta/Requeson cheese was distributed from May 4th, 2026 through May 30th, 2026 in the following states: North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, DC through bulk distributors, retail stores and directly to consumers.

Clover Hill Soft Ricotta/Requeson cheese was sold in retail size packaging as ten (10), twelve (12) and fourteen (14) ounce individually packaged clamshell containers. For clamshell containers with the Clover Hill Dairy Cheese brand name, please look for Clover Hill Dairy’s plant number 24-128 on the product label to assist with identifying the recalled product.

The recalled cheese was also sold in bulk five (5) gallon and two (2) gallon buckets to some customers that repackaged the cheese. Please note the bulk cheese may be repackaged under individual bulk distributor brand names including but not limited to: KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO, RIO LINDO.

To the best of our knowledge, to date, eight (8) cases of Listeria infections.

Consumers with questions may contact Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission on behalf of Clover Hill Dairy at 240-528-8850 extension 327.

** Nara Organics of New York, NY, is voluntarily recalling all lots of Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula currently on the market out of an abundance of caution due to the potential risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula was distributed nationally across Target retail stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026. The 3 infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG (Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous) in California, Washington, and Pennsylvania. There are no reported deaths.

The three specific product lots these infants were exposed to are: 709125280E14F2, 709125288E14F2, 708125174E14F2. To date, Nara infant formula has not tested positive for C. botulinum Nara Infant Formula is not distributed outside of the USA. To report an illness or adverse event, you can:

Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA

Report a Product Problem through SmartHub

Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online

Affected Product Details:

Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula, 400g, with UPC: 860013251918

Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula, 700g, with UPC 860013251901

** The second largest Salmonella outbreak in New York state history was caused by chicken salad served to inmates at the Broome County Correctional Facility in Binghamton, according to local public health officials. More than 300 inmates were sickened in late May. Four were hospitalized.

** At least 60 people in Idaho are sick with campylobacter infections after consuming raw, unpasteurized milk. State health officials have identified, but not named, two dairies as the sources of the raw milk that caused the illness. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill thatraises the monthly cap on direct raw milk sales from 100 gallons to 1,500 gallons. Sales of the product must still occur only at the farm where the milk is produced

** 6/7 ~ The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has confirmed that beef kofta samples collected from The Kebab Shop restaurants in California contain the E. coli O157:H7 strain responsible for a recent outbreak. As of June 1, nine patients have tested positive for E. coli as a result of eating beef from The Kebab Shop. Six are children, and two of them have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure, brain damage or death in some cases.

** Champion Foods LLC of New Boston, Michigan, is voluntarily recalling certain batches of Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread (“5 Cheese Bread”) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This action follows a California Dairies, Inc. milk powder recall due to a concern of potential Salmonella contamination. Affected 5 Cheese Bread lots were distributed and sold nationwide at retailers including Costco, Walmart, Giant Landover, Grocery Outlet, Jewel, Kroger, Schnucks, Target, C&S, Bozzuto’s, Brookshire Grocery, Meijer, Food City, KeHe, Lipari, Publix, Merchants Dis Hickory, PDI/Hy-Vee, River Valley, SpartanNash, Supervalu, and UNFI. Consumers who purchased one of the recalled lots listed above may contact Champion Foods LLC directly info@motorcitypizzacompany.com for more information. For media inquiries, please contact media@championfoods.com.

** Dexcom Uncovers Theft of Scrapped Product, Notifies Potentially Impacted Users. DexCom, Inc. (Nasdaq: DXCM), the global leader in glucose biosensing, announced today that, through ongoing quality and accounting reviews it recently identified certain lots of Dexcom G7 sensors originally designated as scrap and intended for destruction were stolen during the destruction process, then sold by third parties.

Scrapping limited amounts of sensors that do not meet Dexcom standards is a routine part of the company’s quality control process. Sensors identified as scrap are sent to a third-party vendor for destruction and recycling.

At this time, Dexcom has identified two lots of Dexcom G7 sensors (1725204004 and 1725069002) that were stolen, sold and used by some customers.

