CalEvents:May/May 18
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 18
Date
Event
Significance
May 18, 1896
U.S. Supreme Court rules in Plessy v. Ferguson
On this day, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in *Plessy v. Ferguson*, establishing the doctrine of “separate but equal” and upholding racial segregation in public facilities. This decision institutionalized Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination, which the Civil Rights Movement would later fight to overturn.
May 18, 1943
Birth of Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae musician and actor
On this day, Jimmy Cliff, one of the most influential reggae musicians and an actor known for his role in *The Harder They Come*, was born. Cliff’s music and activism have been integral to the global spread of reggae and the promotion of Pan-African unity through music.
May 18, 1959
Haitian revolution leader François Duvalier declares himself president for life
On this day, François "Papa Doc" Duvalier, leader of Haiti, declared himself president for life, solidifying his authoritarian rule. His regime was marked by oppression and human rights abuses, though he maintained a strong nationalist stance in the face of foreign interference.
May 18, 1969
Nigerian Civil War intensifies with Biafran forces
On this day, the Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War) intensified as Biafran forces launched offensives against the Nigerian government. The conflict, rooted in ethnic and political tensions, led to mass casualties and a humanitarian crisis, especially affecting the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria.
May 18, 1980
Death of Ian Smith, Rhodesian leader
On this day, Ian Smith, the leader of the white-minority regime in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), died. His policies of white supremacy and refusal to grant majority rule sparked the liberation struggle that ultimately led to Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.
May 18, 2002
Nelson Mandela awarded Congressional Gold Medal
On this day, Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and global icon of peace and justice, was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. This award recognized Mandela’s lifelong commitment to fighting apartheid and his leadership in promoting human rights.
May 18, 2013
Protests in Kenya over political corruption
On this day, large protests erupted in Kenya as citizens demonstrated against government corruption and the slow pace of promised reforms. The protests were part of ongoing efforts by civil society groups to hold the Kenyan government accountable and address the challenges of governance and economic development.