January 13, 1958
Linus Pauling presented the “Scientists’ Test Ban Petition” to the United Nations, signed by over 11,000 scientists (including 36 Nobel laureates) from 49 countries. It called for an end to nuclear weapons testing for its detrimental health (especially genetic) and ecological effects. Pauling was forced to resign as Chairman of the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Caltech.
January 13, 1966
President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed the first African-American cabinet member, making Robert C. Weaver (pictured on the left) head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the position that former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro now holds.
