Michigan Minute

On this day in 1979, MSU Superfan Duane Vernon and broadcaster Tim Staudt planned a parade with coach Jud Heathcote. Instead of celebrating a Final Four appearance, they celebrated the Spartans' victory over Indiana State and their NCAA Championship win with a Parade of Champions in downtown Lansing.

On this day in 1871, Amanda Sanford and Sarah Killgore became the first women to graduate from the University of Michigan. Additionally, in 1912, the Michigan Senate voted to support the 19th amendment, advancing women's suffrage.

On this day in 1944, Diana Ross was born in Detroit. She rose to fame as the leader of The Supremes, one of Motown's most successful groups. Ross launched a successful solo career in 1970 and was named Billboard's Female Entertainer of the Century in 1976. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On this day in 1942, Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was born in Memphis. She moved to Detroit, began singing at New Bethel Baptist Church, and later recorded hits like "Respect" and "Think." In 1987, she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After her passing in 2018, she received a posthumous Pulitzer Prize special citation for her contributions to American music and culture.

On this day in 2016, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha was nominated for Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people for exposing the Flint Water Crisis. She tested Flint children's blood for lead, founded the Flint Child Health and Development Fund, and directs the MSU and Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative.

On this day in 1710, Detroit held its first Nain Rouge parade to banish the mythical Red Dwarf and his curse. According to legend, Detroit's founder Antoine Cadillac encountered the Nain Rouge, leading to a string of bad luck. The parade became an annual tradition to drive away misfortune from the city.

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.