CalEvents:Jan/Jan 28
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for January 28
Date
Event
Significance
January 28, 1817
Founding of the American Colonization Society
The American Colonization Society, founded on this day, sought to resettle free African Americans in Africa. This led to the establishment of Liberia, which became one of the first African republics founded by freed Black people from the United States.
January 28, 1957
Martin Luther King Jr. appears on the cover of *Time* magazine
On this day, Martin Luther King Jr. appeared on the cover of *Time* magazine, signaling his rising prominence as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement. This recognition brought greater national attention to the struggle for racial equality in the United States.
January 28, 1961
Independence of Mauritania from French colonial rule
Mauritania officially gained independence from France on this day. The country’s independence was part of the wave of decolonization sweeping across Africa in the 1960s, marking a significant moment in the continent’s push for self-determination.
January 28, 1980
Zimbabwe holds first elections after liberation war
On this day, Zimbabwe held its first democratic elections after the end of the liberation war, which led to the end of white minority rule in the country. These elections paved the way for Robert Mugabe's leadership and the country's official independence in April 1980.
January 28, 1986
Death of space shuttle Challenger crew, including Ronald McNair
On this day, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after launch, killing all seven crew members, including Ronald McNair, an African-American astronaut. McNair was a pioneer in the field of space exploration, and his death highlighted African-American contributions to science and space exploration.
January 28, 2000
Kwame Nkrumah posthumously honored by the African Union
On this day, Ghana’s first president and Pan-Africanist leader Kwame Nkrumah was posthumously honored by the African Union (AU). Nkrumah's vision for African unity and independence played a significant role in shaping the Pan-African movement.
January 28, 2011
Mass protests in Egypt during the Arab Spring
On this day, mass protests took place in Egypt as part of the Arab Spring uprisings, leading to the eventual ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. The protests were a major moment in North African history, sparking political and social changes across the region.