CalEvents:Mar/Mar 22
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for March 22
Date
Event
Significance
March 22, 1960
South African government declares state of emergency after Sharpeville Massacre
On this day, the South African government declared a state of emergency in response to protests following the Sharpeville Massacre, which had occurred the day before. This state of emergency allowed the government to detain thousands of anti-apartheid activists and suppress opposition to apartheid.
March 22, 1965
Selma to Montgomery marchers arrive at the Alabama State Capitol
On this day, civil rights marchers, led by Martin Luther King Jr., reached the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, completing the 54-mile Selma to Montgomery march. The march was a pivotal moment in the fight for voting rights for African Americans and helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year.
March 22, 1983
Michael Jackson releases *Billie Jean*, becoming one of the first Black artists on MTV
On this day, Michael Jackson's *Billie Jean* became one of the first music videos by a Black artist to be heavily promoted on MTV. This was a landmark moment in African-American music history, breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry and elevating Jackson’s career to global superstardom.
March 22, 1997
Julius Nyerere, former president of Tanzania, awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize
On this day, Julius Nyerere, the former president of Tanzania and a key figure in African liberation movements, was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize. Nyerere's leadership in Tanzania and his advocacy for African unity made him a significant figure in Pan-African history.
March 22, 2002
Angola declares official end to civil war
On this day, the Angolan government declared an official end to the civil war that had lasted for nearly three decades. The war, which began in 1975 after Angola’s independence, had a devastating impact on the country and marked a major conflict in post-colonial African history.
March 22, 2011
Protests erupt in Senegal against President Abdoulaye Wade’s re-election bid
On this day, protests erupted in Senegal against President Abdoulaye Wade’s attempt to run for a third term in office, which was seen as unconstitutional. The protests were part of a broader movement for democratic reform in Senegal and ultimately led to Wade stepping down.
March 22, 2018
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement signed
On this day, 44 African nations signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, creating one of the world’s largest free trade areas. The agreement aimed to boost intra-African trade and promote economic integration across the continent.