CalEvents:Jan/Jan 24
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for January 24
Date
Event
Significance
January 24, 1966
Military coup in Nigeria
A military coup occurred in Nigeria on this day, resulting in the overthrow of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s government. This marked the beginning of a series of military interventions in Nigeria's politics and set the stage for further political instability in post-colonial Nigeria.
January 24, 1978
Death of Clarence Muse, pioneering African-American actor
Clarence Muse, who passed away on this day, was a trailblazing African-American actor, director, and writer. He was one of the first Black actors to appear in mainstream films and helped break racial barriers in the entertainment industry.
January 24, 1986
United States establishes Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday
On this day, the U.S. government officially established Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday to honor the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader. This recognition was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and African-American history.
January 24, 2000
Sierra Leone civil war ceasefire signed
On this day, a ceasefire was signed in the Sierra Leone civil war, which had devastated the country since 1991. This agreement was a critical step toward peace and rebuilding in the West African nation, following years of brutal conflict.
January 24, 2003
Death of Maurice Papon, former Vichy official linked to African colonial violence
Maurice Papon, a French official who served under the Vichy regime and later had a role in colonial repression in Algeria, died on this day. His legacy is tied to the violent suppression of Algerian independence movements, marking a dark chapter in France's colonial history in Africa.
January 24, 2019
Protests in Sudan against Omar al-Bashir's government
On this day, protests in Sudan continued to gain momentum against the long-serving government of Omar al-Bashir. These demonstrations eventually led to al-Bashir's removal from power and set the stage for a political transition in Sudan.