CalEvents:Jul/Jul 17
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Jul 17
Date
Event
Significance
July 17, 1959
Rashid Karami becomes Prime Minister of Lebanon
On this day, Rashid Karami, a Lebanese politician of African descent, became the Prime Minister of Lebanon. He was a prominent figure in Middle Eastern and African diaspora politics, advocating for Pan-Arab and Pan-African unity.
July 17, 1968
Sierra Leone becomes a republic
On this day, Sierra Leone officially became a republic, with Siaka Stevens becoming the country’s first president. This event marked an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s post-colonial governance and its evolution as an independent nation.
July 17, 1973
Death of Louis Armstrong, African-American jazz legend
On this day, Louis Armstrong, a legendary African-American jazz musician, passed away. Armstrong was a major figure in the history of jazz and African-American music, influencing generations of musicians and contributing to the global recognition of African-American culture.
July 17, 1998
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) adopted
On this day, the Rome Statute was adopted, establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC has been instrumental in prosecuting cases related to war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, many of which have impacted African nations, including cases in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.
July 17, 2003
Patrice Lumumba's assassination anniversary commemorated at African Union summit
On this day, the African Union held a summit to commemorate the life and assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lumumba remains an iconic figure in Pan-African history for his anti-colonial stance and efforts to promote African unity.
July 17, 2014
Nelson Mandela Day celebrations honor Mandela’s legacy
On this day, people around the world celebrated Nelson Mandela Day, honoring the life and legacy of South Africa’s first Black president. The day encourages individuals to give back to their communities and promote social justice, reflecting Mandela's lifelong commitment to equality and service.
July 17, 2019
Central African Republic peace deal signed
On this day, the government of the Central African Republic and 14 armed groups signed a peace deal in Khartoum, Sudan. This was seen as a major step toward ending years of conflict in the country, with the African Union playing a key role in brokering the agreement.