Today in Nerd History | August 28

Nerd culture is a vibrant tapestry of events, releases, and milestones that have shaped the entertainment landscape. From iconic movies to groundbreaking games and significant literary contributions, this article takes a trip down memory lane to explore the notable nerd culture events that occurred on August 28th in history. Let’s celebrate these cherished moments that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans around the world.

Photo Credit: NPR

I Have a Dream

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he calls for an end to racial discrimination and segregation, and shares his vision of a more just and equal society based on the principles of the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Nerdy Fact: King almost didn’t deliver the most famous part of the speech, the “I have a dream” refrain. He had used it before in other speeches, but his adviser Wyatt Tee Walker thought it was “hackneyed and trite.” King improvised the phrase on the spot, after gospel singer Mahalia Jackson urged him to “tell ’em about the dream, Martin.”

Photo Credit: IGN

Go Go Power Rangers!

On August 28, 1993, the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers premiered. This popular American superhero television series featured a team of five teenagers (with ATTITUDE) who use special powers and giant robots to fight against the evil forces of Rita Repulsa.

Nerdy Fact: The show was based on a popular Japanese show called Super Sentai, which had different themes and costumes every year. The American version used fight footage from the 16th season, which featured dinosaur-themed Rangers.

Photo Credit: Nerdist

Playing Doubles with Walugi

On August 28, 2000, the original Mario Tennis game was released. This sports video game developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64, introduced Waluigi and re-introduced Princess Daisy and Birdo to the Mario franchise, and featured a variety of tennis matches and modes with characters, courts, and scenarios based on the Super Mario series.

Nerdy Fact: Waluigi, Luigi’s arch-rival, was created by Camelot Software Planning, the developer of the game, essentially only serving as a doubles partner for Wario. His name is a portmanteau of Luigi’s name and the Japanese adjective warui (悪い) meaning “bad”; hence, a “bad Luigi”. Despite gaining popularity by becoming an internet meme, Waluigi still remains a side characters only featured in some Mario spin-off games. His lack of playability in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has garnered strong disapproval from fans.

Today in Nerd History is produced by Radio Matt & Deidra for Rise & Shine, Nerds, LTN’s official Nerdy Morning News Show.