CalEvents:May/May 15
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 15
Date
Event
Significance
May 15, 1911
Birth of Kwaku Boateng, Ghanaian politician
On this day, Kwaku Boateng, a prominent Ghanaian politician and a key figure in Ghana's post-independence government, was born. Boateng held several ministerial positions in the Nkrumah government and contributed significantly to Ghana's early development as an independent nation.
May 15, 1923
Marcus Garvey sentenced to prison
On this day, Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican-born leader of the Pan-African movement and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), was convicted of mail fraud in the United States and sentenced to five years in prison. His conviction was controversial and is often seen as a politically motivated attempt to suppress his influence.
May 15, 1958
French colonies in Africa vote in favor of the French Community
On this day, French colonies in Africa voted in favor of joining the French Community, a political entity that allowed limited autonomy while maintaining ties to France. This marked a pivotal moment in the decolonization process, as many African countries soon sought full independence.
May 15, 1969
Beginning of Anguilla Revolution
On this day, the Anguilla Revolution began when the people of Anguilla, a Caribbean island with a majority African-descended population, rebelled against British control and sought independence from the British-backed Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The movement led to greater autonomy for Anguilla.
May 15, 1987
Thomas Sankara assassinated in Burkina Faso
On this day, Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso who advocated for Pan-Africanism, women's rights, and anti-imperialism, was assassinated in a military coup. Sankara's death marked the end of a progressive era in Burkina Faso and remains a significant moment in African political history.
May 15, 1997
Mobutu Sese Seko overthrown in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo)
On this day, Mobutu Sese Seko, the long-time dictator of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), was overthrown by rebel forces led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila. Mobutu’s downfall ended decades of authoritarian rule and marked a major shift in the political landscape of Central Africa.
May 15, 2011
Protests escalate in Uganda against rising food and fuel prices
On this day, mass protests in Uganda escalated as citizens demonstrated against the rising costs of food and fuel. These protests, part of the "Walk to Work" movement, were met with a heavy-handed government response, reflecting the growing discontent with President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.