Today in 1870 Thomas Mundy Peterson of Perth Amboy, New Jersey became the first African American to vote in the US (in a local election on town's charter).
Today in 1918, the U.S. switched to Daylight Savings Time for the first time. The time change left enough light for many activities, especially in farming areas.
Today in 1980, President Jimmy Carter deregulated the banking industry.
Today in 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of actor Bruce Lee, died of abdominal wounds after being shot by a .44 caliber bullet from a gun that was supposed to be rigged with blanks. He was filming a scene for the movie “The Crow” in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Today in 1995, GRAMMY award-winning Mexican American singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez was shot and murdered by the president of her fan club in a motel room. Jennifer Lopez played Selena in a film depiction of Selena’s life. Fans said farewell at public service April 2nd, 1995.
Today in 2004, four American private military contractors working for Blackwater USA, were killed after being ambushed in Fallujah, Iraq. Their bodies were mutilated and they were strung up on a bridge.
Today in 2007, two-million people took part in the first Earth Hour in Sydney, Australia.
Today in 2014, an umpire’s call was overturned for the first time under Major League Baseball’s expanded replay system, with Milwaukee Brewers star Ryan Braun ruled out instead of safe in a game against the Atlanta Braves. (The Brewers won, 2-0.)
Today in 2021, President Joe Biden unveiled "the American Jobs Plan" one of the largest infrastructure plans in US history – worth $2-trillion.
Today in 2021, President Joe Biden overturned Trump's restrictions on transgender people serving in the Armed Forces.