February 08

On February 8, 1693, the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, was formally chartered by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. Founded just thirty years after Harvard, it became the second institution of higher learning in the English colonies. The college was named in honor of the reigning monarchs, reflecting its loyalty to the crown and Anglican roots. From its earliest days, it attracted scholars and students eager for classical and theological education. William & Mary alumni would later include signers of the Declaration of Independence, prominent jurists, and statesmen who shaped the emerging United States. The charter granted the college powers to confer degrees, maintain a library, and establish a grammar school. Over the centuries, the institution expanded its curriculum and campus, retaining its historic ties to colonial and national heritage. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring value placed on education in America's formative years.

On February 8, 1885, the first contingent of Japanese laborers reached the Hawaiian Islands. They were brought to work on sugar plantations under contracts that promised wages and housing. This migration marked the start of a substantial Japanese community in Hawaii. Over time, these immigrants and their descendants influenced the islands’ culture, cuisine, and economy. The arrival also set the stage for wider migration from Asia to the American Pacific territories. Today, Japanese-Hawaiian heritage remains a vibrant part of Hawaii’s multicultural identity.

On February 8, 1910, American businessman William D. Boyce officially incorporated the Boy Scouts of America. Inspired by the scouting movement he observed in England, Boyce secured a congressional charter for the organization. The Boy Scouts of America aimed to develop young people’s character, citizenship, and outdoor skills. It quickly grew into a nationwide movement with programs for boys of all backgrounds. Over the decades, the BSA became one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. Its legacy includes teaching leadership, community service, and environmental stewardship.

On February 8, 1962, a peaceful demonstration in Paris against Algerian segregation policies ended in tragedy at Charonne metro station. Under orders from Prefect Maurice Papon, police charged the protestors and used excessive force in narrow stairways. Many demonstrators were beaten or trampled in the confined space, and nine people lost their lives. The incident sparked outrage and led to mass funeral processions attended by hundreds of thousands. It highlighted deep divisions in French society over the Algerian War and civil liberties. Papon's role in the operation later became a focal point in debates over police accountability. Memorials at Charonne station now commemorate the victims of the 1962 crackdown. This episode remains a powerful reminder of the struggle for human rights and political expression.

On February 8, 1968, Black students from South Carolina State University gathered in Orangeburg to protest racial segregation. Violence erupted when those opposing the peaceful demonstration attacked the students. Three students were killed and 28 others wounded in the outbreak of bloodshed. The incident drew national attention and intensified calls for civil rights reforms. The tragedy underscored the perils faced by activists challenging segregation in the American South.