CalEvents:Apr/Apr 11
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for April 11
Date
Event
Significance
April 11, 1899
Birth of Percy Julian, African-American chemist and pioneer
On this day, Percy Julian, a trailblazing African-American chemist, was born. His groundbreaking work in chemical synthesis led to significant advances in medicine, and he became one of the most prominent Black scientists of the 20th century. Julian's contributions to science were especially important during a time of racial segregation in the United States.
April 11, 1968
Fair Housing Act signed into law in the U.S.
On this day, the U.S. Congress passed the Fair Housing Act, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The act prohibited housing discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, and later gender. It was a critical piece of civil rights legislation following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968.
April 11, 1980
Zimbabwe gains official independence from the UK
On this day, Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) gained its official independence from British colonial rule after years of armed struggle. Robert Mugabe became the first Prime Minister of independent Zimbabwe, marking the end of white-minority rule and the beginning of Black-majority governance.
April 11, 1994
Rwandan Genocide continues as international efforts falter
On this day, the Rwandan Genocide continued with little to no effective international intervention. The mass killings, primarily of Tutsis by Hutu extremists, intensified, and efforts by the United Nations to stop the violence were largely ineffective.
April 11, 2002
Slobodan Milošević handed over to the UN War Crimes Tribunal
On this day, former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević was handed over to the UN War Crimes Tribunal to face charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. Though not directly tied to Africa, this event resonated globally, especially in post-colonial African nations, as a sign of growing international accountability for leaders responsible for mass atrocities.
April 11, 2011
Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo arrested
On this day, Ivory Coast's former president Laurent Gbagbo was arrested after refusing to cede power following a disputed election in 2010. His arrest marked the end of a violent political crisis in Ivory Coast and was seen as a significant moment in West African efforts to ensure democratic governance.
April 11, 2019
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir overthrown
On this day, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled for 30 years, was overthrown by the military following months of mass protests. His ouster marked a turning point in Sudanese history, as the country moved toward a transitional government aimed at establishing democracy.