Read a Book Day
Read a Book Day is celebrated annually on September 6th, encouraging people to enjoy the pleasure and benefits of reading. It’s a day dedicated to slowing down, immersing yourself in a good book, and appreciating the value of literature. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, a classic novel, or a new release, this day promotes the importance of reading for knowledge, relaxation, and personal growth.
Fight Procrastination Day
Fight Procrastination Day on September 6th is a day dedicated to taking action against the habit of procrastination. It’s a reminder to stop delaying important tasks and start being productive. Procrastination can hinder both personal and professional growth, and this day encourages people to adopt better time management skills and discipline.
Here are some notable historical events that took place on September 6th:
1901 – President William McKinley Shot
On September 6, 1901, U.S. President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley succumbed to his injuries eight days later, making Theodore Roosevelt the 26th president of the United States.
1997 – Funeral of Princess Diana
Princess Diana’s funeral took place on September 6, 1997, in London. Millions of people across the globe watched the service on television, mourning her tragic death after a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997.
1620 – The Pilgrims Set Sail for America
On this day in 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, carrying the Pilgrims to the New World. The ship arrived in what is now Massachusetts in November of that year, marking an important moment in early American history.
1916 – First Self-Service Grocery Store Opens
The first self-service grocery store, Piggly Wiggly, was opened by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee. This revolutionary concept allowed customers to pick their own groceries, which was the beginning of the modern supermarket model.
1941 – Holocaust: The First Use of Gas Chambers at Auschwitz
The Nazis used gas chambers for the first time at Auschwitz on this day in 1941, a horrific step in their genocidal policies during World War II.
1968 – Swaziland Gains Independence
Swaziland (now Eswatini) gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 6, 1968, becoming one of Africa’s smallest yet sovereign nations.
Births
John Dalton (1766 – 1844) – English chemist and physicist, best known for pioneering atomic theory and for his research on color blindness, which is sometimes called Daltonism.
Jane Addams (1860 – 1935) – American social worker, philosopher, and leader in women’s suffrage. She co-founded Hull House in Chicago and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for her work in social reform and peace efforts.
Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (1915 – 1944) – American naval aviator and the eldest son of Joseph and Rose Kennedy. His death in World War II shaped the political careers of his brothers, especially John F. Kennedy.
Roger Waters (1943 – ) – English musician, co-founder, bassist, and primary lyricist of the rock band Pink Floyd. Waters was instrumental in creating iconic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall.
Jeff Foxworthy (1958 – ) – American stand-up comedian and actor, widely known for his “You might be a redneck” jokes. He gained further recognition through his work in television, including the popular Blue Collar Comedy Tour.
Macy Gray (1967 – ) – American singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained fame with her hit single “I Try” and has a distinctive raspy voice.
Naomie Harris (1976 – ) – English actress known for her roles in films such as 28 Days Later, Pirates of the Caribbean, Skyfall, and as Tia Dalma in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. She was also nominated for an Oscar for her role in Moonlight.
Idris Elba (1972 – ) – British actor, producer, and musician. Elba is well-known for his roles in Luther, The Wire, and films like Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Beasts of No Nation.
Deaths
Luciano Pavarotti (1935 – 2007) – Legendary Italian opera tenor, known for his powerful voice and performances in operas such as La Bohème and Turandot. Pavarotti was one of the greatest and most famous tenors of all time.
Max Schreck (1879 – 1936) – German actor best known for his iconic role as Count Orlok in the 1922 silent film Nosferatu, which is one of the earliest and most influential horror films.
Akhmad Kadyrov (1951 – 2004) – Former president of the Chechen Republic. Kadyrov was assassinated during a bombing in Grozny, Chechnya. He played a significant role in the region’s politics during and after the First Chechen War.
Ernest Tubb (1914 – 1984) – American country music singer and songwriter, best known for his pioneering honky-tonk style and hits like “Walking the Floor Over You.” He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Mackenzie Bowell (1823 – 1917) – Canadian politician and journalist who served as the fifth Prime Minister of Canada from 1894 to 1896. He is best remembered for leading Canada through a difficult time of internal division, particularly during the Manitoba Schools Question.
James J. Hill (1838 – 1916) – Canadian-American railroad executive, known as “The Empire Builder” for his role in expanding the Great Northern Railway, which played a key role in the development of the American Northwest.
