Historical Events1775 - The West India Committee founded in London by London sugar merchants and Caribbean planters. Initially instrumental in promoting slavery, later aided campaign to end slavery.1896 - First college basketball game with 5 players on each side is conducted by the University of Iowa; invites student athletes from University of Chicago for an experimental game; Chicago beats Iowa 15-121983 - Dick Motta becomes the 5th NBA coach to record 600 wins as his Dallas Mavericks defeat the Golden State Warriors, 112-102 in Oakland, California2009 - "We Are One" concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington prior to Barack Obama's inauguration attracts an estimated crowd of 400,000; performers include: Beyonc, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Stevie Wonder2024 - US city of Lexington starts a new tourism campaign aimed at extraterrestrial travelers by beaming a welcome message into space via an infrared laserMore Historical Events Famous Birthdays1872 - Paul Lautaud [Maurice Boissard], French writer and theatre critic (Petit ami), born in Paris, France (d. 1956)1922 - Bob Bell, American clown, born in Flint, Michigan (d. 1997)1941 - David Ruffin, American soul musician and early lead singer for The Temptations ("My Girl"; "Ain't Too Proud to Beg"), born in Whynot, Mississippi (d. 1991)1950 - Pat Sullivan, American College Football Hall of Fame quarterback (Heisman Trophy 1971, Auburn University; NFL: Atlanta Falcons) and coach (TUC, Samford), born in Birmingham, Alabama (d. 2019)1993 - Morgan York, American actress (Cheaper by the Dozen) and narrative podcaster (Halfmoon Chronicles), born in Burbank, CaliforniaMore Famous Birthdays Famous Deaths1918 - Bohuslav Jeremi, Czech composer, dies at 581986 - Claire James, American actress (Jack Armstrong), dies at 651995 - Ron Luciano, American baseball umpire in the American League (1969-79), dies at 571996 - Jos Kunst, Dutch composer, dies at 602021 - Josep Mestres-Quadreny, Spanish composer, dies at 91More Famous Deaths