CalEvents:Feb/Feb 12
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for February 12
Date
Event
Significance
February 12, 1793
U.S. Fugitive Slave Act passed
On this day, the Fugitive Slave Act was passed by the U.S. Congress, requiring that escaped enslaved individuals be returned to their enslavers. The law was a significant legal tool for maintaining slavery in the United States and had a major impact on African-American lives.
February 12, 1909
Founding of the NAACP
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded on this day in response to ongoing violence against African Americans. The organization became a pivotal institution in the fight for civil rights and racial equality in the United States.
February 12, 1947
Birth of Mazisi Kunene, South African poet and writer
Mazisi Kunene, born on this day, became one of South Africa’s most prominent poets and authors. He wrote extensively about Zulu culture, African history, and Pan-Africanism, contributing greatly to African literature and cultural preservation.
February 12, 1956
Martin Luther King Jr. arrested during Montgomery Bus Boycott
On this day, Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a protest against racial segregation on public buses. His arrest drew national attention to the boycott and his leadership, further mobilizing support for the Civil Rights Movement.
February 12, 1961
Formation of the African National Congress (ANC) military wing
On this day, the African National Congress (ANC) officially formed its military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, to resist the apartheid government in South Africa. This marked a significant escalation in the fight against apartheid, moving from peaceful protests to armed resistance.
February 12, 1990
Nelson Mandela gives his first speech after release from prison
Following his release on February 11, Nelson Mandela delivered his first public speech on this day, calling for unity and continued resistance against apartheid. His speech marked a turning point in the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
February 12, 2019
Protests in Sudan against President Omar al-Bashir
On this day, widespread protests continued in Sudan against President Omar al-Bashir’s regime. These protests, which started in December 2018, eventually led to the ousting of al-Bashir and significant political changes in Sudan.