This Day In History : May 2

2019 United States

Facebook Bans Prominent Figures for Hate Speech

On May 2, 2019, Facebook bans Alex Jones (InfoWars), Milo Yiannopoulos (ex-Breitbart), Louis Farrakhan (Nation of Islam), Paul Nehlen, and Laura Loomer for violating its policies on hate speech. The decision reflects Facebook's commitment to combating hate speech and promoting a safer online environment.

Also on This Day in History May 2

Discover what happened on May 2 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, May 2
  • 1942 Alexis Mardas

    Canadian-American inventor of African descent, notable for his 57 US patents (lubrication of steam engines)

  • 1955 Donatella Versace

    Italian fashion designer

  • 1860 William Maddock Bayliss

    British physiologist and co-discoverer of hormones

  • 1886 Gottfried Benn

    German physician, pathologist, poet

  • 1879 Nannie Helen Burroughs

    American educator and civil rights activist who founded National Training School for Women and Girls

Deaths on This Day, May 2
  • 1519 Leonardo da Vinci

    Italian painter, sculptor, and architect (Mona Lisa, The Last Supper)

  • 1880 Eberhard Anheuser

    German-American businessman who co-founded Anheuser-Busch

  • 1947 William Moulton Marston

    American psychologist who invented of an early prototype of the lie detector and writer who co-created Wonder Woman

  • 1934 Sergey Lebedev

    Russian chemist and inventor of first commercially viable

  • 1972 J. Edgar Hoover

    American First Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1924-72)

2012

Record-Breaking Sale of Edvard Munch's The Scream Pastel

On May 2, 2012, a pastel version of Edvard Munch's The Scream sets a new world record for a work of art at auction, selling for $120 million in New York City. This sale underscores the artwork's immense value and historical significance.
1800

William Nicholson Achieves First Chemical Reaction by Electricity

On May 2, 1800, English chemist William Nicholson successfully conducts the first chemical reaction using electricity, demonstrating the potential of electrochemistry. This landmark experiment paves the way for future advancements in the field.
2011

Osama bin Laden Killed by U.S. Commando

On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda and mastermind behind the September 11 attacks, is killed by U.S. Navy SEALs in a raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. This operation marks a significant moment in the global fight against terrorism.
1890

Territory of Oklahoma Created

On May 2, 1890, the U.S. Congress establishes the Territory of Oklahoma, paving the way for its eventual statehood. This legislation organizes the land for settlement and governance, setting the foundation for Oklahoma's development.
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