CalEvents:May/May 14
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 14
Date
Event
Significance
May 14, 1888
Abolition of slavery in Brazil
On this day, the Brazilian monarchy officially abolished slavery with the signing of the "Lei Áurea" (Golden Law). Brazil was the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery, and this marked a significant turning point in the African diaspora as millions of formerly enslaved Afro-Brazilians gained freedom.
May 14, 1948
Kwame Nkrumah becomes the first full-time general secretary of the UGCC
On this day, Kwame Nkrumah was appointed the first full-time general secretary of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), a key moment in the development of the independence movement in Ghana. Nkrumah would go on to become one of the leading figures in African independence and Pan-Africanism.
May 14, 1952
Malcolm X joins the Nation of Islam
On this day, Malcolm X, one of the most prominent figures in African-American history, officially joined the Nation of Islam. His leadership within the organization and advocacy for Black empowerment and self-determination had a profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement and Black liberation struggles globally.
May 14, 1961
Freedom Riders attacked in Anniston, Alabama
On this day, a group of civil rights activists known as the Freedom Riders were violently attacked by a white mob in Anniston, Alabama, while challenging segregation on interstate buses in the South. The attack drew national attention to the brutal resistance against desegregation in the U.S.
May 14, 1973
The founding of the All African Trade Union Federation (AATUF)
On this day, the All African Trade Union Federation (AATUF) was established to promote the rights and welfare of workers across the African continent. The AATUF aimed to foster solidarity between African trade unions and strengthen labor movements across post-colonial Africa.
May 14, 2000
Ethiopia and Eritrea agree to ceasefire
On this day, Ethiopia and Eritrea agreed to a ceasefire to end the Eritrean-Ethiopian War, which had caused significant loss of life and displacement. The ceasefire marked a major step towards peace in the Horn of Africa, though tensions between the two countries would persist for years.
May 14, 2018
Protests in South Africa against gender-based violence
On this day, widespread protests erupted across South Africa, calling for action against the rising cases of gender-based violence, particularly against women and girls. These protests highlighted the urgent need for societal and governmental reforms to address the violence facing marginalized communities.