“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”— Marcus Garvey
Today In History
1. Lady Flora Shaw Lugard Died
On this day in 1929, lady Flora Shaw Lugard who allegedly gave Nigeria it’s name died after extended illness
2. President Kwame Nkrumah Opened Volta Bridge
On this day in 1957, Volta bridge now known as Adomi bridge in Ghana was opened by President Kwame Nkrumah. The bridge which is a crescent-shaped arch and the longest suspension bridge in Ghana connects the Eastern region and Volta region of the country.
3. The Second All-African People’s Congress Opened In Tunisia
On this day in 1960, the second All-African People’s Congress was opened in Tunis, Tunisia. The major agenda was the liberation of Algeria and Morocco.
The All-Africa Peoples Conference had been conceived by Ghana’s Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah, his advisor George Padmore, and others to continue the tradition of the Pan-African Congress which had last met in 1945. The aim of the congress is liberation of Africa from neocolonialism.
4. Uganda’s Milton Obele Was Ousted In A Coup D’etat
On this day in 1971, Milton Obele was ousted in a successful coup d’etat led by General Idi Amin who installed himself as a dictator.
Milton was deposed while he was overseas attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Singapore.
5. Battle Of Ismailia, Egypt
On this day in 1952, the battle between British Army and Egyptian Police took place in Ismailia, Egypt.
13 british soldiers and 56 Egyptian police were killed in the attack, while 22 and 73 were wounded on both sides. This battle eventually led to the 1952 Egyptian revolution.
6. Tanganyika President Julius Nyerere Requested The Execution Of Mutiny of Soldiers
On this day in 1964, the British on the request from Tanganyika President Julius Nyerere execute mutiny of soldiers and restore order in the country. Tangayika would later merge with Zanzibar to become present day Tanzania.
7. World’s Largest Diamond Was Found In South Africa
On this day in 1905, the world’s largest diamond, named “Cullinan” after the owner of the mine Thomas Cullinan was found in South Africa. The diamond weighed 3,106 carats.
8. Ethiopian Airline Crashed
On this day in 2010, an Ethiopian Airline flight 409, an international commercial flight enroute from Beirut to Addis Ababa crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after takeoff from Rafic Hariri International Airport killing all 90 people on board.
9. Brumadinho Dam Disaster, Brazil
On this day in 2019, a dam, located five kilometres east of Brumadinho in Brazil, is was also involved in a disaster. 259 were confirmed dead in the disaster, while 11 others were considered missing.
