On July 10, the area entered the history books when the mercury climbed to a blistering 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius) at Furnace Creek, California, breaking the record for the highest temperature ever recorded.
Carl Stokes, the first black mayor of a major American city: Black History Month. View full sizePlain Dealer file photoCarl Stokes, shown in 1968 in downtown Cleveland, focused many of his efforts as mayor on improving city services and helping Cleveland's poorest residents.
Mississippi town breaks with its past to elect first black mayor. James Young, left, and supporters celebrate as his campaign claimed the win in Philadelphia, Mississippi's mayoral election. Mississippi town breaks with its past to elect first black mayor. James Young's victory stands in stark contrast to climate which bred racism and segregation in the 1960s. James Young, left, and supporters celebrate as his campaign claimed the win in Philadelphia, Mississippi's mayoral election. Photograph: Jim Prince/AP.