Frog Jumping Jubilee Day
Frog Jumping Jubilee Day is an event celebrated annually as part of the Calaveras County Fair in Angels Camp, California. This tradition is inspired by Mark Twain’s famous short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” published in 1865. The fair and the frog jumping contest attract participants and spectators from all over, celebrating both local culture and the literary legacy of Twain’s tale.
May 19th is notable for various historical events, birthdays, and observances. Here are some key highlights for this date:
Historical Events
Anne Boleyn’s Execution (1536): Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England and mother of Queen Elizabeth I, was executed on May 19, 1536, on charges of adultery, incest, and high treason.
Malcolm X’s Birth (1925): Malcolm X, an influential African American civil rights leader, was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925. He was a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam and advocated for black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the black community.
Ho Chi Minh’s Death (1969): North Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh died on May 19, 1969. He was a key figure in the struggle for Vietnamese independence from French colonial rule and later led North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
New York Post Founded (1801): The New York Post, one of the oldest newspapers in the United States, was founded by Alexander Hamilton on May 19, 1801.
Birthdays
Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965): Lorraine Hansberry, born on May 19, 1930, was an American playwright and writer best known for her play “A Raisin in the Sun,” which highlights the struggles of a black family in Chicago.
Pete Townshend (1945-): Pete Townshend, the guitarist and principal songwriter for the rock band The Who, was born on May 19, 1945.
Andre the Giant (1946-1993): André René Roussimoff, better known as Andre the Giant, was born on May 19, 1946. He was a professional wrestler and actor, famously known for his role in “The Princess Bride.”
Observances and Holidays
World IBD Day: World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day is observed on May 19th to raise awareness about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two major types of IBD. It aims to educate the public about these conditions and support those affected.
Hepatitis Testing Day (USA): Recognized in the United States, Hepatitis Testing Day encourages people to get tested for hepatitis B and C. It aims to promote awareness and early diagnosis to prevent the spread of these viral infections.
Other Notable Events
Expulsion of Jews from Spain (1493): On May 19, 1493, Jews were ordered to leave Sicily, then part of the Spanish Kingdom, as part of the Spanish Inquisition.
First US Treason Conviction (1800): William Blount, a United States Senator from Tennessee, became the first person to be impeached and expelled from the Senate on charges of conspiring to assist Britain in capturing Spanish territory.
