CalEvents:May/May 31
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for May 31
Date
Event
Significance
May 31, 1909
Birth of Benjamin O. Davis Jr.
On this day, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the first African-American general in the United States Air Force and a leader of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, was born. His pioneering role in the military broke racial barriers and paved the way for greater integration of African Americans in the U.S. armed forces.
May 31, 1910
Union of South Africa established
On this day, the Union of South Africa was established as a self-governing entity within the British Empire. This marked the unification of British colonies in Southern Africa, but also solidified racial segregation policies that laid the groundwork for the apartheid system, oppressing the Black African majority.
May 31, 1928
Birth of Jimmy Johnson, African-American blues musician
On this day, Jimmy Johnson, an influential African-American blues guitarist and singer, was born in Mississippi. Johnson became a key figure in the Chicago blues scene, helping to shape the sound of modern blues and influence generations of musicians.
May 31, 1961
South Africa declares itself a republic, leaves the Commonwealth
On this day, South Africa officially declared itself a republic and left the British Commonwealth. The decision was a direct result of growing opposition to apartheid policies within the Commonwealth, and it further isolated South Africa from the international community due to its racial segregation practices.
May 31, 1979
Zimbabwe-Rhodesia becomes an independent republic
On this day, the state of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, an unrecognized country formed during the final stages of the Rhodesian Bush War, declared itself an independent republic. However, full recognition of Zimbabwe's independence would come later, in 1980, after negotiations and the end of white minority rule.
May 31, 2002
World Food Summit held in Rome, focusing on Africa
On this day, the World Food Summit was held in Rome, focusing on issues of food security and hunger in Africa. The summit aimed to address the challenges faced by African countries in achieving food self-sufficiency and combating malnutrition, especially in the context of global economic disparities.
May 31, 2010
President Obama proclaims National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
On this day, U.S. President Barack Obama proclaimed June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This recognition highlighted the significant contributions of Caribbean-Americans, including those of African descent, to the cultural, social, and political fabric of the United States.