CalEvents:May/May 8
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 8
Date
Event
Significance
May 8, 1895
Birth of Joshua Nkomo, Zimbabwean nationalist leader
On this day, Joshua Nkomo, a prominent Zimbabwean nationalist leader, was born. Nkomo co-founded the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and played a major role in the fight for Zimbabwe's independence from British colonial rule.
May 8, 1945
Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) ends World War II in Europe
On this day, World War II ended in Europe with the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. African soldiers from several colonies, as well as African-Americans, had fought in the war, and this victory marked a significant point in global history. The war also influenced post-war independence movements across Africa.
May 8, 1963
OAU (Organization of African Unity) Charter draft discussed
On this day, the draft charter for the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was discussed by African leaders. The OAU was later officially founded on May 25, 1963, as a major Pan-African institution, aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among African nations and supporting liberation movements across the continent.
May 8, 1970
Tupac Shakur’s mother, Afeni Shakur, acquitted of charges in the "Panther 21" trial
On this day, Afeni Shakur, a prominent member of the Black Panther Party and the mother of rapper Tupac Shakur, was acquitted of charges related to the "Panther 21" case. She successfully defended herself in court, and her acquittal became a symbol of the broader struggle against racial injustice in the U.S.
May 8, 1984
South Africa declares state of emergency due to anti-apartheid protests
On this day, the South African government declared a state of emergency in several townships as anti-apartheid protests intensified. This marked an escalation in the resistance against apartheid and reflected the increasing internal pressure on the regime.
May 8, 2008
Nelson Mandela addresses the South African Parliament
On this day, Nelson Mandela addressed the South African Parliament on the 15th anniversary of the country's first democratic elections. Mandela’s speech emphasized the need for continued reconciliation, social justice, and the empowerment of all South Africans in the post-apartheid era.
May 8, 2017
Nigerian government negotiates the release of 82 Chibok girls
On this day, the Nigerian government successfully negotiated the release of 82 Chibok schoolgirls who had been kidnapped by the Boko Haram militant group in 2014. The release was part of ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of hundreds of girls abducted by the group, highlighting the global issue of terrorism in West Africa.