The Civil Rights Movement continues: Fifty volunteer members of the all-black Monroe, north carolina, chapter of the National Rifle Association successfully defend the home of Robert F. Williams, President of the Monroe chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, from an attack by up to 240 Ku Klux Klansmen.  Williams, who was the founder of the local NRA chapter, had persistently, but unsuccessfully, lobbied the City Council for two or three segregated swimming days a week, for residents of African descent, at the city’s all-white swimming pool.  The nightly armed vigils began at the William’s home when thee KKK began making threatening phones calls to Williams.  When the KKK “thugs” arrive to coerce Williams they are met by a well-armed Militia (citizen-volunteers) that is entrenched in foxholes, and behind sandbags.  The Militia’s  arsenal of over six hundred firearms, including several carbines and machine guns is not used until the violent intentions of the KKK becomes obvious.  “The fire was blistering, disciplined and frightening…. [The] motorcade of about eighty cars, which had begun in a spirit of good fellowship, disintegrated into chaos, with panicky robed men fleeing in every direction.  Some had to abandon their automobiles and continue on foot.”

       [added 9/22/2022]

       The Cold War continues: The Cold War continues: The Soviet Union launches Sputnik I, the world’s first artificial satellite.

       [restored 9/22/2022]