July 17
2016
The Baton Rouge Police Shooting
On July 17, 2016, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was shaken by a deadly ambush that left three police officers dead and three others wounded. The attack, carried out by Gavin Eugene Long, a former Marine, came in the wake of heightened tensions following the police-involved shooting of Alton Sterling. This incident further strained the already volatile relationship between the community and law enforcement, prompting changes in security protocols and reigniting the national conversation on police-community relations. Read more
2014
The Death of Eric Garner
On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner’s tragic death in Staten Island, New York, became a pivotal moment in the fight against police brutality and systemic racism. Garner, a 43-year-old African American man with health issues, died after being placed in a prohibited chokehold by NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo. Garner’s repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe” echoed through the nation, igniting widespread protests and fueling the Black Lives Matter movement. Despite legal setbacks, Garner’s death led to significant policy changes and ongoing advocacy for police reform and accountability. Read more
2014
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
On July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) was shot down over Eastern Ukraine, claiming the lives of 298 passengers and crew. The incident occurred against the backdrop of an escalating conflict between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces. This article delves into the details of the crash, the aftermath, and the ongoing quest for justice. Read more
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1944
The Port Chicago Disaster
On July 17, 1944, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California became the site of a catastrophic explosion that claimed 320 lives, most of them African American sailors. The disaster exposed the dangerous working conditions and racial inequalities within the U.S. military, ultimately influencing the desegregation of the armed forces and marking a significant moment in the civil rights movement.
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