CalEvents:Aug/Aug 7
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Aug 7
Date
Event
Significance
August 7, 1960
Côte d'Ivoire gains independence from France
On this day, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) gained its independence from French colonial rule. This was part of the broader wave of African decolonization during the 1960s, marking the country's transition to self-governance under its first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
August 7, 1964
U.S. Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
On this day, the U.S. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave President Lyndon B. Johnson broad military powers in Vietnam. This was significant for African-American soldiers, as they would be disproportionately drafted and affected by the Vietnam War.
August 7, 1970
Jonathan Jackson attempts to free prisoners from a California courthouse
On this day, Jonathan Jackson, the brother of Black Panther leader George Jackson, attempted to free three prisoners from a California courthouse. The attempt ended in tragedy, but it became a key moment in the Black Power movement and is commemorated during Black August for the struggle of political prisoners.
August 7, 1985
South Africa declares state of emergency
On this day, the South African government declared a state of emergency in response to increasing resistance to apartheid. This led to the detention of thousands of anti-apartheid activists and further intensified international condemnation of the apartheid regime.
August 7, 1998
U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania bombed
On this day, terrorist attacks were carried out on U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The bombings killed over 200 people and injured thousands, many of whom were African civilians. The attacks drew attention to the growing influence of global terrorism in Africa.
August 7, 2005
Mauritania’s coup d’état
On this day, a military coup in Mauritania overthrew President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. The coup marked a significant shift in the country’s political landscape and raised concerns about democracy and governance in West Africa.
August 7, 2018
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared winner of election
On this day, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, the first since the resignation of long-time leader Robert Mugabe. The election was seen as a critical test for Zimbabwe’s transition to democratic governance.