August 21
Nat Turner Rebellion Begins
On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner led a group of enslaved people in a rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia. Over two days, the group grew to about 70 and killed approximately 55 white people. The rebellion was suppressed, and Turner was captured and executed, but the event profoundly impacted the national debate on slavery.
Wilt Chamberlain Born
Born August 21, 1936, Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain dominated basketball like no player before him. In addition to his 100-point game, he averaged 50.4 points per game in the 1961-62 season, a record that still stands. He is the only player to score 4,000 points in a season.
Count Basie Born
Born August 21, 1904, William James "Count" Basie led one of the most influential big bands in jazz history. His orchestra featured legendary soloists including Lester Young and was known for its powerful rhythm section and blues-inflected style.
Sha'Carri Richardson Wins World Championship Gold
On August 21, 2023, Sha'Carri Richardson won the women's 100m final at the World Athletics Championships with a time of 10.65 seconds. The victory came two years after she was suspended from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, making her comeback one of the most celebrated in track and field.