CalEvents:Jul/Jul 8
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Jul 9
Date
Event
Significance
July 8, 1961
Ghana becomes a republic
On this day, Ghana officially became a republic, solidifying its status as an independent nation after gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1957. Kwame Nkrumah became the first President of the Republic of Ghana, continuing his leadership in Pan-African movements.
July 8, 1967
Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War) begins
On this day, the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, began as the southeastern region of Biafra declared its independence from Nigeria. The war resulted in a humanitarian crisis, including famine, and became a significant event in African post-colonial history.
July 8, 1976
Death of Roy Wilkins, civil rights leader
On this day, Roy Wilkins, an African-American civil rights leader and executive director of the NAACP, passed away. Wilkins played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for desegregation, voting rights, and equality for African Americans.
July 8, 1989
Jesse Jackson becomes the first African-American to lead a national political campaign
On this day, Jesse Jackson became the first African-American to lead a national political campaign for the U.S. presidency. Although he did not win the nomination, his campaign helped pave the way for future African-American political leaders and broke significant barriers in U.S. politics.
July 8, 1999
Sierra Leonean rebel forces attack Freetown
On this day, rebel forces in Sierra Leone attacked the capital city, Freetown, during the Sierra Leone Civil War. The attack intensified the conflict, which had devastated the country, and drew further international attention to the humanitarian crisis and the use of child soldiers.
July 8, 2011
South Sudan prepares for independence celebrations
On this day, preparations were underway in South Sudan for the formal declaration of independence from Sudan. South Sudan’s independence, officially recognized on July 9, was a major milestone for Africa’s youngest nation, following decades of civil war.