CalEvents:Jun/Jun 18
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Jun 18
Date
Event
Significance
June 18, 1953
Jomo Kenyatta sentenced to seven years of hard labor by British colonial authorities
On this day, Jomo Kenyatta, leader of the Kenyan independence movement and future first President of Kenya, was sentenced to seven years of hard labor by British colonial authorities. Kenyatta’s imprisonment became a rallying point for the Kenyan independence movement, and he later became a symbol of African nationalism.
June 18, 1964
Malcolm X forms the Organization of Afro-American Unity
On this day, Malcolm X announced the formation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) in New York City. The OAAU was designed to unify all people of African descent and was inspired by the Pan-Africanist movements in Africa, marking a shift in Malcolm X’s focus toward global Black solidarity.
June 18, 1971
South African Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko arrested
On this day, Steve Biko, the leader of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, was arrested by apartheid police. Biko’s detention and eventual death in police custody became a symbol of resistance against apartheid and highlighted the brutal methods used by the regime to suppress opposition.
June 18, 1988
Nelson Mandela’s 70th Birthday Tribute Concert in London
On this day, the "Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute" concert was held in London’s Wembley Stadium. The event was attended by over 70,000 people and broadcast to millions worldwide, raising awareness of Mandela’s imprisonment and increasing pressure on the South African government to end apartheid.
June 18, 1992
U.S. Congress passes sanctions against Nigeria following human rights abuses
On this day, the U.S. Congress passed sanctions against Nigeria in response to human rights abuses under the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha. The sanctions marked a shift in international relations and highlighted global opposition to authoritarian regimes in Africa.
June 18, 2019
UN launches International Decade for People of African Descent report
On this day, the United Nations launched a report on the progress made during the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024). The report highlighted ongoing challenges, including racism, inequality, and underrepresentation, while emphasizing the need for continued global action to address these issues.