1. On January 10, 1861, Alabama became the fourth state to secede from the United States and join the Confederate States of America. This decision played a significant role in the events leading up to the American Civil War.

2. In 1971, the legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin performed a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama. This was her first performance in the city since she was denied a concert venue due to racial barriers in the 1960s.

3. On January 10, 2000, Alabama native Deontay Wilder won the bronze medal in boxing at the Sydney Olympics. Wilder went on to become the WBC heavyweight champion, holding the title for six years, and establishing himself as one of the greatest boxers in Alabama history.

4. In 1902, the town of Selma, Alabama, witnessed a major race riot on January 10 that resulted in the deaths of at least five black residents. This episode contributed to the growing civil rights movement of the 20th century.

5. On January 10, 2011, Alabama native Cam Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a national championship victory over the Oregon Ducks. Newton, who went on to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football players of all time.