Michigan Minute

On this day in 1971, actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key was born in Southfield, Michigan. He later co-created the influential sketch comedy series "Key & Peele" with Jordan Peele, and famously appeared at the White House Correspondents Dinner as President Obama's Anger Translator, Luther.

On this day in 1933, Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals were unveiled at the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 1953, the S.S. Badger ferry began its voyages across Lake Michigan, connecting Wisconsin to Michigan.

On this day in 1971, Lake Superior State University held its first annual Snowman Burning. In 1919, women were allowed to serve on jury duty in Wayne County. In 1970, Burton I. Gordon, head of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, was assassinated.

On this day in 1925, Michigan required fishermen to purchase licenses. In 1897, Hazen Pingree resigned as Detroit mayor to serve as governor. In 1991, John Voelker, author of "Anatomy of a Murder," passed away.

On this day in 1972, a co-ed housing experiment at the University of Michigan was disbanded amid media attention. In 1911, Alma mail carriers received over 2,400 Easter eggs from appreciative customers before Easter.

On this day in 1808, Detroit held its first St. Patrick’s Day celebration, one of the oldest in the U.S. In 2014, Michigan State University broke ground on the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), a major nuclear science facility.

On this day in 2013, a bill was passed prohibiting school districts from deducting union dues from paychecks. In 1846, Lansing became the capital of Michigan, overcoming its reputation as a "mud hole" to beat out more established cities.

On this day in 1867, Mary Chase Perry Stratton, founder of Pewabic Pottery and a Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame member, was born. In 1982, Zingerman’s Deli was founded in Ann Arbor.

On this day in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his speech "The Other America" in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, facing interruptions from protesters but receiving strong support. Three weeks later, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

On this day in 1872, Governor Henry P. Baldwin called for a new Capitol Building for Michigan. The first Capitol was built in Detroit in 1832, and Lansing was chosen as the new seat of government in 1847. Architect Elijah E. Myers was commissioned in 1872 to design the new Capitol, named Tuebor.