CalEvents:May/May 23
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 23
Date
Event
Significance
May 23, 1863
Formation of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment
On this day, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African-American regiments in the U.S. Army, was formed. The regiment fought bravely in the Civil War and became a symbol of Black soldiers' contributions to the fight for freedom and equality.
May 23, 1906
Birth of Charles Wright, African-American historian
On this day, Charles H. Wright, an African-American physician and historian, was born. Wright founded the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, which has become one of the largest institutions dedicated to the African-American experience.
May 23, 1921
Birth of Humphrey J. King, Guyanese educator and politician
On this day, Humphrey J. King, a prominent educator and politician in Guyana, was born. He played a significant role in shaping Guyana's educational system and was actively involved in the country's independence movement.
May 23, 1963
OAU Charter officially signed in Addis Ababa
On this day, African leaders officially signed the charter establishing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This marked a major milestone in Pan-Africanism, as the OAU aimed to promote unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African nations in their struggle for independence and development.
May 23, 1967
Government of Nigeria declares Biafra secession illegal
On this day, the Nigerian government officially declared the secession of Biafra illegal, setting the stage for the Nigerian Civil War. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and had lasting impacts on Nigeria's political and ethnic landscape.
May 23, 1994
South Africa rejoins the Commonwealth of Nations
On this day, South Africa was readmitted to the Commonwealth of Nations after decades of exclusion due to apartheid. This re-entry marked the country's return to the global community following the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of democracy.
May 23, 2016
Protests against electoral reforms in the Democratic Republic of Congo
On this day, protests erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo as citizens demanded electoral reforms and free elections. The protests were part of a broader movement against President Joseph Kabila's attempts to extend his term in office, leading to increased political unrest.