Various: Leap Day – A Day to Correct the Calendar
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February 29th, known as Leap Day, occurs every four years to synchronize the calendar with the Earth’s orbit around the sun. This intercalary day is added to ensure that the calendar year remains in alignment with the astronomical year. Leap Day has been celebrated and observed in various cultures throughout history, often with special traditions and superstitions.
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1692 The Salem Witch Trials: Warrants Issued for Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba
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During the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, February 29th served as a notable date when warrants were issued for the arrest of Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne, two women accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. The trials would ultimately result in the execution of numerous individuals and remain a cautionary tale of mass hysteria and injustice.
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1940 Hattie McDaniel Becomes First African American to Win Oscar
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On February 29, 1940, Hattie McDaniel made history by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award, winning the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in ‘Gone with the Wind.’ McDaniel’s groundbreaking win marked a significant milestone in Hollywood’s recognition of African American talent and paved the way for greater diversity in the film industry.
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