CalEvents:Feb/Feb 10

Notable events for February 10

Date

Event

Significance

February 10, 1927

Birth of Leontyne Price, African-American opera singer

Leontyne Price, born on this day, became one of the most acclaimed African-American opera singers. She broke racial barriers in classical music, particularly at the Metropolitan Opera, and her career has inspired generations of African-American musicians.

February 10, 1962

Gary Powers exchanged for Soviet spy at Berlin's Glienicke Bridge

On this day, the U.S. and Soviet Union conducted a high-profile prisoner exchange involving U-2 pilot Gary Powers. Though not directly related to Pan-African history, this Cold War event reflected the global tensions that also impacted African nations, as many were courted by both superpowers during the decolonization period.

February 10, 1964

U.S. House of Representatives passes the Civil Rights Act

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Civil Rights Act on this day, a major legislative victory in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. This act, later signed into law, outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and helped dismantle segregation in the U.S.

February 10, 1981

Bob Marley performs his final concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On this day, reggae legend Bob Marley performed his last concert before his death later that year. Marley's music, with its messages of Pan-Africanism, social justice, and unity, resonated deeply with people of African descent across the diaspora.

February 10, 1990

Nelson Mandela released from Victor Verster Prison in South Africa

Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid leader, was released from prison on this day after 27 years of incarceration. His release was a monumental event in South Africa’s history and marked the beginning of the end for the apartheid regime.

February 10, 2006

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf addresses U.S. Congress

On this day, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia and Africa's first elected female head of state, addressed the U.S. Congress. Her leadership became symbolic of African women's empowerment and post-conflict recovery in Liberia.

February 10, 2014

Protests in Nigeria over the government’s handling of Boko Haram

On this day, protests broke out in Nigeria, criticizing the government’s response to the Boko Haram insurgency. The growing insecurity caused by Boko Haram significantly affected northern Nigeria and raised global awareness of the group’s impact on regional stability.

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