On May 25, 1986, approximately 30 million people across 76 countries participated in pop singer Bob Geldof’s “Race Against Time.” This global relay event was part of the Sport Aid campaign and aimed to raise awareness and funds for famine relief in Africa. It followed the success of Live Aid in 1985 and marked one of the largest synchronized mass-participation sporting events in history. The effort raised millions for African famine victims and spotlighted the role of global solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises.

On May 25, 1971, Jo Etha Collier, a young Black woman and high school student, was tragically killed in Drew, Mississippi, by a bullet fired from a passing car. The attack was unprovoked and racially motivated. The following day, May 26, three white men were arrested and charged in connection with the murder. Her death became a stark reminder of the ongoing racial violence and injustice in the American South, even years after the civil rights legislation of the 1960s.

On this day, Jamaica Kincaid was born in St. John’s, Antigua. A celebrated novelist and essayist, Kincaid would go on to write powerful works such as Annie John, Lucy, and A Small Place, blending themes of colonialism, identity, and womanhood. Her lyrical, introspective style has earned her acclaim as one of the most important Caribbean writers of the 20th century.

Leslie Uggams, the award-winning singer and actress known for breaking racial barriers in entertainment, was born in New York City. She made her professional singing debut as a child with the Lawrence Welk Band and went on to become a celebrated performer on stage and screen. Uggams gained national recognition as the host of her own TV variety show, “The Leslie Uggams Show,” in 1969—making her one of the first Black women to host a network television series in the U.S.

On this day in 1943, Henrietta Bradberry was granted U.S. Patent No. 2,320,027 for her invention of the “Bed Rack.” This innovative device could be attached to a bed frame to hold bedclothes, allowing them to hang freely and air out—improving cleanliness and hygiene. Bradberry, an African American inventor, contributed to everyday domestic innovation during a time when few Black women were recognized in the field of patent technology.

On this day in 1943, a violent riot broke out at the Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company in Mobile, Alabama, after twelve Black workers were promoted to welding positions—jobs traditionally held by white workers. The decision, made under federal pressure to desegregate wartime industries, sparked backlash from white employees. Thousands walked off the job, and mobs attacked Black workers, highlighting the racial tensions boiling beneath America’s wartime labor needs. Despite the violence, the event marked a turning point in the fight for equal employment rights in defense industries.

On this day, James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens, while representing Ohio State University in a Big Ten track-and-field meet held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, delivered one of the most extraordinary performances in sports history. Within a span of just 45 minutes, Owens equaled the world record for the 100-yard dash at 9.4 seconds and shattered world records in three other events: the 220-yard dash (20.3 seconds), the 220-yard low hurdles (22.6 seconds), and the long jump (26 feet, 8¼ inches)—a record that stood for 25 years. Owens’ feat is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletic achievements of the 20th century.

On this day, Madame C.J. Walker, the pioneering African American entrepreneur and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 52 in Irvington-on-the-Hudson, New York. Widely considered the first self-made Black woman millionaire in America, Walker built a successful beauty empire focused on hair care products for Black women. Her legacy includes not only her business achievements but also her significant contributions to civil rights and charitable causes.

Tap dancer Luther Robinson—better known as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson—was born in Richmond, Virginia. Renowned for his innovative footwork and pioneering contributions to tap dance, Robinson broke racial barriers in both vaudeville and Hollywood. He was one of the first Black performers to gain widespread fame on both stage and screen, famously dancing alongside Shirley Temple in the 1930s. His legacy continues to influence generations of dancers and entertainers.

On May 25, 1963, leaders from 32 African nations met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and established the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to today’s African Union (AU). This historic moment marked Africa’s collective push for independence, peace, and solidarity amid widespread decolonization. The OAU aimed to promote political and economic integration across the continent and to eradicate colonialism. Over time, the AU evolved into a more comprehensive body addressing modern challenges including human rights, development, and intra-African trade. May 25 is now celebrated annually as Africa Day, honoring the unity and resilience of African nations and their diaspora. This milestone represents not just political cooperation, but a cultural affirmation of Africa’s self-determination on the world stage. Africa Day continues to inspire Pan-African movements and is a key date in Black international history, symbolizing the continent’s collective pursuit of freedom and progress.

On May 25, 1948, South Africa’s National Party officially introduced apartheid, a system of legalized racial segregation that would dominate the country for nearly 50 years. Though discriminatory practices existed before, apartheid formalized them into law, dictating where Black South Africans could live, work, and travel. Under apartheid, non-white citizens were denied basic human rights and subjected to brutal policing, forced removals, and economic exclusion. The system drew global condemnation and gave rise to revolutionary figures like Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, and Winnie Mandela. Apartheid sparked decades of resistance, both domestically and internationally, and became a symbol of global racial injustice. The May 25 date is a somber reminder of how systems of white supremacy can be entrenched through law—and how dismantling them requires generations of courage, organizing, and international solidarity. It remains a turning point in the fight for racial justice worldwide.

