Here’s a look at notable events and observances that occurred on May 17 throughout history:
📜 Historical Events
1954 – Brown v. Board of Education: The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, marking a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement.
1792 – Formation of the New York Stock Exchange: Twenty-four brokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement, establishing what would become the NYSE.
1875 – First Kentucky Derby: The inaugural race was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, with the horse Aristides winning the event.
2004 – Massachusetts Legalizes Same-*** Marriage: Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-*** marriage, issuing marriage licenses to *** couples.
1990 – WHO Declassifies Homosexuality as a Mental Disorder: The World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses, a significant step toward LGBTQ+ rights.
🎉 Global Observances
Norway's Constitution Day: Celebrated annually on May 17, this national holiday commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814. Festivities include parades, traditional attire, and various public celebrations.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: Established by the International Telecommunication Union, this day promotes awareness of the importance of communication technologies and aims to bridge the digital divide.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia: Observed on May 17 to commemorate the WHO's 1990 decision, this day raises awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and combats discrimination worldwide.
🎂 Notable Birthdays
Edward Jenner (1749): English physician and pioneer of the smallpox vaccine.
Dennis Hopper (1936): American actor and filmmaker known for roles in films like "Easy Rider."
Sugar Ray Leonard (1956): American professional boxer, Olympic gold medalist, and world champion in multiple weight classes.
These events and observances highlight the historical significance of May 17 across various fields and cultures.
