CalEvents:Jan/Jan 13

Notable events for January 13

Date

Event

Significance

January 13, 1893

Birth of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta, a historically Black sorority, was founded at Howard University on this day. The organization has played a significant role in advancing civil rights and social change, with a strong focus on the empowerment of African-American women.

January 13, 1941

Death of James Weldon Johnson, African-American author and civil rights leader

James Weldon Johnson, a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance and civil rights activist, passed away on this day. His contributions to African-American literature and his role in the NAACP made him a pivotal figure in African-American history.

January 13, 1964

Revolution in Zanzibar leads to the overthrow of the Sultan

The revolution in Zanzibar on this day led to the overthrow of the Arab Sultan and the establishment of a new government, predominantly African. This was a major event in the decolonization of East Africa and later contributed to the formation of Tanzania.

January 13, 1972

Ghana's Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia overthrown in a military coup

Kofi Abrefa Busia, Ghana’s Prime Minister, was overthrown in a bloodless military coup led by Colonel Ignatius Acheampong. This event reflected the instability and frequent military interventions in post-independence African nations.

January 13, 1990

Douglas Wilder inaugurated as the first African-American governor in U.S. history

Douglas Wilder was inaugurated as the governor of Virginia, making history as the first elected African-American governor in the United States. His election was a landmark achievement in African-American political history.

January 13, 2011

Mass protests in Tunisia against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali

Protests in Tunisia escalated on this day, leading to the eventual ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. These protests marked the beginning of the Arab Spring, which had significant political and social implications across North Africa.

January 13, 2013

Jacob Zuma re-elected President of the African National Congress

Jacob Zuma was re-elected as the president of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) on this day, solidifying his leadership amid ongoing debates about governance, corruption, and post-apartheid challenges.

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