Ronald Reagan, originally an American actor and politician, became the 40th President of the United States serving from 1981 to 1989. In 1983, Reagan faced several challenges both domestically and internationally. One of the notable events in 1983 was the fight to make the Martin Luther King Jr. birthday a holiday, which took 32 years, a lot of campaigning, and guest appearances including Stevie Wonder's hit song "Happy Birthday." Finally, on November 2, 1983, President Reagan signed the bill into law, making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday.
Another important event in 1983 was Queen Elizabeth's visit to President Reagan's Western White House near Santa Barbara. Despite lousy weather, the visit was a success, and both leaders discussed various topics, including the Falkland Islands, which had been a point of contention between the United States and Britain. The visit highlighted the strong relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
In Duluth, Portia Johnson was sworn in as president of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP is a civil rights organization that advocates for equal rights and opportunities for people of color. Johnson's appointment was a significant step towards promoting racial equality in the United States.
In other political news, five non-communist opposition parties decided to boycott the President's address to the joint session of Parliament. The move was seen as a protest against the government's policies and lack of response to opposition demands. The boycott highlighted the growing political divisions in the country and the need for more dialogue between different political groups.
Internationally, Nigeria was facing an electoral crisis, with little progress made in resolving the issues from past elections. Anietie Usen wrote about the country's failure to learn from past mistakes and improve the electoral process. The article highlighted the need for more reforms and transparency in the electoral system to ensure free and fair elections.
On this day in 1983, President Ronald Reagan voiced his outrage over what he termed the “despicable” destruction of the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. The attack killed 241 American service members and injured many others. The incident was a significant blow to the United States and highlighted the dangers of military involvement in foreign conflicts.
In sports, Roger Binny, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, was elected as the new President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Binny was a successful cricketer, and his appointment was seen as a positive step towards promoting the sport in India.
Overall, 1983 was a year of significant events for Ronald Reagan's presidency, both domestically and internationally. The events highlighted the challenges faced by the United States and the need for more cooperation and dialogue between different groups. Despite the challenges, Reagan's presidency was marked by several notable achievements, including the signing of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day bill into law and the strong relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
