CalEvents:Apr/Apr 9
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for April 9
Date
Event
Significance
April 9, 1865
End of the U.S. Civil War with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee
On this day, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the U.S. Civil War. This marked the end of the Confederacy's fight to maintain slavery, leading to the emancipation of millions of African Americans.
April 9, 1960
South African anti-apartheid leader Robert Sobukwe arrested
On this day, Robert Sobukwe, leader of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), was arrested for his role in organizing protests against South Africa's pass laws. Sobukwe's arrest and subsequent imprisonment marked a significant moment in the struggle against apartheid.
April 9, 1968
Funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On this day, the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took place in Atlanta, Georgia. Following his assassination on April 4, 1968, his funeral became a major moment of mourning and reflection for African Americans and people around the world who were inspired by his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement.
April 9, 1980
Zimbabwe's first post-independence elections end
On this day, Zimbabwe concluded its first elections after gaining independence from British colonial rule. Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party won the elections, marking the transition from white-minority rule to Black majority governance in Zimbabwe.
April 9, 1994
Rwandan Genocide escalates as violence intensifies
On this day, the Rwandan Genocide continued to escalate as Hutu extremists targeted Tutsis and moderate Hutus in a coordinated campaign of violence. The genocide, which lasted for 100 days, would result in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people.
April 9, 2003
Protests in Nigeria against President Olusegun Obasanjo's government
On this day, large protests erupted in Nigeria against the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, particularly over issues of corruption and mismanagement. These protests reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the state of governance in the country.
April 9, 2017
Protests in South Africa calling for President Jacob Zuma’s resignation
On this day, mass protests continued in South Africa demanding the resignation of President Jacob Zuma due to allegations of corruption and political mismanagement. These protests were part of ongoing efforts to hold Zuma accountable and reform South African governance.