Want to know what happened Today in History Africa: 20 January? These are 5 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 who was Amílcar Cabral and how Congo gained independence from Belgium.
After reading this post you will know tons of facts about Africa in relation to: Amílcar Cabral, The Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference of 1960 and the first African Baptist Church in the United States.
This post is all about what happened Today in History Africa 20 January.
Today in History Africa: 20 January
African Holidays
Heroes’ Day in Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde
Today in Heroes’ day in the countries of Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde. Heroes’ day in a national public holiday celebrated annually on 20 January. In Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde it is a day to commemorate the national heroes of both countries. The holiday falls on the anniversary of the assassination of Amílar Cabral, an important leader in the fight for independence in both Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde.
On this day, 20 January 1973, Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral was assassinated. Amílcar Cabral was born in 1924 in the Portuguese colony of modern day Guinea-Bissau. He first schooled in Cape Verde before completing his higher education in Portugal, where he commenced his work as a freedom fighter. In Lisbon, along with his co-students, Amílcar Cabral would lead movements against the Portuguese government; he reproached the Estado Novo dictatorship of the time and, obviously, the Portugal’s presence in Africa.
Once back in his home country, Amílcar Cabral continued his work fighting for the freedom of his nation from Portugal’s draconian governance. In 1956, Cabral founded the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, commonly known as PAIGC and originally the Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde. Amílcar Cabral was an anti-colonist leader in his home country and continent; he fought for the right to self-determination of African states. Amílcar Cabral was a founding member of the Movimento Popular Libertação de Angola (MPLA).
In 1973, Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral was assassinated by his political rivals. He did not live to see his country free from Portugal colonization. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau gained its independence in 1974 while the Republic of Cape Verde became free the following year.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACCEPTANCE
Today, 20 January, is the International Day of Acceptance. This day is dedicated to raising awareness on the life on people living with disabilities, and to honor Annie Marie Hopkins life. The International Day of Acceptance. It is a holiday celebrated annually on the 20 January.
The International Day of Acceptance is an important day. This day is also a reminder that we are meant to live as a community. Often people struggle with their disabilities for many reasons. Many times disabled people as not accepted as normal and can even be treated as burdens. People with disabilities are not burdens; they are important, and equal, part of our communities and world.
African Historical Events
The Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference
On this day, 20 January 1960, the Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference was opened.
The Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference was a meeting between representatives of Congo and Belgium. It was held in Brussels. The conference was organized in two parts; the first one opened in January 1960 and the second met on 26 April of the same year; both meetings lasted for close to a month.
The purpose of the Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference was to organise Congo’s transition from a Belgian ruled colony to an independent nation. To the shock of Belgium nearly all members of the Congolese delegation had previously united to make the Front Commun. Making use of the power of unity the representatives of Congo presented their demands to their colonial rulers in a resolute manner. During the Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference 30 June 1960 was declared as the date of the independence of the then Republic of Congo.
Notably, among the Congolese delegation was Joseph Kasa-Vubu, the first president of the eventual Democratic Republic of Congo. And released from prison so that he may join the Round Table was Patrice Émery Lumumba, along with Joseph-Désiré Mobutu as his secretary.
In the time of the Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference renowned musicians Le Grand Kallé and L’African Jazz created two songs in accordance with the Round Table: “Indépendence Cha Cha” and “Table Ronde”.
First African Baptist church in the United States of America
On this day, 20 January 1788, The First African Baptist Church was officially recognised.
The First African Baptist Church is one of – if not the – oldest African American Baptist Church in the United States of America. The church is site is in Savannah, Georgia. The Church was founded by George Leile who about a decade later fled to Canada, where slavery was no longer legal.
At the time of the foundation of the church, it was uncommon for African Americans to own property. The practice of slavery was “abolished” in the United States in 1865, almost a century later. The church and its members played a great part in the movement against slavery, racism as well as promoting education in the country. The First African Baptist Church served as an Underground Railroad station. Reverend Emmanuel King Love, the Churches sixth pastor, played a major part in establishing The Savannah State University, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Paine College in Augusta, Georgia
African Inventions
James Bauer patented the coin changer mechanism
On this day, 20 January 1970, James A Bauer patented the coin changer mechanism.
James Bauer patented many other inventions.
This post was all about what happened today in history Africa 20 January.
Today in History Africa series:
Previous Day: Today in History Africa: 19 January
Next Day: Today in History Africa: 21 January
Other posts you may like:
How Haiti gained its independence
Best African Books 2023
Pre-colonial Cameroon
Nielsen, E. (2007, January 17). First African Baptist Church, Savannah, Georgia (1773- ). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/first-african-baptist-church-savannah-georgia-1777/
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