CalEvents:Dec/Dec 21
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for December 21
Date
Event
Significance
December 21, 1837
Birth of Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegalese historian and anthropologist
Cheikh Anta Diop was born on this day. He became one of Africa’s most renowned intellectuals, known for his work on African history, culture, and the contributions of ancient Egypt to African civilization. His research was influential in shaping Pan-African thought.
December 21, 1941
Tuskegee Airmen activated for duty in World War II
The first African-American military aviators, known as the Tuskegee Airmen, were officially activated for duty. Their success in World War II helped challenge racial segregation in the US military and was a precursor to the broader Civil Rights Movement.
December 21, 1958
First All-African Peoples' Conference ends in Accra, Ghana
The first All-African Peoples' Conference, organized by Kwame Nkrumah, ended in Accra. The conference brought together leaders from across Africa to discuss strategies for decolonization and Pan-African unity, playing a key role in the fight for independence across the continent.
December 21, 1965
Gambia becomes a member of the United Nations
Following its independence earlier that year, Gambia joined the United Nations, signaling its full recognition as a sovereign state and its participation in international diplomacy.
December 21, 1971
Zambia becomes a one-party state under Kenneth Kaunda
Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda declared Zambia a one-party state, consolidating his power. This move was part of a broader trend in post-colonial African countries where leaders sought to maintain stability through single-party rule.
December 21, 2014
Cuba sends doctors to combat Ebola in West Africa
Cuba deployed a medical team to West Africa to help fight the Ebola outbreak. This act of solidarity reflected Cuba’s long history of supporting African nations through medical diplomacy and assistance during health crises.
December 21, 2018
African Union rebukes the Democratic Republic of Congo’s election process
The African Union called for the postponement of the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to concerns over irregularities. This event highlighted ongoing challenges to democratic governance in post-colonial African nations.