CalEvents:May/May 1
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 1
Date
Event
Significance
May 1, 1867
Howard University opens in Washington, D.C.
On this day, Howard University, one of the most prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, was founded. Howard became a key institution for educating African Americans and fostering Black intellectual and political leadership.
May 1, 1945
Benjamin O. Davis Jr. promoted to colonel in U.S. Army Air Forces
On this day, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., a pioneering African-American aviator and commander of the Tuskegee Airmen, was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Army Air Forces. His leadership and achievements helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military.
May 1, 1950
South Africa’s Group Areas Act enforced under apartheid
On this day, the South African government officially began enforcing the Group Areas Act, which segregated racial groups into different residential areas. This legislation was a cornerstone of apartheid, deeply entrenching racial segregation and inequality in the country.
May 1, 1961
Formation of the All-African People’s Conference (AAPC) in Accra, Ghana
On this day, the second All-African People’s Conference (AAPC) convened in Accra, Ghana, under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah. The AAPC brought together leaders from across the continent to discuss strategies for Pan-Africanism, African unity, and independence from colonial rule.
May 1, 1994
Rwandan Genocide continues
On this day, the Rwandan Genocide continued as violence escalated, with Hutu extremists targeting Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The genocide became one of the worst atrocities in African history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 800,000 people in just 100 days.
May 1, 2015
Protests erupt in Baltimore after Freddie Gray’s death
On this day, protests intensified in Baltimore, Maryland, following the death of Freddie Gray, an African-American man who died while in police custody. The demonstrations were part of the larger Black Lives Matter movement, calling attention to systemic racial injustice and police brutality.
May 1, 2019
Protests continue in Sudan after Omar al-Bashir's ousting
On this day, mass protests continued in Sudan following the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir. The demonstrators demanded a transition to civilian rule and democratic reforms, marking a significant moment in Sudan's political evolution.