CalEvents:Jan/Jan 19

Notable events for January 19

Date

Event

Significance

January 19, 1931

Birth of Robert C. Weaver

Robert C. Weaver, born on this day, became the first African-American to serve as a cabinet member in the United States, leading the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Lyndon B. Johnson. His appointment marked a major milestone in African-American political achievement.

January 19, 1944

Birth of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti

Fela Kuti, born on this day, became an influential Nigerian musician and activist. His music, which combined traditional African rhythms with jazz and funk, was a vehicle for political activism, particularly against Nigeria’s military regimes and in support of Pan-Africanism.

January 19, 1961

First session of the All-African Peoples' Conference

On this day, the first session of the All-African Peoples' Conference took place in Cairo, Egypt. The conference brought together African leaders and activists to discuss strategies for decolonization and Pan-African unity, playing a key role in shaping the continent’s future.

January 19, 1986

Martin Luther King Jr. Day first celebrated as a federal holiday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was officially celebrated as a federal holiday for the first time on this day. This recognition honored King’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and symbolized the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States.

January 19, 1993

Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk awarded the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize

On this day, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk received the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize in recognition of their efforts to end apartheid in South Africa and promote peace and reconciliation. This award further highlighted their roles in the global fight for human rights.

January 19, 2017

Yahya Jammeh leaves power in The Gambia after 22 years

Yahya Jammeh, The Gambia's long-time president, stepped down from power on this day after losing the 2016 presidential election. His departure marked the end of a 22-year autocratic rule and opened the way for democratic governance in the country.

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