CalEvents:Aug/Aug 3
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Aug 3
Date
Event
Significance
August 3, 1492
Christopher Columbus sets sail from Spain
On this day, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain, eventually leading to the colonization of the Americas. The transatlantic slave trade and the exploitation of African labor were direct consequences of this exploration, profoundly affecting African and African diaspora history.
August 3, 1889
Samory Touré founds the Wassoulou Empire
On this day, Samory Touré, a prominent West African ruler, established the Wassoulou Empire in what is now Guinea, Mali, and Ivory Coast. Touré's empire resisted French colonial expansion, and he became a symbol of African resistance to European colonization.
August 3, 1914
World War I begins in Africa
On this day, as World War I began in Europe, colonial powers in Africa drafted African soldiers into their armies. The war had a profound impact on African colonies, as many Africans were conscripted to fight in a conflict that was not their own, leading to resistance and nationalist movements after the war.
August 3, 1957
Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah calls for African unity
On this day, Kwame Nkrumah, the first prime minister and president of Ghana, called for African nations to unite against colonialism and work together for independence and self-reliance. His vision of Pan-African unity would inspire other leaders and liberation movements across the continent.
August 3, 1981
Major strike by African-American air traffic controllers
On this day, African-American air traffic controllers were among the thousands who participated in a nationwide strike organized by the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO). The strike highlighted labor rights issues and the participation of Black workers in major U.S. labor movements.
August 3, 2002
Angola hosts African Union summit
On this day, Angola hosted an African Union summit to discuss peace initiatives and post-colonial governance in Africa. The summit was a key moment for addressing conflicts in Africa and promoting regional cooperation through African-led solutions.
August 3, 2010
UNICEF launches African Child Survival campaign
On this day, UNICEF launched the African Child Survival campaign aimed at improving child health and reducing infant mortality rates in Africa. The initiative sought to address issues such as malnutrition, access to clean water, and healthcare disparities across the continent.