CalEvents:Apr/Apr 4
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for April 4
Date
Event
Significance
April 4, 1968
Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee
On this day, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King's death was a devastating blow to the Civil Rights Movement, and it sparked riots and protests across the United States, while his legacy of nonviolent activism continued to inspire future generations.
April 4, 1960
Senegal gains independence from France
On this day, Senegal officially gained independence from French colonial rule. Léopold Sédar Senghor became the country’s first president, and Senegal’s independence was part of the broader wave of decolonization across Africa in the 1960s.
April 4, 1973
Pioneer reggae artist Bob Marley releases *Catch a Fire*
On this day, Bob Marley and The Wailers released their iconic album *Catch a Fire*, marking a pivotal moment in the global rise of reggae music. The album's success helped introduce reggae to international audiences and solidified Marley’s role as a leading figure in the African diaspora and Pan-African cultural movements.
April 4, 1984
Jesse Jackson campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination
On this day, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson continued his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first African American to mount a serious bid for the presidency. His campaign mobilized millions of African-American voters and brought attention to issues of racial and economic justice in the United States.
April 4, 1994
Rwandan Genocide begins
On this day, the Rwandan Genocide began following the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana. Over the next 100 days, an estimated 800,000 people, mostly Tutsi, were killed in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. The genocide had profound effects on the African continent and the global community, highlighting the failure to prevent mass atrocities.
April 4, 2002
Angolan Civil War officially ends
On this day, the Angolan government and UNITA rebels signed a peace agreement, officially ending the Angolan Civil War, which had lasted for nearly 27 years. The conflict, which began after Angola gained independence from Portugal, caused immense devastation and loss of life, but its end marked a new chapter for the country.
April 4, 2019
Sudanese protests against President Omar al-Bashir intensify
On this day, protests against the long-time rule of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir intensified in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan. These protests were part of a broader uprising that eventually led to al-Bashir’s removal from power later that month, marking a significant moment in Sudanese political history.