CalEvents:May/May 13

Notable events for May 13

Date

Event

Significance

May 13, 1903

Birth of Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois Jr., African-American civil rights leader

On this day, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois Jr., a prominent civil rights leader, scholar, and co-founder of the NAACP, was born. Du Bois’ work on race relations and his advocacy for Pan-Africanism had a profound impact on both the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. and anti-colonial struggles in Africa.

May 13, 1958

Kwame Nkrumah becomes first president of Ghana

On this day, Kwame Nkrumah was inaugurated as the first president of Ghana, the first African country to gain independence from European colonial rule. Nkrumah’s presidency marked the beginning of the wave of independence movements across Africa and solidified his status as a key figure in Pan-Africanism.

May 13, 1969

Race riots in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

On this day, race riots broke out in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, resulting in significant violence and fatalities, particularly affecting the local African and Indian diasporas. These riots were sparked by ethnic tensions between the majority Malay population and minority groups, revealing broader struggles for equality and political representation.

May 13, 1970

Jimi Hendrix performs his final concert in Europe

On this day, legendary African-American guitarist and musician Jimi Hendrix performed his last concert in Europe before his untimely death. Hendrix revolutionized music and became a symbol of the counterculture movement while also challenging racial boundaries in the music industry.

May 13, 1985

MOVE bombing in Philadelphia

On this day, the Philadelphia Police Department bombed the headquarters of MOVE, a Black liberation group, in a predominantly African-American neighborhood. The bombing killed 11 people and destroyed 65 homes, raising national awareness of police brutality and systemic racism in the U.S.

May 13, 1991

Eritrean forces capture Asmara, leading to independence

On this day, Eritrean forces captured the capital city, Asmara, effectively ending Ethiopian rule and leading to Eritrea’s independence. This event marked the culmination of a 30-year war for independence, significantly altering the political landscape in the Horn of Africa.

May 13, 2015

Burundi coup attempt against President Pierre Nkurunziza

On this day, a failed coup attempt was launched in Burundi while President Pierre Nkurunziza was abroad. The attempted coup was part of ongoing unrest in the country following Nkurunziza’s decision to run for a third term, which was widely seen as unconstitutional.

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