CalEvents:Feb/Feb 18
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for February 18
Date
Event
Significance
February 18, 1688
First formal protest against slavery by the Quakers in Germantown, Pennsylvania
On this day, Quakers in Germantown, Pennsylvania, issued the first formal protest against slavery in the American colonies. This event was one of the earliest recorded actions of anti-slavery sentiment in what would become the United States, and it laid the groundwork for future abolitionist movements.
February 18, 1931
Toni Morrison, African-American author, born
Toni Morrison, born on this day, became one of the most influential African-American writers, known for works such as *Beloved* and *The Bluest Eye*. Her literary work focused on African-American culture, identity, and history, and she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
February 18, 1957
Ghana becomes a member of the United Nations
On this day, Ghana, which had just gained independence from Britain, was admitted to the United Nations. As the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, Ghana’s membership marked an important milestone in the decolonization process across Africa.
February 18, 1965
Death of Nat King Cole, African-American musician
On this day, Nat King Cole, a groundbreaking African-American musician and television personality, passed away. Cole's success as a singer and pianist helped break racial barriers in entertainment, and he was the first African-American to host a nationally televised variety show in the U.S.
February 18, 1977
Roots mini-series airs its final episode
On this day, the final episode of *Roots*, the television mini-series based on Alex Haley’s novel, aired. The series, which depicted the history of slavery and the African-American experience, had a profound impact on American culture and raised awareness about the legacy of slavery and racial injustice.
February 18, 2006
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf becomes the first female president of Liberia
On this day, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was inaugurated as the first female president of Liberia and the first elected female head of state in Africa. Her presidency marked a significant moment for women’s leadership in Africa and symbolized post-conflict recovery for Liberia.
February 18, 2011
Protests erupt in Libya as part of the Arab Spring
On this day, protests erupted in Libya as part of the Arab Spring, leading to a civil war that resulted in the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. The conflict had far-reaching consequences for North Africa and the African diaspora, influencing migration patterns and regional stability.