CalEvents:May/May 9
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 9
Date
Event
Significance
May 9, 1909
Birth of Ralph Ellison, African-American author of *Invisible Man*
On this day, Ralph Ellison, the celebrated African-American author of *Invisible Man*, was born. His work explored themes of race, identity, and individuality in America and became one of the most influential novels of the 20th century, earning him the National Book Award in 1953.
May 9, 1961
South Africa declares itself a republic and withdraws from the British Commonwealth
On this day, South Africa became a republic and formally withdrew from the British Commonwealth, solidifying its political isolation due to its apartheid policies. This event marked a significant shift in South Africa’s international relations during the apartheid era.
May 9, 1963
Martin Luther King Jr. arrested in Birmingham, Alabama
On this day, Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama, for his participation in nonviolent protests against racial segregation. His arrest and the subsequent "Letter from Birmingham Jail" became pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement.
May 9, 1978
United Nations adopts arms embargo against South Africa
On this day, the United Nations adopted a mandatory arms embargo against South Africa, intensifying global pressure on the apartheid regime. The embargo was part of a broader international effort to isolate South Africa politically and economically due to its racial segregation policies.
May 9, 1994
Nelson Mandela elected as South Africa’s first Black president
On this day, Nelson Mandela was officially elected as the first Black president of South Africa following the country’s first democratic elections. This historic moment symbolized the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of equality and freedom in South Africa.
May 9, 2015
Liberia declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization
On this day, the World Health Organization declared Liberia free of the Ebola virus after a devastating outbreak that claimed thousands of lives across West Africa. This marked a critical turning point in the fight against the Ebola epidemic in the region.
May 9, 2019
Protests continue in Sudan for a civilian-led government
On this day, mass protests in Sudan continued as demonstrators demanded a civilian-led government following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir. These protests were part of the broader movement for democratic reforms in the country after decades of military rule.