Reggae legend Bob Marley was born on this day in 1945 in Nine Miles, Jamaica. Sadly, he died far too young, at only 36 in 1981. For more on the life of this amazing artist, take a look at some of the many books we have here in the school library. Online you can also check out:
Henry “Hank” Aaron was born on this day in 1934. He became a Major League Baseball player in 1954 and played in a remarkable career all the way until 1976. “Hammerin’ Hank” is best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, surpassing the Babe’s 714 in 1974. Hank Aaron would finish in 1976 with 755 home runs. Many people consider that Aaron’s mark is still the legitimate record, as it would be broken in recent years under the cloud of steroid use and accusations of cheating with PEDs. More impressive is that Aaron displayed such tremendous skills for so long, and in the face of some horrific hate and threats of violence. As Aaron approached Babe Ruth’s record, he faced an increasing number of messages of hate and threats to his life by racists who couldn’t accept that a black man was accomplishing such a feat. Aaron faced the hate with courage and grace. For more on Hank Aaron:
Canadian icon Don Cherry was born on this day in 1934. After life as a professional Hockey Player and Coach, Cherry turned to Broadcasting, where he achieved his greatest fame. He is one of the most controversial figures in Canada, criticized by some, loved by others. But either way, for decades Cherry has been “must-watch TV” for millions of Canadians. He is a passionate Canadian patriot and commentator on the game of hockey. He was voted to seventh place in the CBC production of The Greatest Canadian in 2004.
Check out the new “Teen Book to Film Club” at the Cloverdale Branch of Surrey Libraries. Read the books, watch the movies, enjoy some snacks, win some prizes!
Find out more:
One of the icons of the US Civil Rights movement looked an unlikely hero but proved to be someone whose strength of character belied her appearance. Rosa Parks was born on this day in 1934. In the face of the overt racism of 1950’s America, Rosa famously refused to give up her seat on the bus, as black people were expected to do for white people. She was arrested, and the resulting Montgomery Bus Boycott proved to be one of foundational events of the Civil Rights Movement. For more on Rosa Parks:
International Civil Rights Walk of Fame
Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School Library 