CalEvents:May/May 22
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 22
Date
Event
Significance
May 22, 1856
Senator Charles Sumner assaulted for anti-slavery speech
On this day, U.S. Senator Charles Sumner, a staunch abolitionist, was brutally assaulted by Congressman Preston Brooks after delivering an anti-slavery speech. The attack highlighted the intense conflict over slavery and foreshadowed the coming Civil War in which African Americans would fight for their freedom.
May 22, 1900
Creation of the Associated Negro Press
On this day, the Associated Negro Press (ANP) was founded by Claude Albert Barnett. The ANP became a key source of news for African-American communities, reporting on civil rights, social issues, and the achievements of African Americans during a time of widespread segregation and discrimination.
May 22, 1925
Birth of Julius Nyerere, first president of Tanzania
On this day, Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania and a leading figure in African independence and Pan-Africanism, was born. Nyerere is remembered for his role in uniting Tanganyika and Zanzibar into Tanzania and his advocacy for African socialism and self-reliance.
May 22, 1954
School desegregation begins after Brown v. Board of Education
On this day, following the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education ruling, the process of desegregating public schools began. This marked the start of the dismantling of the "separate but equal" doctrine and was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement.
May 22, 1972
The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) begins peace talks on Sudanese civil war
On this day, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) initiated peace talks aimed at resolving the civil war in Sudan. The talks were part of the OAU's efforts to mediate conflicts across Africa, promoting unity and peaceful resolutions in the face of regional conflicts.
May 22, 1990
Namibian President Sam Nujoma sworn in as head of state
On this day, Sam Nujoma was sworn in as the first president of Namibia after the country's independence from South African rule. Nujoma’s leadership marked a new chapter for Namibia, with efforts focused on rebuilding the nation after years of colonial oppression and apartheid.
May 22, 2012
Charles Taylor sentenced by international court
On this day, former Liberian president Charles Taylor was sentenced to 50 years in prison by an international court for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Sierra Leone Civil War. His conviction was a landmark moment in international justice and accountability for African conflicts.