** Chocolate bars recalled because they contain sildenafil JXK Enterprises Inc. is recalling Boner Bears Chocolate, Lot #BB21125, after being notified that FDA laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of sildenafil, an active ingredient in the FDA-approved prescription drug

** Infant formula recalled because of cereulide contamination The a2 Milk Company (“a2MC”) has recalled three specific batches of its imported a2 Platinum Premium USA label infant formula 0-12 months because of the presence of cereulide. The product

** More moringa products recalled because of Salmonella Total Nutrition Inc. of Deer Park, NY, is recalling TNVitamins Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood and Doctor’s Pride Complete Green Superfood Ultra Potent Moringa Capsules because they have the

** FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef Kofta Products Served at The Kebab Shop Restaurant Locations Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that beef kofta products served at The Kebab Shop restaurant locations may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. The beef kofta was produced as a raw ground beef product by Olympia Food Industries, Inc. dba Olympia Foods (Est. 18743) in Franklin Park, Illinois, on January 6, 2026, and supplied to The Kebab Shop restaurant locations in California, Texas, and Florida.
The problem was discovered as part of an ongoing illness outbreak investigation. FSIS, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and local health departments in California are investigating a localized outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that includes 9 sick people in California. As of May 24, 2026, illness onset dates have been reported ranging from March 27, 2026, to April 30, 2026. Because the identified illnesses are limited to California, CDPH is leading this investigation with FSIS. FSIS continues to keep its federal partners informed as the investigation progresses. FSIS collected raw ground beef kofta product samples that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product samples are related to the specific outbreak strain.

FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers in California, Texas, and Florida are aware of the outbreak. The Kebab Shop stopped selling beef kofta at all of its restaurant locations on May 18, 2026. Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact The Kebab Shop at 888-965-5821 or FoodSafety@thekebabshop.com.

**

Child Brides … the history is long!


See the source image
Source of image: internet #cbn

So, did you know there are three different ways states define “child marriage,” and that’s why sources disagree:

States with NO minimum age at all.

States with a full ban (18, no exceptions)

States with a minimum age + exceptions

It is now 2026, and child marriage is still legal in 33–34 U.S. states. Only 17 states and D.C. have fully banned it with no exceptions. Three states — California, Mississippi, and New Mexico — still have no minimum age at all, meaning a child of any age can legally be married with the right combination of parental or judicial approval. Between 2000 and 2021, over 315,000 minors were legally married in the U.S., and 86% of those marriages were between a minor girl and an adult man. Despite public assumptions, the U.S. still has one of the weakest child‑marriage protections in the developed world.

States that have fully banned child marriage (18, no exceptions)

17 states + D.C.

  • Delaware
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Minnesota
  • Rhode Island
  • New York
  • Massachusetts
  • Vermont
  • Connecticut
  • Michigan
  • Washington
  • Virginia
  • New Hampshire
  • Maine
  • Oregon
  • Missouri
  • Oklahoma
  • District of Columbia

These are the only places where child marriage is truly abolished.

It’s time for America to evolve from the misogynistic values of the 1600s to a future where no child’s life is shaped by outdated laws that were never meant to protect them. ~ Nativergrl77

(Sources: World Population Review, LegalClarity, FreedomUnited, Wikipedia)

So, as of June 2020, in the 40 states that have set a marriage age by statute, the lower minimum marriage age when all exceptions are taken into account, are:

  • 2 states have a minimum age of 14: Alaska and North Carolina
  • 3 states have a minimum age of 15.
  • 21 states have a minimum age of 16.
  • 10 states have a minimum age of 17.
  • 4 states have a minimum age of 18.

The Koski/Heymann study found prevalence of child marriage varied from more than 10 per 1,000 in West Virginia, Hawaii and North Dakota to less than four per 1,000 in Maine, Rhode Island and Wyoming.[29]

  • In Texas from 2000 to 2014, almost 40,000 children were married.[30][31]
  • In Florida, 16,400 children, some as young as 13, were married from 2000–2017, which is the second highest incidence of child marriage after Texas.[15]
  • In Alabama there were over 8,600 child marriages from 2000 to 2015, the fourth highest amount of any state. However, child marriage in Alabama showed a large decline in that time. In 2000, almost 1,200 children married, but by 2014 it dropped to 190.[31]
  • In Virginia between 2004 and 2013, nearly 4,500 children were married according to the Tahirih Justice Center.[32]
  • In Ohio from 2000 to 2015 there were 4,443 girls married aged 17 and younger, including 43 aged 15 and under.[33]
  • In New York, more than 3,800 children were married between 2000 and 2010.[34]

The Koski/Heymann also found that only 20% of married children were living with their spouses; the majority of the rest were living with their parents.[29]

Source: wiki … yes please, definitely correct wiki if the information is foul

on this day 6/30 1971 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government could not prevent the Washington Post or the New York Times from publishing the Pentagon Papers.


1097 – The Crusaders defeated the Turks at Dorylaeum.

1841 – The Erie Railroad rolled out its first passenger train.

1859 – Charles Blondin became the first person to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope.

