CalEvents:Mar/Mar 26
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for March 26
Date
Event
Significance
March 26, 1956
Tunisia gains independence from France
On this day, Tunisia officially became independent from French colonial rule. This event was part of the broader wave of decolonization in North Africa and marked a significant moment in Tunisia’s political and social development.
March 26, 1964
Malcolm X announces his departure from the Nation of Islam
On this day, Malcolm X publicly announced his departure from the Nation of Islam. His decision to leave the organization marked a turning point in his political and spiritual journey, as he became more engaged in international Pan-Africanism and solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide.
March 26, 1971
Proclamation of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
On this day, the independence of Bangladesh was declared from Pakistan, leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War. Although not directly African, this event had global ramifications for post-colonial struggles and influenced movements for independence across Africa.
March 26, 1994
Nelson Mandela casts his vote in South Africa’s first democratic election
On this day, Nelson Mandela cast his vote in South Africa’s first multiracial democratic election. His participation symbolized the end of apartheid and the dawn of a new era of freedom and democracy in South Africa.
March 26, 2001
Death of William H. Hastie, first African-American federal judge
On this day, William H. Hastie, the first African-American to serve as a federal judge, passed away. His career marked a series of firsts for African Americans in the U.S. judicial system and was a milestone in the fight for racial equality in the United States.
March 26, 2018
Protests in South Africa over land reform and economic inequality
On this day, protests erupted in South Africa over issues of land reform and economic inequality. These protests were part of ongoing efforts to address the lingering effects of apartheid, particularly in relation to land ownership and economic justice.
March 26, 2020
Africa begins implementing COVID-19 containment measures
On this day, African nations began implementing widespread measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures included lockdowns, travel restrictions, and public health campaigns, marking a significant moment in the continent’s response to the global crisis.