*On this date in 2016, A United Nations working group visiting the United States walks away “extremely concerned about the human rights situation of African Americans,” members said in a preliminary report released, in which they urged the US government to address the legacy of slavery with “reparatory justice,” a national human rights commission, and ongoing criminal justice reform.
learn more*On this date in 2017, Zimbabwe elected Emmerson Mnangagwa as their president. For the first time since the country gained independence from white minority rule in 1980, they have a new leader. At a packed stadium in the capital city of Harare, he promised not to “squander this moment” to change his country’s political culture. […]
learn more*On this date in 2018, the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Major John L. Canley, United States Marine Corps (Retired), for conspicuous gallantry. Canley, a retired United States Marine, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in January/February 1968 during the Battle of Huế. During the Vietnam War. At the time of this action, Canley was a gunnery […]
learn more*On this date in 2018, Ethiopia elected the country’s first female president. Sahle-Work Zewde, a seasoned diplomat, assumed the largely ceremonial post, and many celebrated Africa’s only current female head of state. The continent’s first female president, Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, left office this year. “In a patriarchal society such as ours, the appointment of […]
learn more*On this date in 2018, Alabama State University (ASU) colleagues came to pay their respects to soldiers who died one hundred years ago. They Gathered at Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Ala. More than 350,000 Blacks served in segregated units during World War I. They were fighting for rights they didn’t have in America then. Derryn […]
learn more*On this date in 2019, the first Black woman was elected mayor of Chicago, Illinois. Former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot easily won the Chicago mayor’s race, earning support from every part of the city to defeat a longtime political insider. She also became the first openly Gay person to lead the United States of America’s […]
learn more*On this date in 2021, the Chicago suburb of Evanston became the first U.S. city to offer reparation money. This will go to Black residents whose families suffered lasting damage from decades of segregation and discriminatory practices. The city council voted 8-1 to distribute $400,000 to eligible Black residents. This is through $25,000 grants for […]
learn more*On this date in 2021, R. Kelly was found guilty of charges including sexual exploitation of a child, bribery, racketeering, and sex trafficking involving five victims. After more than 25 years of accusations and a federal court trial in New York that lasted seven weeks, the R&B singer faced a possible sentence of 10 years […]
learn more*On this date in 2022, the South African government officially recognized Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the AmaZulu King. This was the first Zulu coronation since 1971. He has promised to unite his nation and protect tradition. KaZwelithini, 48, was crowned the king of South Africa’s largest Indigenous group in a customary celebration in August but required […]
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