Previous Day Next Day

May 21, 2025 Holiday:

National Endangered Species Day

National Endangered Species Day is a special occasion that shines a spotlight on the importance of preserving and protecting our planet's precious wildlife. This holiday is all about raising awareness about the plight of endangered species and the efforts being made to conserve them. It's a day to learn about the various species that are struggling to survive, and to discover ways in which we can make a positive impact on their habitats and ecosystems. Many organizations and conservation groups use this day to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and the role we can play in protecting it. By celebrating National Endangered Species Day, we can work together to ensure a safer, healthier future for all the amazing creatures that call our planet home.

Learn more about National Endangered Species Day
Holidays on May 21, 2025:

World Day for Cultural Diversity

World Day for Cultural Diversity, May 21, 2025: Embrace the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and values that define us, fostering understanding and unity. more >>

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, May 21, 2025: Embrace cultural differences, promote mutual respect, and foster global understanding through cultural events and exchange. more >>

International Tea Day

International Tea Day, 5/21/2025: Join tea enthusiasts worldwide for tea tastings, workshops, and cultural events showcasing global tea traditions and honoring tea farmers and producers. more >>

National Strawberries and Cream Day

National Strawberries and Cream Day, 5/21/2025: Indulge in sweet and tangy flavors, whip up favorite recipes, and share with friends and family. more >>

National Waiters and Waitresses Day

National Waiters and Waitresses Day, 5/21/2025: Honor the hardworking men and women who make your dining experiences exceptional with exceptional service. more >>

National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day

National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day, 5/21/2025: Discover the benefits of a balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies and learn how to incorporate them into your daily routine. more >>

National Juice Slush Day

National Juice Slush Day, 5/21/2025: Beat the heat with refreshing frozen drinks and sweet treats! more >>

Emergency Medical Services for Children Day

Emergency Medical Services for Children Day, 5/21/2025, honors dedicated professionals providing life-saving care to children in crisis, raising awareness about pediatric emergency care and promoting critical response skills. more >>

National Numeracy Day

National Numeracy Day, 5/21/2025: Break down barriers and build confidence with numbers, math skills, and problem-solving abilities. more >>
Birthdays on May 21:

Mr. T

74 Years Old

A tough-talking, mohawk-sporting actor and professional wrestler who starred in the hit TV show "The A-Team" and became a cultural icon of the 1980s.

The Notorious B.I.G.

Died in 1997, aged 24

A dominant force in 90s hip-hop, known for vivid storytelling and authentic lyrics that painted a gritty picture of life in Brooklyn. His music addressed social issues and told sto...

Jeffrey Dahmer

Died in 1994, aged 34

Notorious serial killer who committed heinous murders and engaged in necrophilia and cannibalism, shocking the nation with his depraved crimes.

Al Franken

75 Years Old

A comedian and politician who wrote for Saturday Night Live and served as a US Senator, known for his sharp wit and progressive views.

Richard Appel

63 Years Old

Creator of iconic TV shows like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy", known for his witty humor and satire.

Gotye

46 Years Old

A Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter behind the massive hit "Somebody That I Used to Know", blending indie rock and pop to create catchy, eclectic tunes .

Ronald Isley

85 Years Old

Legendary lead vocalist of the Isley Brothers, known for iconic hits like "Shout" and "It's Your Thing", blending rock, soul, and funk to create a unique sound.

Nick Cassavetes

67 Years Old

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker behind iconic romantic dramas like "The Notebook" and "My Sister's Keeper", known for evoking powerful emotions on screen.

Judge Reinhold

69 Years Old

Star of several iconic 80s and 90s comedies, including "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Beverly Hills Cop," known for his witty humor and memorable characters.

Raymond Burr

Died in 1993, aged 76

Star of the iconic TV detective series "Perry Mason," this actor brought justice to the small screen with his signature style and wit. He also played the titular character in "Iron...

Bobby Cox

85 Years Old

Legendary baseball figure who won more games than any other manager in history, leading the Atlanta Braves to 15 division titles and a World Series championship.

Hans Berger

Died in 1941, aged 68

Developed the first electroencephalogram (EEG) to record human brain activity, revolutionizing the field of neuroscience. This innovation enabled doctors to diagnose and treat brai...