1894 – Korea declared independence from China and asked for Japanese aid.

1908 – A meteor explosion in Siberia knocked down trees in a 40-mile radius and struck people unconscious some 40 miles away.

1912 – Belgian workers went on strike to demand universal suffrage.

1913 – Fighting broke out between Bulgaria and Greece and Spain. It was the beginning of the Second Balkan War.

1915 – During World War I, the Second Battle Artois ended when the French failed to take Vimy Ridge.

1921 – U.S. President Warren G. Harding appointed former President William Howard Taft chief justice of the United States.

1922 – Irish rebels in London assassinate Sir Henry Wilson, the British deputy for Northern Ireland.

1930 – France pulled its troops out of Germany’s Rhineland.

1934 – Adolf Hitler purged the Nazi Party by destroying the SA and bringing to power the SS in the “Night of the Long Knives.”

1935 – Fascists caused an uproar at the League of Nations when Haile Selassie of Ethiopia speaks.

1936 – Margaret Mitchell’s book, “Gone with the Wind,” was published.

1950 – U.S. President Harry Truman ordered U.S. troops into Korea and authorizes the draft.

1951 – On orders from Washington, General Matthew Ridgeway broadcasts that the United Nations was willing to discuss an armistice with North Korea.

1953 – The first Corvette rolled off the Chevrolet assembly line in Flint, MI. It sold for $3,250.

1955 – The U.S. began funding West Germany’s rearmament.

1957 – The American occupation headquarters in Japan was dissolved.

1958 – The U.S. Congress passed a law authorizing the admission of Alaska as the 49th state in the Union.

1960 – The Katanga province seceded from Congo (upon Congo’s independence from Belgium).

1964 – The last of U.N. troops left Congo after a four-year effort to bring stability to the country.

1970 – The Cincinnati Reds moved to their new home at Riverfront Stadium.

1971 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government could not prevent the Washington Post or the New York Times from publishing the Pentagon Papers.

1971 – The Soviet spacecraft Soyuz 11 returned to Earth. The three cosmonauts were found dead inside.

1971 – The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified when Ohio became the 38th state to approve it. The amendment lowered the minimum voting age to 18.

1974 – Russian ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov defected in Toronto, Canada.

1974 – The July 4th scene from the Steven Spielberg movie “Jaws” was filmed.

1977 – U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced his opposition to the B-1 bomber.

1986 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that states could outlaw homosexual acts between consenting adults.

1998 – Officials confirmed that the remains of a Vietnam War serviceman buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery were identified as those of Air Force pilot Michael J. Blassie.

2000 – U.S. President Clinton signed the E-Signature bill to give the same legal validity to an electronic signature as a signature in pen and ink.

2004 – The international Cassini spacecraft entered Saturn’s orbit. The craft had been on a nearly seven-year journey.

1968


1968 – “Solidarity Day” rally at Resurrection City, things to remember

“Solidarity Day” rally at Resurrection City

On June 19, 1968, a long-term anti-poverty demonstration known as Resurrection City reaches its high-water mark. On “Solidarity Day,” over 50,000 people flock to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to protest, sing, hear speeches and demonstrate on behalf of national legislation to address the plight of the American poor. “Today is really only the beginning,” Rev. Ralph Abernathy tells the crowd. “We will not give up the battle until the Congress of the United States decides to open the doors of America and allow the nation’s poor to enter as full-fledged citizens into this land of wealth and opportunity.”

In May 1968, poor people from all over the country came to the National Mall and made temporary homes in plywood shelters, creating a settlement they called Resurrection City. The protest began less than two months after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and grew out of the Poor People’s Campaign and the campaign for an Economic Bill of Rights, both of which had been major focuses of King’s at the time of his death. The goal was to convince legislators of the need for laws that would lift poor people of all races out of poverty, and to sway public opinion by making the plight of the poor impossible to ignore. Protesters came from all over the country—“caravans” drove from as far away as Los Angeles and Seattle while a “Freedom Train” brought people from Memphis and one group from Marks, Mississippi rode mule-drawn wagons.

Marches and demonstrations took place in Washington as more and more activists arrived throughout May, including a Mother’s Day march organized by the National Welfare Rights Organization and led by Coretta Scott King. Ethel Kennedy, wife of Sen. Robert Kennedy, was involved with the demonstrations, and his funeral procession stopped at Resurrection City on June 8, following his assassination on June 5. Businesses, schools and other fixtures of normal life flourished within the settlement, which also saw conflicts stemming from animosities between different groups living there, leadership disputes and the inherent uncertainty of living in makeshift dwellings on the National Mall.