1. Charles B. Aycock was born on August 8, 1859, in Wayne County, North Carolina. Aycock served as Governor of North Carolina from 1901 to 1905 and is known for his contributions to public education in the state. He advocated for better school facilities and teacher pay, and his policies helped increase enrollment and reduce illiteracy.

2. On August 8, 1942, the U.S. Navy commissioned the USS North Carolina (BB-55), a battleship that served in the Pacific during World War II. The ship participated in many key battles, including the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and was one of the most heavily decorated battleships of the war.

3. Joseph M. Juran, a pioneer in the field of quality management, was born in Braila, Romania, on August 8, 1904. Juran's contributions to the field include the concept of the Pareto principle, which states that 80% of problems are caused by 20% of the causes. He also developed a framework for improving quality that includes planning, control, and improvement.

4. August 8, 1971, marked the opening of the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, North Carolina. The zoo is home to over 1,800 animals representing more than 250 species, and has been recognized for its efforts in conservation, education, and animal welfare.

5. On August 8, 1984, North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms delivered a controversial speech at the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas. Helms criticized the Democratic Party and its nominee, Walter Mondale, for their positions on social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. The speech was met with both criticism and praise, and is often cited as an example of the divisive rhetoric that has characterized American politics in recent decades.