CalEvents:Jan/Jan 4

Notable events for January 4

Date

Event

Significance

January 4, 1808

United States bans the importation of slaves

The U.S. officially banned the importation of enslaved Africans, following the passage of legislation in 1807. Though slavery continued domestically, this marked an important step in the eventual abolition of slavery and impacted the transatlantic slave trade.

January 4, 1944

World War II: Tuskegee Airmen begin flying missions in Italy

The Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in U.S. history, began flying combat missions over Italy during World War II. Their success challenged racial stereotypes and paved the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military.

January 4, 1961

Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba deposed

Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was deposed by political rivals, with support from Western powers. His subsequent assassination in 1961 became a symbol of anti-colonial resistance in Africa.

January 4, 1972

Rosemary Brown becomes the first Black woman to run for a political leadership position in Canada

Rosemary Brown, a Jamaican-Canadian politician, became the first Black woman to run for the leadership of a Canadian political party. Her candidacy was a landmark moment for Black women in politics and inspired future generations of Black leaders.

January 4, 1986

Death of Christopher Okigbo, Nigerian poet and writer

Christopher Okigbo, a celebrated Nigerian poet, died on this day. Okigbo was known for his contributions to African literature and for being one of the most influential modern African poets, whose work explored African identity and postcolonial themes.

January 4, 1991

UN Security Council condemns apartheid in South Africa

The United Nations Security Council issued a formal condemnation of South Africa's apartheid policies, adding to the international pressure that eventually led to the dismantling of the apartheid system and the establishment of majority rule in 1994.

January 4, 2011

Sudan prepares for South Sudan's independence referendum

On this day, Sudan began preparations for the independence referendum in South Sudan, which would take place on January 9, 2011. The referendum led to South Sudan's independence later that year, making it the youngest country in Africa.

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