CalEvents:Mar/Mar 12
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for March 12
Date
Event
Significance
March 12, 1898
Death of Benjamin "Pap" Singleton, African-American leader and activist
On this day, Benjamin Singleton, known for promoting African-American migration to the West, passed away. Singleton was a leading figure in the Exoduster Movement, encouraging African Americans to settle in Kansas to escape the racial violence of the post-Reconstruction South.
March 12, 1956
Ghana joins the United Nations as an independent nation
On this day, Ghana, having recently gained independence from Britain, joined the United Nations. As the first sub-Saharan African country to do so, Ghana’s admission signified a major step in Africa’s decolonization process and marked its place in the global community.
March 12, 1963
Malawi achieves self-governance from British colonial rule
On this day, Malawi achieved self-governance, paving the way for full independence in 1964. This event marked a turning point in the country’s struggle against colonial rule and contributed to the wider Pan-African movement.
March 12, 1968
Mauritius gains independence from Britain
On this day, Mauritius became an independent nation, ending British colonial rule. This marked a significant moment in the decolonization of Africa and the Indian Ocean region, with Mauritius establishing itself as a democratic nation.
March 12, 1993
Zanzibar’s opposition leader Seif Sharif Hamad arrested
On this day, Seif Sharif Hamad, the leader of the opposition in Zanzibar, was arrested by the Tanzanian government. His arrest led to protests and highlighted ongoing political tensions in the region, impacting the African island’s governance and political stability.
March 12, 2004
Protests in Haiti over Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s ousting
On this day, protests erupted in Haiti following the ousting of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in a coup. The protests reflected the deep political instability and the broader issues of governance and democracy within the Haitian diaspora.
March 12, 2015
Protests in South Africa against xenophobic attacks
On this day, protests occurred in South Africa against a wave of xenophobic violence targeting African immigrants. The attacks and protests highlighted the challenges of migration, economic inequality, and social tensions within the African diaspora.