CalEvents:Oct/Oct 17
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for October 17
Date
Event
Significance
October 17, 1961
Paris Massacre of Algerians
On this day, French police brutally suppressed a peaceful demonstration of Algerians in Paris, killing hundreds. The protesters were demanding independence for Algeria from French colonial rule. The event became a symbol of the violent repression faced by African immigrants and colonial subjects in Europe.
October 17, 1969
Death of Abebe Bikila
On this day, Ethiopian marathon runner Abebe Bikila, the first Black African to win an Olympic gold medal, died. Bikila's victories, particularly his barefoot win in the 1960 Rome Olympics, made him a symbol of African endurance, resilience, and excellence in sports.
May 4, 1970
Lesotho gains membership in the United Nations
On this day, Lesotho, a small landlocked African nation, became a member of the United Nations. This marked an important step in Lesotho's integration into the international community after gaining independence from Britain in 1966.
October 17, 1979
Mother Teresa awarded Nobel Peace Prize
On this day, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work with the poor, including her efforts in African nations such as Ethiopia. Her global humanitarian influence reached African communities impacted by poverty and disease.
October 17, 1980
Robert Mugabe becomes Prime Minister of Zimbabwe
On this day, Robert Mugabe became the first Prime Minister of independent Zimbabwe, leading the country after its liberation from colonial rule. His leadership marked a new era in Southern Africa's post-colonial history, though it also sparked controversy later due to his authoritarian governance.
October 17, 2006
Yoweri Museveni re-elected as President of Uganda
On this day, Yoweri Museveni was re-elected as president of Uganda. Museveni has played a major role in the politics of Uganda since 1986, and his presidency continues to shape the country's development and its political landscape in East Africa.
October 17, 2013
UN highlights global poverty through "International Day for the Eradication of Poverty"
On this day, the United Nations marked the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, with a focus on African nations suffering from extreme poverty. The day aims to raise awareness about the impact of poverty in Africa and other regions, calling for global action to reduce inequality.