February 21: What Happened on This Day in History
February 21st marks the 52nd day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 313 days (314 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 21st in history, famous birthdays on February 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 21.
What happened on February 21?
Here's what happened on February 21st in history:
- 2021: Mohamed Bazoum, the former interior minister, won the presidential election in Niger, achieving a landmark moment for the country by marking the first peaceful democratic transition of power in this economically challenged West African nation. This election represents a significant step towards democratic consolidation in a region often characterized by political instability.
- 2014: On February 21, 2014, violent clashes in Kiev resulted in numerous fatalities as police confronted protesters opposing the government. This event marked a significant escalation in the ongoing unrest in Ukraine, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for political reform. source: bbc.com
- 2011: The Arab Spring uprising, a series of anti-government protests and uprisings across the Arab world, was in full swing by February 21, 2011. In Libya, demonstrations had intensified, leading to violent confrontations between protesters and government forces. The unrest in Libya was part of a broader regional movement seeking political reform and greater freedoms. source: britannica.com
- 2004: Iran held parliamentary elections on February 21, 2004, which resulted in a significant victory for conservative candidates. The elections were marked by a boycott from reformist groups and widespread criticism regarding the disqualification of many candidates by the Guardian Council. source: bbc.com
- 1999: On February 21, 1999, a shooting incident occurred on Albertinkatu street in Helsinki, Finland, resulting in multiple casualties. The event raised concerns about public safety and gun control in the country. source: theguardian.com
- 1998: On February 21, 1998, several matches of the La Liga Primera Division took place in Spain. This league is one of the top professional football leagues in the country, featuring prominent teams and players. source: bbc.com
- 1995: On February 21, 1995, a racially motivated murder occurred in France, sparking national outrage and discussions about racism and violence. The incident highlighted ongoing issues of racial tension in the country. source: theguardian.com
- 1988: On February 21, 1988, televangelist Jimmy Swaggart delivered a tearful public confession at his Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, admitting to a moral failure and seeking forgiveness from his wife, congregation, and God. He stated, "I have sinned against you, my Lord," and vowed to step away from the pulpit for an indefinite period. The confession followed reports of alleged misconduct, including accusations of visiting a prostitute. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1985: On February 21, 1985, Major League Baseball outfielder Tim Raines was granted a $1.2 million salary for the 1985 season by arbitrator Tom Roberts. This decision marked the largest arbitration award in baseball history at that time. Raines, playing for the Montreal Expos, had an impressive 1984 season, batting .309 with 75 stolen bases, leading the National League in stolen bases for the fourth consecutive year. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1981: On February 21, 1981, NASA successfully launched the Comstar D-4 satellite, which was part of a series of communications satellites. This launch contributed to advancements in satellite technology and telecommunications. source: nasa.gov
What famous birthdays are on February 21?
On February 21st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Nina Simone]()
Nina Simone (1933)Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist known for her eclectic musical style that blended classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop. She was an iconic voice of both artistry and activism for civil rights and social justice. [bio]
![Anthony Daniels]()
Anthony Daniels (1946)Anthony Daniels is an English actor best known for portraying the protocol droid C-3PO in the Star Wars film franchise. He is the only actor to have appeared in all theatrical Star Wars films, providing both voice and physical performance for the character. [bio]
![Alan Rickman]()
Alan Rickman (1946)Alan Rickman was an acclaimed English actor and director, renowned for his versatile roles in film, television, and theatre. He was especially famous for his portrayals of complex villains and sophisticated characters, most notably as Severus Snape in the 'Harry Potter' film series and Hans Gruber in 'Die Hard.' [bio]
![Jordan Peele]()
Jordan Peele (1979)Jordan Peele is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director. He is best known for his comedy work in "Key & Peele" and for directing acclaimed horror films such as "Get Out" and "Us." [bio]
![Chuck Palahniuk]()
Chuck Palahniuk (1962)Chuck Palahniuk is an acclaimed American novelist and freelance journalist, best known for his transgressive fiction, particularly the novel 'Fight Club.' His works often explore themes of consumerism, masculinity, and societal alienation, earning him a significant following and influence in contemporary literature. [bio]
![Kelsey Grammer]()
Kelsey Grammer (1955)Kelsey Grammer is an American actor, comedian, producer, and director best known for his portrayal of Dr. Frasier Crane on the NBC sitcoms 'Cheers' and 'Frasier.' His distinctive voice and refined comedic style have made him a prominent figure in television history. [bio]
![Kumail Nanjiani]()
Kumail Nanjiani (1978)Kumail Nanjiani is a Pakistani-American stand-up comedian, actor, screenwriter, and podcaster known for his roles in film and television, notably as a co-writer and star of 'The Big Sick' and for his work on HBO's 'Silicon Valley.' [bio]
![Jennifer Love Hewitt]()
Jennifer Love Hewitt (1979)Jennifer Love Hewitt is an American actress, singer, and producer, best known for her roles in television series such as 'Party of Five' and 'Ghost Whisperer,' as well as films like 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.' She has also released several music albums and has acted as a producer on various projects. [bio]
![Corbin Bleu]()
Corbin Bleu (1989)Corbin Bleu is an American actor, singer, and dancer best known for his role as Chad Danforth in the High School Musical film series. [bio]
![William Baldwin]()
William Baldwin (1963)William Baldwin is an American actor, producer, and writer, best known for being a member of the Baldwin family of actors and for his roles in films such as 'Flatliners,' 'Backdraft,' and 'Sliver.' [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on February 21?
On February 21st the following celebrities died:
![Malcolm X]()
Malcolm X (1965)Malcolm X was an influential African American civil rights leader, renowned for his powerful advocacy for Black empowerment and racial justice in the United States. After a troubled early life, he became a prominent spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, where he preached Black self-sufficiency and challenged mainstream civil rights strategies. In 1964, he broke with the Nation of Islam, … [bio]
![Peter Tork]()
Peter Tork (2019)Peter Tork was an American musician and actor, best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist for the 1960s pop/rock band The Monkees. Renowned for his musicianship and comedic presence, Tork contributed to the group's biggest hits and continued a diverse career in music and television. [bio]
![John Thaw]()
![Ina Claire]()
Ina Claire (1985)Ina Claire was an acclaimed American stage and film actress best known for her sophisticated comic roles on Broadway and in Hollywood during the early to mid-20th century. [bio]
![Gertrude Elion]()
Gertrude Elion (1999)Gertrude Elion was a pioneering Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who revolutionized drug development.
![Mikhail Sholokhov]()
Mikhail Sholokhov (1984)Renowned Soviet novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature winner, best known for his epic novel 'And Quiet Flows the Don', which depicts life...
![Howard Florey]()
Howard Florey (1968)Howard Florey was an Australian pharmacologist who co-discovered penicillin and shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945.
![Gershom Scholem]()
![Margot Fonteyn]()
Margot Fonteyn (1991)Margot Fonteyn was a legendary British ballerina who revolutionized dance through her iconic partnership with Rudolf Nureyev.
![Guillermo Cabrera Infante]()
Guillermo Cabrera Infante (2005)Renowned Cuban novelist and essayist who was a key figure in Latin American literature, known for his experimental writing and cultural...
What day of the year is February 21?
February 21st marks the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 313 days remaining until the end of the year (or 314 days in case of leap years).
February 21st is the 21st day of the month of February.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 21?
The zodiac sign associated with February 21st is Pisces according to the Western Zodiac.
