CalEvents:Apr/Apr 2
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for April 2
Date
Event
Significance
April 2, 1865
Fall of Richmond, Virginia, marking the end of the U.S. Civil War
On this day, Union troops captured Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The fall of Richmond was a key moment in the Civil War, leading to the eventual defeat of the Confederacy and the end of slavery in the United States, impacting millions of African Americans.
April 2, 1963
Meeting of African leaders in Addis Ababa to form the Organization of African Unity (OAU)
On this day, African leaders met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which would later be founded in May 1963. The OAU was a critical organization in promoting Pan-African unity, liberation movements, and solidarity among African nations.
April 2, 1968
Funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. held in Memphis, Tennessee
On this day, the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was held in Memphis, Tennessee, after he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His death marked a turning point in the civil rights movement and was followed by nationwide mourning and protests against racial injustice in the United States.
April 2, 1984
Jesse Jackson wins Democratic primary in Louisiana
On this day, Jesse Jackson, the first African American to run a serious campaign for U.S. president, won the Democratic primary in Louisiana. His candidacy energized Black voters and emphasized issues of racial and economic justice, marking a major moment in African-American political history.
April 2, 1992
Mobutu Sese Seko agrees to power-sharing deal in Zaire (now DRC)
On this day, Mobutu Sese Seko, the authoritarian leader of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), agreed to a power-sharing arrangement with opposition leaders in an effort to ease political tensions. This marked a moment of transition, though Mobutu’s regime continued to face opposition until his overthrow in 1997.
April 2, 1998
Protests in Kenya against political corruption
On this day, large-scale protests erupted in Kenya against widespread corruption in the government of President Daniel arap Moi. The protests reflected growing discontent with Kenya's political system and the push for greater democracy and transparency.
April 2, 2017
Protests in South Africa demand Jacob Zuma’s resignation
On this day, protests continued in South Africa as citizens demanded the resignation of President Jacob Zuma amid corruption allegations. The protests represented increasing frustration with political corruption and poor governance in post-apartheid South Africa.