CalEvents:Mar/Mar 4
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for March 4
Date
Event
Significance
March 4, 1877
End of Reconstruction with the Compromise of 1877
On this day, the Compromise of 1877 was reached, effectively ending Reconstruction in the U.S. and leading to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This marked a turning point that allowed the rise of Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of African Americans in the South.
March 4, 1913
Birth of Ralph Ellison, African-American author
On this day, Ralph Ellison, the renowned African-American author of *Invisible Man*, was born. His work became a classic of American literature, addressing themes of race, identity, and invisibility in the African-American experience.
March 4, 1968
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his last public speech
On this day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final public speech before his assassination in April 1968. In the speech, he spoke about economic justice and the Poor People’s Campaign, advocating for broader social change for African-Americans and all marginalized communities.
March 4, 1972
Angola's MPLA recognized as legitimate representative of Angolan people
On this day, the Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) was recognized as the legitimate representative of the Angolan people by the United Nations. The MPLA led the country’s fight for independence from Portugal, which was achieved in 1975.
March 4, 1980
Zimbabwe's first post-independence elections
On this day, Zimbabwe held its first post-independence elections. The elections were a pivotal moment in African history, bringing Robert Mugabe to power and officially marking the end of white minority rule in the country.
March 4, 1995
Rodney King awarded $3.8 million in damages
On this day, a jury awarded Rodney King $3.8 million in damages for the beating he received at the hands of the Los Angeles Police Department in 1991. The case highlighted ongoing issues of police brutality and racial injustice in the U.S.
March 4, 2019
Protests in Sudan intensify against Omar al-Bashir’s rule
On this day, protests in Sudan against President Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year rule intensified, ultimately leading to his removal from power in April 2019. These protests were a significant moment in Sudanese history, reflecting widespread demands for democratic reforms.