CalEvents:Dec/Dec 18
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for December 18
Date
Event
Significance
December 18, 1865
Ratification of the 13th Amendment in the United States
The 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States, was officially declared on this day. This marked the legal end of slavery, a critical moment in African-American history and a pivotal step towards civil rights.
December 18, 1956
Martin Luther King Jr. found guilty of leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Martin Luther King Jr. was convicted for his role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a major event in the American Civil Rights Movement. This boycott successfully led to the desegregation of public buses in Montgomery, Alabama.
December 18, 1979
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) adopted
This UN convention, signed by many African nations, aimed to eliminate gender-based discrimination. It played a key role in advancing women's rights in Africa and other regions, particularly in post-colonial and developing countries.
December 18, 1992
South African government releases 700 political prisoners
The South African government, under increasing pressure to dismantle apartheid, released over 700 political prisoners, many of whom were activists in the fight against apartheid. This was a significant step toward the end of apartheid.
December 18, 2005
Descendants of slaves in Niger win landmark legal case for freedom
A court in Niger ruled in favor of descendants of slaves, who had been held in bondage for generations. This ruling was an important victory in the ongoing struggle to end modern forms of slavery in Africa.
December 18, 2009
UN General Assembly adopts International Day of Migrants
The United Nations established December 18 as International Migrants Day. This day recognizes the rights and contributions of migrants, including many from Africa and the African diaspora, highlighting global migration issues.