Black Expo Kickoff

In 1969, the first Black Expo was inaugurated, sponsored by Operation Breadbasket of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Held at the International Amphitheatre, it featured prominent figures such as poet Gwendolyn Brooks and musical artists Marvin Gaye, Mahalia Jackson, the Staple Singers, B.B. King, and Aretha Franklin. The event was an annual occurrence until 1976, with a revival in the 1990s.

Weather Records

The National Weather Service recorded the highest temperature on this day in 1954 at 91 degrees, and the lowest temperature in 1981 at 29 degrees. The day in 1954 also saw 3.95 inches of precipitation, but no snowfall has ever been recorded on this date.

Chicago Cubs’ Baseball Legacy

In 1915, the Chicago Cubs played their last game at West Side Grounds, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals. This site hosted World Series games four times between 1907 and 1908. The location at 912 S. Wood St. is now part of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine.

First Night Football Game at Soldier Field

Soldier Field hosted its first nighttime football game in 1930, where Oregon defeated Drake 14-7.

Chicago Teachers’ Strike Settlements

1983 marked the second-longest strike in Chicago Public Schools history, lasting 15 days. Accusations flew as the Chicago Teachers Union’s chief accused CPS Superintendent Ruth Love of extending the strike and discrediting unions. A tentative agreement offered a 5% raise, affecting a $81 million settlement.

The record-breaking 19-day strike in 1987 led to a settlement where teachers received a 4% salary increase over two years and reductions in class sizes. This $43.8 million package was funded by cutting 1,800 positions.

Barack and Michelle Obama’s Wedding

In 1992, Barack and Michelle Obama tied the knot at Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago. The reception occurred at the South Shore Cultural Center.

Nancy Faust’s Final Performance

White Sox organist Nancy Faust played her final home game in 2010 after 41 seasons and over 3,000 games. Known for popularizing the chant “Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye,” Faust returned for appearances during the Sox’s 125th season in 2025.

Addison Russell’s Suspension

In 2018, Cubs shortstop Addison Russell faced a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic-abuse policy. Originally eligible to rejoin in May, Russell was optioned to Triple-A Iowa instead.

Renaming of the Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry announced a name change in 2019 after a $125 million donation from Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin.