June 12, 1967, is the day Americans finally became free to marry whomever they wanted, regardless of race, origin, or faith, due to the landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court in Loving vs. Virginia. Previous interracial marriage laws were now void. Mildred Loving, a black woman, married Richard Perry Loving, a white man. In Virginia, such a union was deemed criminal due to the anti-miscegenation statute (that a white person cannot marry a black person), which resulted in Richard Loving being sentenced to a year in prison. The couple was married in Washington, DC, to bypass the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. However, the couple returned to Central Point, Virginia, where the police raided their home while the Lovings were sleeping. In the initial trial, Leon M. Bazile reiterated the 18th-century meaning of race. On January 6. 1959, the Lovings were sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty. A 25-year sentence was suspended, providing the couple left Virginia, so they moved to the District of Columbia. In 1964, Lovings wrote to Attorney General Robert Kennedy, who forwarded their case to ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). The civil rights group filed a brief stating that the statutes contradicted the Fourteenth Amendment. On this day in 1967, the US Supreme Court found that the previous conviction was invalid and discriminatory due to the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Africa

Jun

Barcode Day (1970): June 26

06:20 AM | -

On June 26, 1974, the first product to have the barcode was swiped in Troy, Ohio—a pack of Wrigley’s gum. Today, the barcode is used in everything from retail to tracking cattle.

Africa

Jun

Bathing and Basking Festival, Xi Shai Jie (CN): June 30

06:20 AM | -

XI SHAI JIE (THE BASKING AND BATHING FESTIVAL)

A Cultural Celebration of Sun, Water, and Heritage

Each summer, as the sun crests over the lush mountains of southern China, the Bouyei ethnic minority of Guizhou Province gathers in festive unity for Xi Shai Jie, or the Bathing and Basking Festival. Rooted in ancient customs, this colorful holiday celebrates nature, vitality, and community, blending water rituals, sun worship, and joyful reunions.

Held annually on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month—typically in July—Xi Shai Jie marks a spiritual and physical cleansing. Though the exact origins of the festival are challenging to pinpoint, it has been observed for centuries, passed down through generations as a vital expression of Bouyei cultural identity. The festival gained broader recognition in the early 2000s when regional governments began promoting it as an emblem of ethnic heritage and rural tourism.

A key tradition is the act of bathing in rivers or springs. Wearing traditional dress, families gather at natural water sources to wash themselves and their children to purify the body, cast away misfortune, and protect against illness. After the bath, villagers “bask” in the sun—hence the name Xi Shai Jie—as sunlight is essential for health and spiritual renewal.

Equally important are the foods and festivities that follow. Bouyei women prepare colorful glutinous rice dyed with natural plant extracts, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), fresh river fish, and seasonal fruits: communal feasts and open-air banquets feature during the day.

Traditional songs, bamboo dances, bullfighting contests, embroidery exhibitions, and sporting competitions fill the village squares, transforming the event into a celebration of ethnic pride and a showcase of intangible cultural heritage.

Xi Shai Jie is a vibrant celebration of life, health, and harmony. It offers a bridge between generations and preserves the unique culture of Asian society.

Africa

Jun

Bathroom Reading Month, Ntl: June

06:20 AM | -

Created in 1988, Bathroom Reading Month celebrates the 66 percent of Americans who admit to reading in the bathroom. It is a great way to multi-task and catch up on current events. Annually in June.

Africa

Jun

Beautician's Day: June 26

06:20 AM | -

Beautician’s Day is when people appreciate their beauticians, including hair stylists, make-up artists, colorists, and manicurists. Also called cosmetologists, beauticians care for people’s skin, groom their hair and clean their nails. Today, people recommend their cosmetologists to friends and visit salons.

Africa

Jun

Beer Day, Britain (UK) (1215): June 15

06:20 AM | -

Created by Jane Peyton (award-winning beer sommelier, drinks educator, author, and events producer), Beer Day Britain is supported by the beer industry in the United Kingdom, including Britain’s Beer Alliance, Society of Independent Brewers, British Beer & Pub Association, and the Campaign for Real Ale. Pubs, brewers, and retailers throughout the United Kingdom celebrate by hosting special events in their pubs, breweries, and shops. The date chosen commemorates the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215AD on June 15. This document includes on line 35: Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale and a single measure for corn, namely the London quarter. This event first ran in 2015.

Africa

Jun

Beer, Organic Craft Brewfest, Portland (US-OR): June 23-25

06:20 AM | -

Promoted and featuring the organic beer and sustainability industries, this annual celebration raises awareness about organic beer and sustainable living. A family event features over 50 organic beers, ciders, mead, live music, food, sustainability-oriented vendors, non-profits, and a children’s area.

Africa

Jun

Belmont Stakes (US-NY): June 7

06:20 AM | -

The Belmont Stakes is the third race in what is known as the Triple Crown and is by far the most grueling at a distance of 1.5 miles. The first race began in 1867. Secretariat, winner of the Belmont and the Triple Crown in 1973, continues to hold the record for the fastest time and the most significant lead, beating his rival by over 30 lengths.

Africa

Jun

Best Friends Day, Ntl.: June 8*

06:20 AM | -

National Best Friends Day began with childhood engagement advocates DoSomething.org. It is a day to celebrate the people in your inner circle, your closest friends. This event is currently unsponsored. Another Best Friends Day occurs in August, is.

Africa

Jun

BET Awards (US-CA): June 9

06:20 AM | -

According to the Nielsen Company, the BET Awards is one of the most-watched entertainment awards shows on cable television. The BET Awards franchise remains the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. The program recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in various categories. This event first aired in 2001.

Africa

Jun

Bike Day, World: June 3

06:20 AM | -

World Bicycle Day celebrates the two-wheeled wonder, the bicycle, and its contribution to health, transportation, freedom, and the environment. Where did bicycles come from? The history of the bicycle can be traced back to the early 19th century, with several key innovations and milestones shaping its development over the years. Here's a brief overview of the bicycle's evolution: The Walking Machine (1817): Invented by German Baron Karl von Drais, the "laufmaschine" or "draisine" was the first human-powered two-wheeled vehicle. It had no pedals, momentum by the rider pushing his feet against the ground. The Velocipede (1860s): Known as the "boneshaker" due to its rough ride, the Velocipede was an early version of the bicycle with pedals attached directly to the front wheel. Frenchman Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest are credited with this invention. The High-Wheel Bicycle (1870s): Also called the "penny-farthing" or "ordinary bicycle," the high-wheel bicycle featured a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. The design allowed for increased speed, but it was difficult to mount and prone to accidents. The Safety Bicycle (1880s): John Kemp Starley, an English inventor, introduced the safety bicycle in 1885 with his "Rover" model. This design featured two equal-sized wheels, a chain-driven rear wheel, and a diamond-shaped frame. Riding was much safer and more comfortable than the high-wheel bicycle, which led to its widespread popularity. Pneumatic Tires (1888): John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish inventor, developed the first practical pneumatic tire, which used air-filled rubber tubes to provide a smoother ride. This innovation significantly improved the comfort and efficiency of bicycles. Derailleurs (1900s): The derailleur, a mechanism for changing gears, was introduced in the early 20th century. It allowed cyclists to switch between different-sized sprockets on the rear wheel, enabling them to tackle varying terrain more easily. Mountain Bikes (1970s): Mountain biking emerged as a popular sport in the 1970s, with pioneers like Gary Fisher and Joe Breeze modifying bicycles for off-road use. The first mass-produced mountain bike, the Specialized Stumpjumper, was introduced in 1981. BMX Bikes (1970s): Bicycle motocross, or BMX, originated in the United States in the 1970s. These small, sturdy bikes were designed to race on dirt tracks and perform stunts. The sport gained popularity and eventually became an Olympic event in 2008. Carbon Fiber Frames (1980s): In the 1980s, manufacturers began using carbon fiber to create lighter, more robust bicycle frames. This material allowed for more efficient energy transfer and improved aerodynamics, making bicycles faster and more responsive. Electric Bikes (1990s): The first electric bicycles, or e-bikes, appeared in the 1990s, using battery-powered electric motors to assist with pedaling. E-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a more accessible and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bicycles and other forms of transportation. Bicycles continue to evolve and diversify, with various styles and technologies available to suit diverse needs and preferences. From casual riders to professional racers, bikes remain a popular and enduring mode of transportation and recreation worldwide. World Bicycle Day began in 2018. Header image: Workers' bicycles at the Taj Mahal complex in Agra, India. Photo LD Lewis

