CalEvents:Dec/Dec 23
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for December 23
Date
Event
Significance
December 23, 1834
Thaddeus Stevens, American abolitionist, born
Thaddeus Stevens was born on this day. He became a prominent American abolitionist and a leader of the Radical Republicans in Congress, advocating for the rights of African Americans during Reconstruction after the Civil War.
December 23, 1888
Birth of Marcus Garvey, Jr., son of Marcus Garvey
Marcus Garvey Jr., the son of Marcus Garvey, was born on this day. Although his father was more prominent, Marcus Jr. carried on his father’s legacy, working to preserve and promote Pan-Africanist ideals in the African diaspora.
December 23, 1950
Execution of African-American civil rights activist Willie McGee
Willie McGee, an African-American man, was executed in Mississippi after being convicted of raping a white woman under dubious circumstances. His case became a symbol of racial injustice, sparking protests from civil rights groups in the U.S. and internationally.
December 23, 1967
King Sobhuza II of Swaziland issues a decree banning political parties
King Sobhuza II banned political parties in Swaziland (now Eswatini) and declared a state of emergency. This decision entrenched the monarch’s rule and curtailed democratic freedoms, a significant event in the political history of southern Africa.
December 23, 1972
Jean-Bédel Bokassa becomes President for Life in the Central African Republic
Jean-Bédel Bokassa, then President of the Central African Republic, declared himself President for Life. His reign was marked by authoritarianism and corruption, leading to his eventual downfall in 1979.
December 23, 1984
Mozambique joins the Lomé Convention
Mozambique officially joined the Lomé Convention, an agreement between the European Economic Community and African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries to promote trade and aid. This agreement strengthened Mozambique’s economic ties with Europe.
December 23, 2008
Guinea military coup following the death of President Lansana Conté
A military coup took place in Guinea after the death of long-time President Lansana Conté, leading to a period of instability in the West African nation. This marked another instance of military involvement in politics in post-colonial Africa.