Discover what happened on September 20 in history as sports milestones captured the world’s attention, television created unforgettable moments, technological innovations changed everyday life, and historic events helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on September 20 in History?
On this day, Billie Jean King won the “Battle of the Sexes,” Fonzie jumped the shark on Happy Days, Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-setting streak ended, and the iPhone 5s introduced Touch ID.
SEPTEMBER 20 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1881 – Chester A. Arthur took the presidential oath of office at his New York City home at 2:15 a.m., hours after the death of President James A. Garfield. Arthur became the 21st president of the United States.
1921 – Pittsburgh radio station KDKA began regularly scheduled radio news broadcasts, part of the rapid development of radio news during broadcasting’s earliest years.
1946 – The first Cannes Film Festival opened in Cannes, France. An earlier festival planned for 1939 had been canceled following the outbreak of World War II.
1962 – Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett blocked James Meredith, a Black student, from registering at the University of Mississippi despite a federal court order requiring his admission. Meredith eventually enrolled under federal protection.
1967 – Queen Elizabeth II christened and launched the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2, better known as the QE2. The famous ship remained in service for nearly four decades.
1969 – John Lennon privately told the other Beatles that he was leaving the group. The decision was kept quiet for several months while the band negotiated a new recording contract.
1973 – Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets in the highly publicized “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match at the Houston Astrodome. The match became a landmark moment in women’s sports and the campaign for greater equality in athletics.
1976 – The Captain and Tennille variety series premiered on ABC.
1977 – Fonzie jumped over a shark on water skis in an episode of Happy Days. The scene later inspired the phrase “jumping the shark,” used to describe the moment when a television series is perceived to have gone too far in an attempt to remain popular.
1982 – NFL players began a 57-day strike that ultimately shortened the regular season from 16 games to nine.
1984 – The Cosby Show premiered on NBC and began an eight-season run.
1995 – AT&T announced plans to reorganize into three separate companies: AT&T, Lucent Technologies and NCR.
1995 – The U.S. House voted to return authority over highway speed limits to individual states, part of legislation that later ended the federal national maximum speed limit.
1998 – Baltimore Orioles star Cal Ripken Jr. voluntarily sat out a game, ending his Major League record streak at 2,632 consecutive games played. The streak had lasted more than 16 years.
1999 – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit premiered on NBC.
2001 – President George W. Bush addressed a joint session of Congress and outlined the United States’ response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, describing a broad campaign against international terrorism.
2011 – The repeal of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy took effect, allowing gay, lesbian and bisexual service members to serve openly.
2013 – Apple’s iPhone 5s and colorful iPhone 5c went on sale. The iPhone 5s introduced Touch ID fingerprint recognition and Apple’s 64-bit A7 processor.
2021 – A rare first edition of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein sold at auction for $1.17 million, setting a record at the time for the most expensive printed work by a woman.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 20:
Dale Chihuly – 85 years old (1941) – Sculptor and educator
Pete Coors – 80 years old (1946) – Businessman and politician
George R. R. Martin – 78 years old (1948) – Novelist and short story writer
Chuck Panozzo – 78 years old (1948) – Bass player
Anthony Denison – 77 years old (1949) – Actor
Debbi Morgan – 75 years old (1951) – Actress
Greg Valentine – 75 years old (1951) – Wrestler
Steve Tom – 73 years old (1953) – Actor
Henry Samueli – 72 years old (1954) – Businessman, co-founded Broadcom Corporation
Betsy Brantley – 71 years old (1955) – Actress
Jennifer Tour Chayes – 70 years old (1956) – Mathematician and computer scientist
Gary Cole – 70 years old (1956) – Actor
Steve Coleman – 70 years old (1956) – Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader
Arn Anderson – 68 years old (1958) – Wrestler and trainer
Joseph Alessi – 67 years old (1959) – Trombonist and educator
Deborah Roberts – 66 years old (1960) – Journalist
Lisa Bloom – 65 years old (1961) – Lawyer and journalist
Randy Bradbury – 62 years old (1964) – Bass player
Roger Anderson – 59 years old (1967) – Wrestler
Martin Harrison – 59 years old (1967) – Football player
Kristen Johnston – 59 years old (1967) – Actress
