March 30 is an important day in Alabama history, with several significant events taking place on this date. Here are five interesting facts about March 30 in Alabama history:
1. In 1870, Alabama ratified its new state constitution, which had been drafted amid the Reconstruction era. The new constitution granted rights to freed slaves, including the right to vote and hold public office.
2. On March 30, 1931, Birmingham native Ethel Lawson became the first African American to earn a doctorate from the University of Chicago. Lawson went on to become a prominent educator, serving as chair of the English department at Tuskegee University.
3. On this day in 1965, the Selma to Montgomery march entered its final stretch, with thousands of demonstrators making their way from Montgomery to the state capitol in Montgomery. The march was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, and helped to secure voting rights for African Americans.
4. In 1981, Alabama became the first state in the US to observe Vietnam Veterans Day, a holiday to honor those who served in the Vietnam War. Other states have since followed suit, with the federal government also establishing a Vietnam Veterans Day in 2017.
5. March 30 is also the birthday of renowned Alabama folk artist Mose Tolliver, who was born in 1919. Tolliver, who worked as a laborer for most of his life, began painting in his 60s and gained national recognition for his colorful, whimsical works. Today, his paintings are highly sought after by collectors.
5 Fun Facts About March 30 In Alabama History
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