CalEvents:Jun/Jun 21
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Jun 21
Date
Event
Significance
June 21, 1839
Birth of Paul Laurence Dunbar, African-American poet and writer
On this day, Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first African-American poets to gain national recognition, was born. Dunbar’s work influenced generations of African-American writers and contributed to the development of African-American literature.
June 21, 1964
Freedom Summer murders in Mississippi
On this day, three civil rights workers—James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner—were murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi. The event became one of the most infamous crimes of the Civil Rights Movement and helped galvanize public opinion in favor of the movement's goals.
June 21, 1973
Eritrea launches armed struggle for independence from Ethiopia
On this day, the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) officially launched its armed struggle for independence from Ethiopia. The conflict eventually led to Eritrea gaining independence in 1993, making it one of Africa’s youngest nations.
June 21, 1978
Death of Abdul Rahman Hassan Azzam, first Secretary-General of the Arab League
On this day, Abdul Rahman Hassan Azzam, an Egyptian diplomat and the first Secretary-General of the Arab League, passed away. Azzam was instrumental in advocating for Pan-Arab unity and African independence movements, influencing regional diplomacy in Africa and the Middle East.
June 21, 1990
Nelson Mandela speaks at the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid
On this day, Nelson Mandela, following his release from prison, addressed the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid. His speech reinforced global solidarity with South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and called for continued international pressure on the regime.
June 21, 2007
Black Students Network at Harvard releases report on campus diversity
On this day, the Black Students Network at Harvard University released a report highlighting the need for greater diversity and inclusion on campus. The report spurred discussions on improving the academic and social experiences of African-American and minority students at elite universities.
June 21, 2018
Ghana launches its Year of Return initiative
On this day, Ghana launched its Year of Return initiative, inviting members of the African diaspora, particularly African Americans, to visit the country in commemoration of 400 years since the arrival of enslaved Africans in the Americas. The initiative promoted cultural reconnection and tourism to Ghana.