CalEvents:Jun/Jun 11
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for Jun 11
Date
Event
Significance
June 11, 1963
University of Alabama desegregated after George Wallace's "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door"
On this day, Alabama Governor George Wallace made his infamous "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" attempt to block two African-American students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from enrolling at the University of Alabama. His efforts were unsuccessful, and the university was desegregated following federal intervention, marking a major milestone in the Civil Rights Movement.
June 11, 1988
Nelson Mandela awarded the Sakharov Prize
On this day, Nelson Mandela, still imprisoned in South Africa, was awarded the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament. This award recognized Mandela's enduring fight against apartheid and his contributions to human rights and freedom.
June 11, 1993
Nigerian presidential elections held after years of military rule
On this day, Nigeria held its first presidential elections after nearly a decade of military rule. Although the election was annulled by the military, it was seen as a pivotal moment in Nigeria's struggle for democracy, and the annulled winner, Moshood Abiola, became a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
June 11, 2001
Execution of Timothy McVeigh, Oklahoma City bomber
On this day, Timothy McVeigh, responsible for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, was executed. The attack disproportionately affected African Americans, as the targeted federal building housed a daycare center where Black children were among the victims, highlighting the intersection of terrorism and racial violence in the U.S.
June 11, 2010
South Africa hosts the first World Cup on African soil
On this day, South Africa hosted the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first World Cup held on the African continent. The event marked a significant moment of pride and international recognition for Africa, with widespread celebrations across the continent.
June 11, 2015
President Obama launches African American Music Appreciation Month
On this day, President Barack Obama officially launched African American Music Appreciation Month, which had been established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. Obama’s emphasis on the month underscored the importance of African-American music in shaping U.S. cultural and social history.
June 11, 2020
George Floyd's funeral held in Houston, Texas
On this day, the funeral of George Floyd, an African-American man killed by a Minneapolis police officer, took place in Houston, Texas. Floyd’s death sparked international protests against police brutality and systemic racism, leading to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement across the world.