“Today I Learned”: Unveiling A Treasure Trove Of Fascinating Facts You Never Knew You Needed

As John F. Kennedy poised himself to take the presidential oath in 1961, the charm of his progressive stance couldn’t shield him from the era’s racial biases. Despite actively supporting JFK’s campaign, entertainment titan Sammy Davis Jr. was conspicuously absent from the inaugural festivities—sidelined by the administration due to his marriage to May Britt, a white Swedish actress.

At a time when 31 states still banned interracial unions, JFK’s team feared public censure. In an act of loyal defiance, Dean Martin skipped the historic event, aligning himself with his sidelined friend Davis Jr., showcasing a unity that transcended the prevailing prejudices..