CalEvents:Dec/Dec 20
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for December 20
Date
Event
Significance
December 20, 1803
Haitian forces defeat French troops in the Battle of Vertières
The Battle of Vertières was the final major military engagement in the Haitian Revolution, leading to Haiti's independence from France. This victory made Haiti the first Black republic and the first nation to abolish slavery in the Western Hemisphere.
December 20, 1951
Etta Moten Barnett performs at the White House
Etta Moten Barnett, an African-American singer and actress, performed at the White House for President Harry Truman. Her performance marked a major cultural moment, showcasing African-American talent on a national stage during a period of racial segregation.
December 20, 1963
Zanzibar gains independence from Britain
Zanzibar became independent from British rule, although it was followed by the Zanzibar Revolution in 1964, which led to the establishment of a socialist government and the eventual union with Tanganyika to form Tanzania.
December 20, 1971
Founding of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP)
The ACP Group was founded to represent the interests of African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations in international trade negotiations. It became an important coalition in advocating for economic development and cooperation among Global South countries.
December 20, 1989
US invasion of Panama begins
The US invasion of Panama led to the ousting of military leader Manuel Noriega. The invasion had significant implications for African diasporic communities in the Americas, as it highlighted US interventionist policies in Latin America and the Caribbean.
December 20, 1999
Macau is handed over to China from Portuguese control
The handover of Macau marked the end of centuries of European colonialism in Asia, paralleling the decolonization efforts that African nations had undergone during the mid-20th century.
December 20, 2007
UN Security Council extends mandate of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)
The extension of AMISOM’s mandate reflected continued international support for peacekeeping efforts in Somalia, highlighting the challenges of peace-building and stabilization in post-colonial African nations.