What’s Happening Today?

Africa Industrialization Day. Within the framework of the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa (1991-2000), the United Nations General Assembly, in 1989, proclaimed 20 November “Africa Industrialization Day”. Since then, the United Nations System has held events on that day throughout the world to raise awareness about the importance of Africa’s industrialization and the challenges faced by the continent.

Black Awareness Day (Brazil). It is observed annually on November 20 as a day "to celebrate a regained awareness by the black community about their great worth and contribution to the country".

What Happened Today?

1. In 1923, American Garret Morgan was awarded the patent for an automated traffic signal. Morgan’s invention was not the first of its kind, but unlike the other traffic signals which just had stop and go signals, his traffic light had a third signal that warned drivers about changes in the stop and go lights. This signal was the precursor for today’s yellow light.

2. In 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the document that laid out the rights of children around the world. The day is also annually celebrated as Universal Children's Day.

3. In 1985, Windows 1.0 was released. Nearly two years after it was announced, Microsoft released its first graphical operating system. The OS made it easier for users to navigate on their computer screens. It came with Paint, Notepad, Calculator and a game called Reversi.

Birthdays

1. 1942 – Joe Biden (in the picture), President-elect of the United States of America

2. 1959 – Paul Hasule, Ugandan football legend and coach of the Uganda Cranes and SC Villa.

3. 1983 – Future, American rapper.

Sources: Wikipedia, checkiday, UN & bornglorious.com

Picture credit: Time Magazine