People and Events on December 20, 1987

Malcolm Jenkins

38 Years Old

Safety for the Philadelphia Eagles and social activist, known for raising his fist in protest during the national anthem to bring attention to racial inequality and police brutalit...

A Day of Tragedy and Triumph: December 20th, 1987

December 20th, 1987, stands as a somber yet significant day in history, marked by a devastating maritime disaster and the birth of a future champion of social justice.

A Maritime Tragedy Unfolds

In the Philippines, the nation was shaken to its core as the Doña Paz, a Philippine-registered passenger ferry, collided with the oil tanker MT Vector and sank, claiming the lives of approximately 4,000 people. This catastrophic event remains one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history.

A New Generation of Leaders Emerges

On the same day, Malcolm Jenkins, an American football safety and social activist, was born. Jenkins would go on to become a vocal advocate for racial equality and police reform, famously raising his fist during the national anthem to protest systemic injustice.

A Cultural Milestone

December 20th, 1987, also marked the release of the iconic film Three Men and a Baby, a comedy classic that would go on to become the highest-grossing film of the year, cementing the careers of its stars, Steve Guttenberg, Tom Selleck, and Ted Danson.

Global Observances

December 20th, 1987, coincided with International Human Solidarity Day, a day dedicated to promoting unity in diversity, solidarity, and cooperation among nations. The day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of global cooperation in the face of tragedy and adversity.

A Legacy of Lasting Impact

As we reflect on the events of December 20th, 1987, we are reminded of the delicate balance between tragedy and triumph. While the Doña Paz disaster left an indelible mark on the Philippines, the birth of Malcolm Jenkins and the release of Three Men and a Baby serve as testaments to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and creativity. On this day, we honor the memory of those lost and celebrate the enduring impact of their legacies.

Noteworthy Events on this Day:
39 years ago
Philippine Ferry Disaster Claims 4,000 Lives (Tablas Strait, Philippines) 1987
The Doña Paz, a passenger ferry, was cruising through the Tablas Strait in the Philippines, carrying over 2,200 people, when disaster struck. It collided with the oil tanker MT Vector, igniting a massive fire that engulfed the ferry. Panic set in as passengers scrambled to escape, but it was too late. The ferry sank quickly, leaving only a handful of survivors. The tragedy would become the worst peacetime sea disaster in history, claiming an estimated 4,000 lives.