Want to know what happened Today in History Africa: 17 January? These are 3 historical events that took place today, in the continent of Africa and the African diaspora.
The continent of Africa has an immensely rich history; hidden African history is becoming more accessible as it is finally coming to light. African history, people, culture and books have influenced and inspired the world for time immemorial; it is now time for Africa to shine!
In this post you will learn about the many things that happened today in history in Africa and in the African diaspora like how Lumumba was killed and who invented the lightbulb.
After reading this post you will know tons of facts about Africa in relation to: Lumumba and Mobutu, the Congo Crisis and Lewis H Latimer.
This post is all about what happened Today in History Africa 17 January.
Today in History Africa: 17 January
African Holidays
Heroes’ Day (Patrice Lumumba) in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Today is Heroes’ Day in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This day is a public holiday meant to commemorate the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first prime minister, Patrice Émery Lumumba. Today is a day pan-africanists all round the globe can remember and learn about all the good works Lumumba has done for Congo and for the whole of Africa.
On this day, 17 January 1961, Patrice Émery Lumumba was executed by state authorities under Mobutu, Belgium and Katanga. The new nation had only gained its independence from Belgium’s brutal rule 6 months prior to Lumumba’s murder. Once nominally freed from colonialism the Congo Crisis quickly ensued in the Republic.
Tensions arose in all the nation. In September 1960, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s chief-of-staff and close tie to the CIA, Joseph-Désire Mobutu led a “peaceful revolution” ejecting Lumumba’s government out of office indefinitely. Between Mobutu’s military coup and the eventual and horrific murder of Patrice Émery Lumumba political enmity only intensified. Following the coup Lumumba still served as the prime minister: he held meetings with government officials and issued public statements, he would even tour the capital engaging with Kinshasans as the Prime Minister of the country. Mobutu retaliated issuing a warrant for Lumumba’s arrest, who by then could not leave his residence. In November, the United Nations voted to recognize Mobutu’s new delegates instead of the ones that had been appointed by Lumumba.
It has been 62 years since Patrice Lumumba aswell as men like Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito were executed for their beliefs and plans for a better Africa. Today they are still recognized as martyrs and national heroes of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Africa.
African Inventions
Invention of The “Process of Manufacturing Carbons” by Lewis H. Latimer
On this day, 17 January 1882, Lewis Howard Latimer patented the “Process of Manufacturing Carbons”.
The “Process of Manufacturing Carbons” was a method used in the production of light bulbs. With Latimer’s new invention the method used in the production of lightbulbs was greatly improved. Breakage during production was reduced.
Lewis Howard Latimer was an African American scientist and inventor. Asides from his invention of the “Process of Manufacturing Carbons” he patented many more inventions. Apart from being an inventor Lewis H Latimer was also an author and poet, he served in the US Navy and was a teacher, among his many other professions and qualities. Lewis Howard Latimer was a great inventor and man and he has left behind a lasting legacy. Many institutions have honoured him, an invention program at Massachussets Institute of Technology is named after Lewis H Latimer.
This post was all about what happened today in history Africa 17 January.
Today in History Africa series:
Previous Day: Today in History Africa: 16 January
Next Day: Today in History Africa: 18 January
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How Haiti gained its independence
Best African Books 2023
Pre-colonial Cameroon
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