CAMILLE BOHANNON

It took place on this day in 1953.

The emancipation of slaves was proclaimed in Texas on this day
in 1865. It is the oldest known celebrating commemorating the
ending of slavery in the country.

Paula Julie Abdul is 55 years young today.

Paula Abdul was inspired to perform by dancer Gene Kelly. She started her
career as an LA Lakers cheerleader and then became a  choreographer. She
won the Lifetime Achievement Award for choreography at The Carnival:
Choreographer’s Ball in 2013.

ED DANAHUE

On this day in 1858, in a speech in Springfield, IL, Senate candidate Abraham Lincoln said the slavery issue had to be resolved. He
declared, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

On this day in 1963, 26-year-old Valentina Tereshkova went into
orbit aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft for three days. She was the
first female space traveler.

Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova turned
80 in March.

It was on this day in 1961, Rudolf Nureyev defected from the
Soviet Union while in Paris, traveling with the Leningrad Kirov
Ballet.

MIKE GRACIA

1836

Walter Cronkite’s last day in the anchor chair at the CBS Evening
News.

Robert "Rob" Reiner is 70 years old today.

National Freedom Day is a U.S. observance honoring the signing
by Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that
later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

President Lincoln signed the Amendment outlawing slavery on
February 1, 1865, although it was not ratified by the states until
later.

Abraham Lincoln

CAMILLE BOHANNON
    

The presidential cabinet of Abraham Lincoln, depicted drafting the Emancipation Proclamation.

Hiram King "Hank" Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953)