CalEvents:Jul/Jul 4
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Jul 4
Date
Event
Significance
July 4, 1827
New York State abolishes slavery
On this day, slavery was officially abolished in New York State, marking a major step in the fight against slavery in the United States. This event was significant for African Americans, particularly those in the northern states, and helped to build momentum for the broader abolitionist movement.
July 4, 1884
Statue of Liberty's cornerstone laid in New York
On this day, the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was laid in New York. While the statue symbolizes freedom and democracy, it also came to represent hope for African Americans and immigrants seeking liberty in a country with a history of racial inequality.
July 4, 1960
Malawi gains independence from Britain
On this day, Malawi gained independence from British colonial rule, becoming a sovereign nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Hastings Banda. Malawi’s independence was part of the broader decolonization of Africa during the mid-20th century.
July 4, 1961
Death of African-American poet Countee Cullen
On this day, Countee Cullen, a prominent poet of the Harlem Renaissance, passed away. Cullen's work focused on the African-American experience and contributed to the flowering of Black literature and arts during the early 20th century.
July 4, 1962
Algeria formally declares independence from France
On this day, Algeria formally declared its independence from France following a brutal war of liberation. The event marked a major victory for anti-colonial movements in Africa and was one of the most significant events in the history of African decolonization.
July 4, 1985
Death of Phil Lynott, Irish musician of African descent
On this day, Phil Lynott, frontman of the band Thin Lizzy, passed away. Lynott, of African and Irish descent, was one of the few Black rock stars of his time and became an influential figure in both Irish and African diaspora cultural history.
July 4, 2009
President Barack Obama visits Ghana
On this day, U.S. President Barack Obama made his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa, choosing Ghana as his destination. His visit emphasized the importance of African development, governance, and U.S.-Africa relations, marking a significant moment in modern African-American and Pan-African diplomatic history.