Africa

Jun

Black Pound Day (UK): June 7

06:20 AM | -

Born in 2020 in the wake of the Black Lives Matter global protest, Black Pound Day in the United Kingdom is a monthly event occurring on the first Saturday of each month (except the first day, which was held in June 2020). The purpose is to ask consumers to support Black-owned businesses on this day by shopping at them or giving their patronage. Musician DJ Swiss created it.

Africa

Jun

Blame Someone Else Day: June 13

06:20 AM | -

On the first Friday, the 13th of each year, Blame Someone Else Day grew out of tradition. Friday the 13th is a day when bad things are supposed to happen. Therefore if bad things do happen, blame someone else!

Africa

Jun

Blood Donor Day, World: June 14

06:20 AM | -

World Blood Donor Day has been observed annually since 2004. Voluntary, unpaid blood donations must be increased rapidly in more than half the world’s countries to ensure a reliable supply of safe blood for patients whose lives depend on it. “Although we have many external differences, the same vital blood pumps through all our veins,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. “Voluntary, unpaid blood donation is the act of giving life – the greatest gift any person can give or receive.” About 108 million blood donations are collected globally every year. Nearly 50% of these blood donations are collected in high-income countries, home to less than 20% of the world’s population. The average blood donation rate is more than nine times greater in high-income and low-income countries. However, in many countries, demand exceeds supply, and blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available while ensuring its quality and safety. An adequate supply can only be assured through regular donations by voluntary, unpaid blood donors. Regular voluntary unpaid blood donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are associated with low levels of infection that transfusions, including HIV and hepatitis viruses, can transmit. Around the world, 25 countries cannot screen all donated blood for one or more of these infections due to irregular supply of test kits, staff shortages, poor quality test kits, or lack of quality in laboratories. WHO encourages all countries to establish blood services based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donations. Today, only 62 countries get nearly 100 percent of their national blood supplies from voluntary unpaid blood donations, with 34 countries still dependent on family donors and even paid donors for more than 75 percent of their blood supply. Blood can be used whole or separated into its parts, such as red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and other “substances” that can be used to treat a wide range of diseases. A single unit of blood can benefit several patients. Transfusions of blood and blood products help save millions of lives every year, including during emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters, and childbirth. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. “Voluntary blood donors come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: they put others before themselves — people they don’t even know,” said Dr. Ed Kelley, Director of the Department of Service Delivery and Safety at WHO. “Each time they donate blood, they commit an act of selfless heroism.” World Blood Donor Day’s objective is to improve the safety and adequacy of national blood supplies by promoting a substantial increase in the number of safe, voluntary, unpaid donors who give blood regularly.

Africa

Jun

Bloomsday (1904): June 16

06:20 AM | -

Bloomsday commemorates the life and works of author James Joyce after Leopold Bloom from his 1922 novel "Ulysses." Joyce chose the date of Bloomsday in honor of the anniversary of his future wife's first date. On Bloomsday, it is common to reenact costumed scenes from the novel or conduct public readings from the book. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, holds an annual Bloomsday fair on this day, sponsored by The Rosenbach.

Africa