CalEvents:Oct/Oct 27
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for October 27
Date
Event
Significance
October 27, 1904
Founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion) in South Africa
On this day, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was established in South Africa. The AME Zion Church played a key role in fostering religious, educational, and political growth in South Africa and across the African diaspora, promoting the empowerment of Black communities.
October 27, 1958
Ahmadou Ahidjo becomes the first president of Cameroon
On this day, Ahmadou Ahidjo was elected as the first president of Cameroon after the country gained independence from French colonial rule. His leadership marked the start of modern governance in Cameroon, with Ahidjo serving as president until 1982.
October 27, 1960
Republic of Mali established
On this day, the Republic of Mali was officially established after gaining independence from France. The country’s first president, Modibo Keïta, implemented socialist policies and sought to strengthen African unity, making Mali an important voice in the early post-colonial period in Africa.
October 27, 1981
Antigua and Barbuda gain independence from Britain
On this day, Antigua and Barbuda gained full independence from British colonial rule. The Caribbean nation joined the ranks of independent states in the African diaspora, contributing to the global movement toward self-determination for formerly colonized peoples.
October 27, 1988
South Africa legalizes the African National Congress (ANC)
On this day, the South African government lifted the ban on the African National Congress (ANC), allowing the organization to operate legally for the first time in decades. The unbanning of the ANC was a crucial step in the dismantling of apartheid and the eventual transition to democracy in South Africa.
October 27, 1997
Re-election of Jerry Rawlings as president of Ghana
On this day, Jerry Rawlings was re-elected as president of Ghana in the country’s first fully democratic elections. Rawlings, who had previously ruled as a military leader, transitioned Ghana to multi-party democracy and became one of Africa's key political figures in the 1990s.