October 2: Cheese Riots, Guardian Angels & Gandhi

October 2 has seen justice served, nations freed, and — in one glorious chapter of human history — a great deal of cheese liberated from its rightful owners. Buckle up, because this date delivers.

History Got Serious (and a Little Cheesy)

In 1967, Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first African-American justice of the Supreme Court of the United States — a genuinely landmark moment that reshaped American law for the better. Respect where it's enormously due.

Now for the other end of the gravitas spectrum. In 1766, during wider food riots, the good citizens of Nottingham, England, looted large quantities of cheese. Not jewels, not gold — cheese. One imagines the getaway was slow and extremely fragrant. It's the sort of heist that would never make a Hollywood blockbuster, yet absolutely should.

And in 2004, the very first parkrun — then called the Bushy Park Time Trial — took place in Bushy Park, London. From one modest jog, an entire global Saturday-morning movement was born. Millions of people now voluntarily run in the cold before breakfast. Humanity contains multitudes.

Happy Birthday to the October 2 Crew

This date produced a stacked football roster. Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker (1992) and his compatriot Roberto Firmino (1991) both share October 2 — which means somewhere, a Liverpool fan is having an extremely emotional morning. Over in basketball, American-Turkish guard Shane Larkin (1992) also blows out candles today.

On the pop-culture front, social media personality and singer Jacob Sartorius (2002) and singer-songwriter and YouTuber Quadeca (2000) represent the internet generation, while Manx actress and singer Samantha Barks (1990) brings the West End sparkle. A birthday lineup that spans stadiums, screens, and stages — not bad for one little square on the calendar.

A Day of Non-Violence (and Really Nice Fabric)

October 2 is the International Day of Non-Violence, timed to Gandhi Jayanti, celebrating the birthday of a man who proved patience can topple empires. It's a day that asks us all to be a bit calmer, a bit kinder — which, frankly, the world could use in bulk.

Meanwhile, Indonesia celebrates Batik Day, honoring the stunning patterned textile that's as much national pride as it is wardrobe flex. And Italy marks National Grandparents Day, which is a lovely excuse to call your nonna and accept the third helping of pasta you absolutely do not need. So go be peaceful, wear something gorgeous, and hug a grandparent. October 2 approves.