CalEvents:Mar/Mar 21
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for March 21
Date
Event
Significance
March 21, 1960
Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa
On this day, South African police opened fire on a crowd of peaceful protesters in Sharpeville, killing 69 people and injuring 180 others. The protesters were demonstrating against apartheid pass laws. The Sharpeville Massacre shocked the world and became a turning point in the global struggle against apartheid.
March 21, 1965
Martin Luther King Jr. leads final Selma to Montgomery march
On this day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the final Selma to Montgomery march in support of voting rights for African Americans. The successful march played a key role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark victory in the Civil Rights Movement.
March 21, 1970
South African government bans 37 anti-apartheid organizations
On this day, the apartheid government in South Africa banned 37 anti-apartheid organizations, including the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). This move was part of the government’s crackdown on opposition to apartheid and further limited the ability of these groups to operate legally.
March 21, 1975
Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie dies under house arrest
On this day, Haile Selassie, the former emperor of Ethiopia and a key figure in Pan-Africanism, died while under house arrest after being deposed in 1974. His reign and legacy had a lasting impact on Ethiopia, Africa, and the African diaspora, particularly in the Rastafarian movement.
March 21, 1990
Namibia gains independence from South Africa
On this day, Namibia officially gained its independence from South Africa, marking the end of colonial rule in the country. Namibia’s independence was a significant moment in Africa’s decolonization and liberation struggles.
March 21, 2006
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed
On this day, the United Nations observed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre. The day serves as a reminder of the need to continue fighting racial discrimination and injustice worldwide.
March 21, 2019
Protests in Sudan intensify against President Omar al-Bashir
On this day, mass protests against the long-time rule of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir intensified. The protests eventually led to al-Bashir’s removal from power in April 2019, marking a significant turning point in Sudanese history.