Historical Events tagged with "racism"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Desmond Tutu Receives Nobel Peace Prize

October 16th, 1984 40 years ago

Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance against apartheid in South Africa. Tutu, a prominent Anglican bishop and social rights activist, played a pivotal role in the struggle for racial justice. The Nobel Committee recognized his efforts to foster reconciliation in a divided nation, which inspired many across the globe. Tutu's recognition came during a significant period in South African history, as the country grappled with systemic discrimination and violence.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Greensboro Rally Violence: Klan and Neo-Nazi Attack

November 3rd, 1979 45 years ago

During a rally organized by the Communist Workers Party in Greensboro, North Carolina, a tragic confrontation occurred when members of the KKK and neo-Nazi groups attacked. Five individuals from the Communist Workers Party were shot and killed, while seven others sustained injuries. The rally aimed to protest against the Klan and highlight issues related to racism and violence in the community.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Death of Activist Blair Peach at Demonstration

April 24th, 1979 45 years ago

Blair Peach, a British activist, died after being struck by a member of the police during an Anti-Nazi League demonstration opposing a National Front meeting in Southall, London. His death sparked public outrage and highlighted tensions surrounding racial politics in Britain.

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Politics & Government

UN General Assembly Declares Zionism Racism

November 10th, 1975 49 years ago

The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 3379, which stated that Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination. This resolution was controversial and reflected the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The discussion highlighted various geopolitical dynamics and was indicative of the divided opinions on the Israel-Palestine issue among UN member states. The vote resulted in a significant majority against Israel, with many nations from the Non-Aligned Movement supporting the resolution.

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Sports & Recreation

IOC Expels Rhodesia for Racist Practices

August 22nd, 1972 52 years ago

The International Olympic Committee expelled Rhodesia due to its racist policies that excluded non-white athletes from participating. This decision followed Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence and its subsequent policies that institutionalized racial discrimination. The IOC acted in line with its principle of promoting equality and inclusivity in sports, reflecting a growing international stance against apartheid and racial discrimination in sports and society as a whole.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Birmingham police escalate violence against protesters

May 3rd, 1963 61 years ago

During a significant civil rights demonstration, the police in Birmingham, Alabama switched tactics and immediately responded with force against peacefully protesting activists. The brutal actions led to widespread media coverage, with images depicting the violent suppression of protestors transmitted globally. The brutality of the police force against peaceful demonstrators propelled the civil rights movement into the international spotlight, highlighting the urgent need for change within the American societal fabric.

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Politics & Government

South Africa Withdraws from the Commonwealth

March 15th, 1961 64 years ago

At the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, South Africa announces its decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth. This decision is directly linked to the new South African Constitution set to take effect, cementing apartheid policies. Prime Minister H.F. Verwoerd speaks on behalf of the country, emphasizing South Africa's intention to govern independently. The withdrawal marks a significant shift in South Africa's international relations during a time of global scrutiny concerning its racial segregation policies.

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Politics & Government

Eisenhower Apologizes to Gbedemah

October 10th, 1957 67 years ago

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered an apology to Ghanaian Finance Minister Komla Agbeli Gbedemah after Gbedemah was refused service at a restaurant in Delaware. This incident highlighted the racial tensions and discriminatory practices prevalent in America during the period and marked a significant moment in U.S.-Ghana relations.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

All-White Jury Acquits Emmett Till's Killers

September 23rd, 1955 69 years ago

Roy Bryant and J. W. Milam were acquitted by an all-white jury in Mississippi for the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. Till, a black boy from Chicago, was brutally beaten and killed after allegedly whistling at Carolyn Bryant, Roy's wife. The trial, which gained national attention, showcased deep racial divisions and injustice within the legal system of the South.

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