Events from History on May 21:
99 years ago
Lindbergh completes solo Atlantic Ocean flight (Le Bourget Field, Paris, France) 1927
Charles Lindbergh, a 25-year-old U.S. Army reserve officer, wrote himself into the history books as he landed his single-engine Spirit of St. Louis at Le Bourget Field in Paris. Thirty-three and a half hours after taking off from Roosevelt Field in Long Island, New York, Lindbergh touched down on French soil, marking the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The young aviator battled against treacherous weather, icing conditions, and fatigue, but his determination and skill paid off as he landed safely in the City of Light. The world was electrified by this groundbreaking feat, hailing Lindbergh as a hero and pioneer in aviation.
155 years ago
French troops crush Paris Commune, killing 20,000 (Paris, France) 1871
The final week of May 1871 was a brutal and devastating one for the people of Paris. The city, which had been governed by the radical socialist Paris Commune since March, was on the brink of collapse. French troops, determined to quash the Commune's revolutionary ideals, stormed the city, sparking a week of intense street fighting. The clash was one of the deadliest in French history, with estimates suggesting that up to 20,000 communards lost their lives. Another 38,000 were arrested, many of whom would be imprisoned or exiled. The bloody suppression of the Commune marked the end of the revolutionary experiment, but its impact on French politics and society would be felt for generations to come.
25 years ago
French law recognizes slavery as a crime against humanity (France) 2001
Christiane Taubira, a French politician, championed the monumental law that would change France's stance on its dark past. On May 21, 2001, France officially recognized the Atlantic slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity, marking a historic shift in the country's acknowledgment of its colonial past. This groundbreaking legislation not only addressed the nation's guilt but also paved the way for education and awareness about the transatlantic slave trade's atrocities.
35 years ago
Former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi assassinated by suicide bomber (Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India) 1991
The life of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was brutally cut short by a female suicide bomber near Madras, India. The assassin, later identified as Dhanu, approached Gandhi at a campaign rally, greeted him, and detonated an explosive device concealed under her clothes. The blast killed Gandhi, as well as 14 others, and left many more injured. This heinous act was carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist organization fighting for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka. Gandhi's assassination sent shockwaves across India and the world, leaving a lasting impact on Indian politics and national security.
28 years ago
President Suharto's corruption sparks Indonesian uprising (Jakarta, Indonesia) 1998
Suharto, the strongman president of Indonesia, faced the repercussions of his corrupt regime when security forces killed protesting students from Trisakti University. The brutal incident sparked massive protests in Jakarta, with furious crowds demanding his resignation. As the demonstrations intensified, Suharto, who had held power for over three decades, was forced to step down, marking the end of an era of corruption and oppression.
94 years ago
Amelia Earhart becomes first woman to fly solo across Atlantic (Derry, Northern Ireland) 1932
Bad weather forced Amelia Earhart to make an emergency landing in a pasture in Derry, Northern Ireland, but little did she know, she had just made history! The feisty aviator had successfully flown solo across the Atlantic Ocean, claiming her rightful place as the first woman to achieve this incredible feat. Defying the odds and pushing past treacherous weather conditions, Amelia proved her skills as a seasoned pilot, paving the way for future generations of female flyers.
Notable Deaths on May 21:
2000Barbara Cartland English romance author with millions of fans
2005Howard Morris Multitalented filmmaker and comedic genius
2013Leonard Marsh Innovative American entrepreneur and businessman, co-founder of Snapple Beverage Corporation
2006Billy Walker Cultivated singer-songwriter and musician
2002Niki de Saint Phalle French-American sculptor and painter with a unique style
2006Katherine Dunham Groundbreaking dancer, choreographer, and author
2005Stephen Elliott Beloved actor with a long and storied career
2000Mark R. Hughes Entrepreneurial co-founder of Herbalife
1991Rajiv Gandhi Indian politician and Prime Minister-in-waiting
1995Les Aspin American politician and former Defense Secretary
2015Louis Johnson Funky basslines and rhythmic grooves that shook the music world
2012Bill Stewart Legendary football coach and athlete
1983Kenneth Clark British historian and author of ancient cultures
1973Vaughn Monroe Singer, musician, and entertainer
1542Hernando de Soto Spanish explorer who mapped the southeastern United States
2000John Gielgud Award-winning British actor with a Shakespearean background
1952John Garfield Hollywood actor and American icon
1988Sammy Davis Sr. Legendary American performer and dancer
2019Binyavanga Wainaina Passionate words that ignited the power of human imagination
1935Jane Addams Social reformer and peace advocate