CalEvents:Feb/Feb 4
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for February 4
Date
Event
Significance
February 4, 1794
French National Convention abolishes slavery
On this day, the French National Convention voted to abolish slavery in all French colonies. Though slavery would later be reinstated by Napoleon, this event marked an important early step in the global movement against slavery, especially impacting French colonies in the Caribbean and Africa.
February 4, 1913
Rosa Parks born in Tuskegee, Alabama
Rosa Parks, born on this day, became a key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped to dismantle segregation laws.
February 4, 1960
Harold Macmillan delivers "Wind of Change" speech
British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan delivered his "Wind of Change" speech in Cape Town, acknowledging the rise of African nationalism and foreshadowing the end of British colonial rule in Africa. The speech became symbolic of the decolonization movement across Africa.
February 4, 1961
Angolan War of Independence begins
The armed struggle for Angola’s independence from Portuguese colonial rule began on this day. The war, led by movements such as the MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA, lasted until 1975, resulting in Angola’s independence and the start of its post-colonial journey.
February 4, 1965
Malcolm X visits Britain
Malcolm X visited Britain on this day and delivered speeches on Black empowerment and Pan-Africanism. His visit helped build solidarity among the African diaspora and brought attention to the struggles for racial justice beyond the United States.
February 4, 1997
Nelson Mandela's ANC party wins elections in South Africa
On this day, Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC) won the first post-apartheid democratic elections in South Africa, solidifying Mandela’s presidency and the ANC's leadership role in South Africa's transition to democracy.
February 4, 2010
Death of William H. Gray III, first African-American Majority Whip in U.S. Congress
William H. Gray III, a leading figure in African-American politics and the first African-American Majority Whip in the U.S. Congress, passed away on this day. His contributions to African-American political representation and civil rights were significant throughout his career.