CalEvents:Aug/Aug 19
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Aug 19
Date
Event
Significance
August 19, 1791
Beginning of the Haitian Revolution
On this day, the Haitian Revolution, the only successful slave rebellion in history, began. It led to the founding of the first Black republic, Haiti, in 1804 and marked a major turning point in the history of slavery, colonialism, and the African diaspora.
August 19, 1953
W.E.B. Du Bois denied U.S. passport
On this day, African-American intellectual and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois was denied a U.S. passport due to his outspoken anti-imperialist views and association with communism. This marked an important moment in the tension between Black activism and Cold War-era U.S. government policies.
August 19, 1976
Soweto student uprisings spread in South Africa
On this day, the Soweto student uprisings against apartheid continued to spread across South Africa, sparking further demonstrations and violent clashes with security forces. The uprisings played a crucial role in mobilizing international opposition to apartheid.
August 19, 1983
Hurricane Alicia devastates the Caribbean
On this day, Hurricane Alicia made landfall, causing significant destruction in parts of the Caribbean and the southern United States. The storm highlighted the vulnerability of Caribbean nations to natural disasters and their economic impact on the region.
August 19, 1989
Nigeria's Ibrahim Babangida promises democratic transition
On this day, Nigeria's military leader Ibrahim Babangida announced plans for a transition to civilian rule, which was seen as a significant step toward democratization. However, political instability would continue to affect Nigeria in the years following.
August 19, 2000
Congolese President Laurent Kabila meets with regional leaders
On this day, Congolese President Laurent Kabila held a summit with regional leaders to discuss the ongoing civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The conflict, often referred to as "Africa's World War," involved multiple African nations and had a devastating impact on the region.
August 19, 2011
Libyan rebels seize Zawiya from Gaddafi forces
On this day, Libyan rebels seized control of the city of Zawiya from Muammar Gaddafi’s forces during the Libyan Civil War. This was a pivotal moment in the rebellion that eventually led to the overthrow of Gaddafi's regime and reshaped the political landscape in Libya.