1. In 1960, the Birmingham Public Library was desegregated, allowing African Americans full access to its resources. This came after years of protests and legal battles, and was a significant step forward for civil rights in Alabama.

2. On July 27, 2002, Alabama native and former NBA player Robert Horry was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Horry won seven NBA championships over the course of his career, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest clutch shooters in NBA history.

3. In 1948, the USS Alabama submarine was commissioned in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The submarine was named in honor of the state of Alabama, and went on to have an illustrious career in the US Navy before being decommissioned in 1965.

4. July 27, 2005, marked the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. The boycott was organized by Rosa Parks and lasted for over a year, inspiring similar protests throughout the South.

5. In 1861, the Battle of Manassas (also known as the First Battle of Bull Run) took place just outside of Washington, D.C. While not technically part of Alabama history, the battle was significant for Confederate troops from Alabama, who played a key role in the Confederate victory.