On This Day, August 30 - Know What Happened Today In History

Today in History, August 30

1999: East Timor Votes for Independence
East Timor's historic referendum determined its future: autonomy under Indonesian control or full independence. After years of turmoil following Indonesia's 1976 takeover of the former Portuguese colony, a majority voted for independence. This milestone led to East Timor gaining full sovereignty on May 20, 2002.

1991: Azerbaijan Proclaims Independence
Azerbaijan took a decisive step to break free from the Soviet Union, where it had been since 1920. A national referendum in December 1991 solidified its status as an independent nation, marking the end of its ties with the USSR.

1983: Guion Stewart Bluford Enters Space
Guion Stewart Bluford, an accomplished fighter pilot, became the first African-American in space as part of NASA's STS-8 mission. Bluford's journey aboard the space shuttle Challenger represented a historic breakthrough in diversifying space exploration.

1967: Thurgood Marshall Joins the U.S. Supreme Court
Thurgood Marshall was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the first African-American justice on the Supreme Court. Prior to this, Marshall served as the Solicitor General, furthering his remarkable career in American law and civil rights.

1963: Washington-Moscow Hotline Established
At the height of Cold War tensions, a direct communication line was established between Washington D.C. and Moscow to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to war. This "hotline" was first put to use in 1967 during the Arab-Israeli conflict, showcasing its value in crisis management.

Notable Births 

• 1982: Andy Roddick , Renowned American tennis player.
• 1954: Alexander Lukashenko, Controversial Belarusian politician, 1st President of Belarus.
• 1943: Tal Brody, Celebrated American/Israeli basketball player.
• 1930: Warren Buffett, Prominent American businessman, philanthropist.
• 1893: Huey Long, Influential American politician.

• 2015: Oliver Sacks, Distinguished British/American neurologist, author.
• 2013: Seamus Heaney, Esteemed Irish poet, playwright, and Nobel Prize laureate.
• 2004: Indian Larry, Iconic American motorcycle rider, builder.
• 2003: Charles Bronson, Legendary American actor.
• 1879: John Bell Hood, Notable American general.