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The first episode of the science fiction television series, Star Trek: Voyager, was aired. It run for seven years and was the only series of the Star Trek franchise to host a female captain.

Russian-born gangster, Meyer Lansky, died at the age of 81. He was one the most instrumental figures of the Mafia in the United States and a close friend to mob boss Lucky Luciano.

Muammar al-Qaddafi became the premier of Libya. Although he has no official title, he has been the de facto leader of Libya ever since.

The first ever Super Bowl of American football took place.

A military coup took place in Nigeria.

British actor, Julian Sands, was born in Yorkshire, England. His first major role was in the hit British film, A Room with a View.

American actor, Mario Van Peebles, was born in Mexico City, Mexico.

American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr, was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He was one of the most famous civil rights activists who promoted non-violence and equality between races. He received the Nobel Peace Prize prior to his assassination in 1968.

American actor, Lloyd Bridges, was born in Los Angeles, California. He was blacklisted from the movie industry for short time during the 1950s after admitting that he had been a member of the Communist party. Although he appeared in over 150 films in his career he is best remembered for his part in numerous parody comedies such as Airplane and Hot Shots.

The rules of the sport of basketball were published for the first time by its inventor, James Naismith.

The British Museum opened in London. It is one of the biggest, oldest and most important museums in history.