TODAY IN HISTORY + CELEBRITIES BORN TODAY

ZOE - Zoë Isabella Kravitz born December 1, 1988 is an American actress, singer and model. She is the daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. She first appeared in the films No Reservations (2007) and The Brave One (2007), and played Angel Salvadore in the Marvel Comics superhero film X-Men: First Class (2011).

EMILY - Emily Kathleen Anne Mortimer (born 1 December 1971) is an English actress and screenwriter. She began acting in stage productions, and has since appeared in several film and television roles. In 2003, she won an Independent Spirit Award for her performance in Lovely and Amazing. She is also known for playing roles in Lars and the Real Girl (2007), Harry Brown (2009),Shutter Island (2010), and Hugo (2011).

BABATUNDE - Obba Babatundé (born December 1, 1951) is an American actor of stage and screen, known for his Emmy-nominated performance in the television movie Miss Evers' Boys, a NAACP Image Award-nominated performance in the TV movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, and a Tony Award-nominated role for his performance as C.C. White in the original cast of the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls.

BROOKS - Golden Ameda Brooks (born December 1, 1970) is an American actress, best known for her role as Maya Wilkes on the UPN/CW comedy series Girlfriends from 2000 to 2008.

JANELLA - Janelle Monáe Robinson (born December 1, 1985 known professionally as Janelle Monáe is an American musical recording artist and actress, signed to Bad Boy Records, Wondaland Arts Society, and Atlantic Records. After making a mark with her first unofficial studio album, The Audition, she debuted publicly with a conceptual EP titled Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase), which peaked at number 115 on the Billboard 200 in the United States

TODAY IN HISTORY

December 1, 1964 – The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) was established in Oyo, Nigeria. CRIN’s mandate is the research and development of cocoa, kola, cashew, coffee and tea in Nigeria.

1989 – Philippine coup attempt: The right-wing military rebel Reform the Armed Forces Movement attempts to oust Philippine President Corazon Aquino in a failed bloody coup d'état.

1989 – Cold War: East Germany's parliament abolishes the constitutional provision granting the Communist Party the leading role in the state.

1990 – Channel Tunnel sections started from the United Kingdom and France meet 40 metres beneath the seabed.

1991 – Cold War: Ukrainian voters overwhelmingly approve a referendum for independence from the Soviet Union.

1997 – In the Indian state of Bihar, Ranvir Sena attacked the CPI(ML) Party Unity stronghold Lakshmanpur-Bathe, killing 63 lower caste people.

2001 – Captain Bill Compton brings Trans World Airlines Flight 220, an MD-83, into St. Louis International Airport bringing to an end 76 years of TWA operations following TWA's purchase by American Airlines.

2009 – The Treaty of Lisbon, which amends the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, which together comprise the constitutional basis of European Union, comes into effect.

2013 – China launches Yutu or Jade Rabbit, its first lunar rover, as part of the Chang'e 3 lunar exploration mission.

2013 – A derailment of a Metro-North Railroad train near Spuyten Duyvil, Bronx, New York City kills four and injures 61.