Gunnar Nelson – 59 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Matthew Nelson – 59 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Ben Shepherd – 57 years old (1969) – Musician and songwriter
N'Bushe Wright – 56 years old (1970) – Actress and dancer
Ronald McKinnon – 53 years old (1973) – Football player
Moon Bloodgood – 51 years old (1975) – Actress
Joel Gertner – 51 years old (1975) – Wrestling announcer
Jason Robinson – 51 years old (1975) – Saxophonist and composer
Jon Bernthal – 50 years old (1976) – Actor
Ainsley Earhardt – 50 years old (1976) – Political commentator
The-Dream – 49 years old (1977) – Singer, songwriter, and producer
Chris Mooney – 49 years old (1977) – Journalist and academic
Jason Bay – 48 years old (1978) – Canadian-American baseball player
Héctor Camacho Jr. – 48 years old (1978) – Puerto Rican-American boxer
Dante Hall – 48 years old (1978) – Football player
Charlie Weber – 48 years old (1978) – Actor
Crystle Stewart – 47 years old (1979) – Actress and beauty queen
Yung Joc – 46 years old (1980) – Rapper
Jordan Tata – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player
Jason Bacashihua – 44 years old (1982) – Ice hockey player
Brian Fortuna – 44 years old (1982) – Dancer and choreographer
Ian Desmond – 41 years old (1985) – Baseball player
Aldis Hodge – 40 years old (1986) – Actor
A. J. Ramos – 40 years old (1986) – Baseball player
Jack Lawless – 39 years old (1987) – Drummer
Coby Fleener – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Ken Giles – 36 years old (1990) – Baseball player
Carlos Hyde – 36 years old (1990) – Football player
Phillip Phillips – 36 years old (1990) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Kyle Anderson – 33 years old (1993) – American-Chinese basketball player
Ryan Hartman – 32 years old (1994) – Ice hockey player
Sammi Hanratty – 31 years old (1995) – Actress
Trevon Diggs – 28 years old (1998) – Football player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 20:
- National Pepperoni Pizza Day: A perfect combination of cheesy goodness and savory toppings, this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion.
- National Fried Rice Day: The savory goodness of fluffy, steaming grains, expertly combined with tender meats, fresh vegetables, and a symphony of exotic spices.
- National Queso Day: Cheese dip lovers will especially enjoy the special feature of this day because it’s time for National Queso Day! How to Celebrate National Queso Day National Queso Day can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including celebrating with some of these ideas: Enjoy Some Queso Dip In celebration of...
- World Paella Day: A delightful Spanish dish, blending saffron-infused rice with a tantalizing mix of seafood, meat, and vegetables.
- Wife Appreciation Day: When you show appreciation for your wife, it communicates that you see and value her. It strengthens your bond and fosters a positive relationship.
- National String Cheese Day: A delicious and tasty snack that’s nutritious and fun to eat, string cheese is the star of the show for National String Cheese Day! How to Celebrate National String Cheese Day Have a super fun time celebrating everything to do with National String Cheese Day with some of these fun...
- National Care For Kids Day: Imagine a day when the world pauses to shine a light on the youngest among us—National Care For Kids Day. Picture a classroom where laughter and excitement bubble over as children craft heartfelt letters, their words destined to bring smiles to kids' faces in hospital beds. Envision a community center alive...
- National Punch Day: No, not that kind of punch—no violence on Punch Day! Instead, gather your friends and family around a big bowl of fruity punch and enjoy the refreshment.
- National Jeans for Genes Day: National Jeans for Genes Day brings communities together for a common cause. People wear jeans to raise awareness about genetic disorders, and the day focuses on the struggles and stories of those affected. By simply wearing jeans, participants can show support and solidarity with the cause. This small gesture has...
- Cow’s Ball: The Cow’s Ball in Bohinj is a lively event that brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the end of the summer grazing season. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Bohinj, this festival marks the return of shepherds and their cows from the high alpine pastures. Following a day...
- Usher Syndrome Awareness Day: Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects both hearing and vision. People born with it often experience hearing loss from an early age. Over time, many also begin to lose their sight due to a condition called retinitis pigmentosa. This progressive vision loss often begins with trouble seeing in...
- Recycle Now Week: Recycle Now Week is a lively celebration focused on boosting recycling efforts across the UK. This special week brings together communities, businesses, and local authorities to emphasize the importance of recycling the right materials more often. Through engaging campaigns and fun activities, Recycle Now Week inspires everyone to participate and...
