*The Defiance Campaign against Unjust Laws began on this date in 1952. The Campaign was the first “large-scale, multi-racial political mobilization against apartheid laws under a common leadership.” This Campaign was presented by the African National Congress (ANC) at a conference held in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in December 1951. The South African police were alerted […]
learn more*The birth of Sally Motlana is celebrated on this date in 1927. She was a Black African activist. Born in Pilgrim’s Rest in the then Eastern Transvaal, South Africa, Sally Maunye came to Johannesburg in 1931. She stayed in Vrededorp initially and moved to Sophiatown in 1933. After gaining her junior certificate, she was unable […]
learn more*The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) was founded on this date in 1944. As set out in its constitution, the ANC Youth League is led by a National Executive Committee (NEC) and a National Working Committee (NWC). ANCYL is the youth wing of the African National Congress (ANC). The formation of the ANC Youth […]
learn more*Dr. Nthato Harrison Motlana was born on this date in 1925. He was a Black South African businessman, physician, and anti-apartheid activist. He was born in Marapane, near Pretoria, South Africa. He attended Kilnerton High School in Pretoria and the University of Fort Hare, where he obtained a B.Sc. degree. He also took medicine at […]
learn more*Nancy Hicks Maynard was born on this date in 1946. She was a Black publisher, journalist, and businesswoman. She was born Nancy Alene Hall in Harlem, New York City, to jazz bassist Alfred Hall and Eve Keller, a nurse. Maynard first became interested in journalism when, after a fire destroyed the elementary school she had […]
learn moreAndrea Jenkins is Transgender politician and community activist. In the segment, she shares her motivation to enter politics.
learn more*Hiram H. Thweatt was born on this date in 1864. He was a Black activist, educator, and music administrator. Hiram H. Thweatt was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. He worked at the Tuskegee Institute as their choir director. And as a “School Teacher” in the 1900 Census, as was their wife, Janice. He was the President […]
learn more*The Black Economic Union (BEU) was formed on this date in 1965. Formerly known as the Negro Industrial and Economic Union (NIEU), it is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting self-reliance, supporting businesses, and fostering economic growth within the Black community. It was established by actor and social activist Jim Brown. Formed in Cleveland, Ohio, […]
learn more*On this date in 1928, The International Trade Union Committee of Negro Workers (ITUCNW) was formed. ITUCNW was a section of the Profintern that existed during the late 1920s and 1930s, serving as a radical transnational platform for Black workers in Africa and the Atlantic World. It was launched at the “International Conference of Negro […]
learn more*Edward Francis Small was born on this date in 1891. He was a Black African statesman and union organizer. Small was born in Bathurst, Gambia, the son of John W. Small and Elizabeth Thomas. Thomas, a Sierra Leonean immigrant, was of the Aku people, as was John. At the time of Small’s birth, Africa had […]
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