1. Earth Day is celebrated on April 22
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Today, this event is observed in over 193 countries around the globe, with billions of people participating in activities geared towards raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting sustainability initiatives.
2. It commemorates Administrative Professionals
In the United States, the last full week of April is recognized as Administrative Professionals Week, and the Wednesday of that week, often falling on April 22, is Administrative Professionals Day. This day appreciates the work done by administrative professionals and is often celebrated with gifts and cards.
3. Coincides with Global Youth Service Day
Global Youth Service Day often overlaps with April 22. On this particular day, millions of young individuals worldwide are mobilized to participate in community service initiatives, encouraging a new generation of active and enthusiastic volunteers.
4. Birth date of Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant, the great philosopher of the Enlightenment, was born on April 22 in 1724. His ideas, particularly those articulated in 'Critique of Pure Reason', continue to shape philosophical thought to present day.
5. Apollo 16 returns to Earth
On April 22, 1972, Apollo 16, the fifth mission to land on the Moon, returned to Earth. During the mission, astronauts John Young and Charles Duke spent over 20 hours exploring the lunar surface.
6. The "Killer Frost" of 1831
On April 22, 1831, a devastating frost, known as the "Killer Frost", hit the United States affecting crops and orchards, causing widespread damage and significantly impacting that year's agriculture.
7. Chernobyl disaster anniversary
Although the Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, the commemoration starts on April 22 in memory of the brave firefighters and first responders who immediately faced the consequences of the explosion.
8. The 1884 start of National Coin Week
Launched by the American Numismatic Association in 1884, National Coin Week begins on April 22. It's a celebration of numismatics - the study or collection of coins, paper currency, and medals.
9. Groundbreaking of Fenway Park
On April 22, 1911, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Fenway Park, the oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball, took place. Fenway Park officially opened in 1912 and became home to the Boston Red Sox.
10. Jack Nicholson's birthday
Legendary American actor Jack Nicholson was born on April 22, 1937. Known for his performances in movies like 'The Shining', 'As Good As It Gets', and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest', Jack Nicholson has won three Academy Awards during his career.
11. The 2000 "Million Marijuana March"
On April 22, 2000, millions of cannabis advocates from around the globe participated in the "Million Marijuana March", advocating for the decriminalization of marijuana.
12. Release of the first YouTube video
On this day in 2005, the first YouTube video was uploaded by co-founder Jawed Karim.
13. April 22 is National Jelly Bean Day
In the United States, April 22 also marks the unofficial holiday known as National Jelly Bean Day. This day allows candy lovers the perfect excuse to indulge in this favorite, colorful candy treat.
14. The Oklahoma land rush
April 22, 1889, marks the day of the famous Oklahoma land rush where huge amounts of land were offered up for settlement.
15. Start of the NFL Draft
The NFL Draft often begins on April 22. This event is where teams from the National Football League (NFL) can select eligible college football players to add to their rosters.
16. Birth of Vladimir Lenin
Vladimir Lenin, the Russian revolutionary and political theorist, was born on April 22 in 1870. He was the first head of the Soviet Union and the main leader of the October Revolution.
17. Chemical Weapons Convention takes effect
On April 22, 1997, the Chemical Weapons Convention took effect. This global treaty outlaws the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and their precursors.
18. The Yougoslavia joins United Nations
On April 22 2000, Yugoslavia joined the United Nations. This represented the culmination of Yugoslavia’s transition from a socialist federative republic to a democratic federation.
19. Release of the Euro banknotes and coins design
On April 22, 1996, the European Monetary Institute released the winning designs for the euro banknotes and coins. This was a significant step towards a single European currency.
20. World Record of solving Rubik's Cube
On April 22, 2015, Collin Burns set the world record for solving a standard Rubik's Cube in just 5.25 seconds during an official World Cube Association event in Pennsylvania.