- National Crime and Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day: National Crime and Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day shines a light on the unsung heroes working behind the scenes in law enforcement. These analysts sift through mountains of data, spotting patterns that help police anticipate and prevent crimes. Their work often goes unnoticed, yet it's crucial for keeping communities safe. This...
- International NFT Day: Imagine owning a digital artwork, a song, or even a moment in sports history—unique and verifiable. That's the essence of NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. These digital assets live on the blockchain, ensuring each one is distinct and cannot be duplicated. NFT Day celebrates this innovation, bringing together artists, collectors, and tech...
- International Day of University Sport: International Day of University Sport turns quiet campuses into hubs of movement and connection: students leave their desks; professors trade lectures for sneakers; grass fields and gym floors come alive with cheers, high-fives, and playful rivalry. It’s a chance to press pause on stress and rediscover joy through sport. No pressure...
- German World Children’s Day: German World Children’s Day is a vibrant celebration in Germany that highlights children’s rights and well-being. People gather in lively parks, halls, or squares for bright celebrations. Families, schools, and local groups team up. They host cheerful events—festivals, talks, and creative workshops—to ensure young voices are heard. Open conversations break...
- World Mitochondrial Disease Week: Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the way the mitochondria in a person’s cells produce energy. While there is currently no cure for this range of conditions, the hope is that raising awareness and improving support will help provide care for those who need it...
- Day of Wallonia: The Day of Wallonia is a lively celebration of the Walloon region in Belgium. People from all over the area come together to honor their culture, traditions, and unity. The day bursts with parades, music, and joyful gatherings in towns and cities. It’s a time when the community proudly showcases...
- Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week: Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week helps us imagine a new world. Picture a space where every car trip is a safe adventure - even for the tiniest tots. This is the vision that brought Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week to life. The week-long pivotal campaign raises a sad reality. We...
- The Abergavenny Food Festival: The Abergavenny Food Festival is a vibrant event that lights up the Welsh town of Abergavenny every September. It's not just any festival. It's a significant highlight on the UK's culinary calendar, attracting food lovers from far and wide. Why do people flock to this festival? For starters, it's a paradise...
- Sea Otter Awareness Week: Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. It is so significant that a whole week, Sea Otter Awareness Week, is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about them. The week is packed with activities, from educational events and live streams to adoption drives and donation...
- Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
- Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
- National Older Workers Employment Week: National Older Workers Employment Week shines a spotlight on the contributions of Americans aged 55 and up who continue to make a difference in the workplace. Held annually during the last full week of September, this event calls attention to the unique skills and strengths these experienced employees bring. Many older...
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.
- National Indoor Plant Week : Plants have the power to bring green from the outside in, livening up almost any space and supporting a better connection between humans and nature. Enjoy and appreciate the beauty and wide variety of houseplants that can be found during National Indoor Plant Week and throughout the year! History of National...
- National Surgical Technologists Week: National Surgical Technologists Week spotlights a vital but often overlooked part of the medical team: surgical technologists, who work behind the scenes to ensure every procedure runs smoothly. Their tasks range from preparing the operating room to sterilizing instruments and even assisting during surgery. The week celebrates their essential role...
- Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur, often called the Day of Atonement, stands as the most sacred day in Judaism. It's a time when Jewish people reflect deeply, seeking forgiveness for past actions and aiming to start anew. The day encourages individuals to pause, consider their deeds, and make amends with both others and...
- Farm Animal Awareness Week: Farm Animal Awareness Week highlights the importance of recognizing the lives of animals that provide food for us. This week aims to educate the public about the conditions these animals face and to promote better treatment. Many animals are kept in cramped, unsanitary spaces, which can lead to health problems...
- Deaf Dog Awareness Week : Some estimates show that approximately 35,000 deaf dogs are living in the United States who were born deaf in both ears and more than 100,000 are deaf in just one ear. Many more will have become deaf throughout their lifetimes because of various circumstances. Deaf Dog Awareness Week is an...
- World Wellness Weekend: World Wellness Weekend (WWW) is not only an event but it is also an international non-profit organization of the same name! This global event is organized to mobilize wellness professionals around the world, encouraging them to offer free wellness activities in their local communities to celebrate the topic of all-around...
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