On May 25, 1969, a military coup in Sudan led by Colonel Gaafar Nimeiry overthrew the civilian government, marking a turning point in Sudanese history. Nimeiry’s regime promised socialist reforms and Pan-African unity, aligning initially with Arab nationalist and communist forces. His leadership reflected the post-colonial struggles of African nations balancing identity, governance, and global alignment. While his early years focused on modernization and regional integration, the regime later became increasingly authoritarian, culminating in conflicts such as the Second Sudanese Civil War. May 25 remains significant in Sudan as it symbolizes both the hope of revolutionary change and the complexities of post-independence rule. Nimeiry\’s coup is a reminder of how African nations navigated Cold War geopolitics while confronting internal divisions rooted in colonial legacies. His era shaped Sudan’s political landscape and influenced broader African debates around military governance, nationalism, and development.

On May 25, 1979, over 30,000 people gathered in Washington D.C. to commemorate African Liberation Day—an international expression of solidarity with African struggles for freedom. Founded in 1958 and officially linked to the OAU’s formation in 1963, African Liberation Day gained traction among the Black diaspora, especially in the U.S., the Caribbean, and Europe. The 1979 rally was one of the largest in North America, connecting African-American civil rights leaders, Pan-Africanists, and anti-colonial activists under one banner. Attendees protested apartheid in South Africa, neocolonialism, and Western imperialism while promoting self-determination for African nations. The event symbolized the fusion of Black Power and Pan-African thought and strengthened global networks of resistance. May 25 remains a day for cultural celebration, political education, and community organizing, linking Black liberation movements across continents. It continues to remind the diaspora of its global identity and shared historical destiny.

On May 25, 1965, Muhammad Ali delivered one of the most iconic moments in sports history by knocking out Sonny Liston in the first round of their rematch in Lewiston, Maine. The photo of Ali standing triumphantly over Liston became a symbol of Black power, pride, and defiance. At the time, Ali had already declared allegiance to the Nation of Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay, a move that shook mainstream America. The fight occurred amid heightened racial tensions and growing opposition to the Vietnam War. Ali\’s unapologetic stance on civil rights and his charisma elevated him into a global figure of resistance. This fight wasn’t just a boxing match—it was a cultural statement. May 25 immortalizes Ali’s dominance, not just in the ring, but in the broader fight for Black dignity and global respect. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and activists worldwide.

While Sang-Hyun Song of South Korea took office as President of the International Criminal Court on May 25, 2010, he succeeded Navanethem Pillay of South Africa, the first African and woman of color to hold the role of ICC President (2003–2009). Pillay, born into an Indian-Tamil family in apartheid South Africa, overcame racial barriers to become a renowned human rights judge. Her legacy, celebrated on this date, set a precedent for African leadership in global justice institutions. Her tenure emphasized victims\’ rights, gender-based crimes, and accountability for war crimes—especially in Africa, where many ICC cases were concentrated. May 25, marked by this transition, symbolizes the increasing role of African voices in international law and justice reform. Pillay\’s journey from apartheid survivor to global legal leader reflects the broader arc of African excellence in diplomacy, equity, and the rule of law.

On May 25, 2000—Africa Day—the government of Senegal announced plans for the African Renaissance Monument, a 160-foot statue to be built in Dakar symbolizing a new era of African unity, strength, and self-determination. Completed in 2010, the monument stands taller than the Statue of Liberty and represents a man, woman, and child ascending toward the future. Though controversial for its cost and North Korean construction firm, the monument was intended to showcase a Pan-African vision for the 21st century. May 25 remains the symbolic date of its conceptual birth, aligning with the spirit of the African Union. The statue is now a major tourist site and a cultural emblem of Africa’s resurgence in global affairs. It challenges prevailing Western narratives and asserts the continent’s capacity for grandeur and innovation. The African Renaissance Monument remains one of the boldest artistic declarations of Black pride and potential.

On May 25, 1972, Guyana, under Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, nationalized its bauxite industry—one of the nation’s most valuable natural resources. This bold move was part of a broader push for economic self-reliance and socialist transformation in the post-colonial Caribbean. By reclaiming control from foreign multinationals, primarily Canadian and American, Guyana aimed to redirect wealth toward national development. This act of economic sovereignty resonated across the Global South, inspiring similar resource reclamation efforts. May 25 became a symbolic date in Guyanese and Caribbean history, reflecting Black and brown nations’ fight to own and benefit from their land and labor. The nationalization of bauxite was also deeply tied to Pan-African and anti-imperialist ideologies of the time, reinforcing the broader theme of economic liberation. Today, it is studied as a pivotal example of resource nationalism in the Black world.

On May 25, 2008, the African Union launched Africa Science and Technology Day, aligning it with Africa Day to promote innovation, research, and STEM development across the continent. The AU recognized that economic liberation and self-determination depend not only on political will, but also on technological advancement and scientific literacy. The initiative aimed to empower young Africans to become leaders in biotech, energy, climate research, and digital technologies. May 25 thus became a day to not only honor past struggles but to invest in future possibilities. Science and Technology Day symbolizes Africa’s pivot from dependency to innovation. It reflects a forward-looking vision where African nations can shape the future of AI, space science, agriculture, and climate resilience. Today, it remains a crucial annual observance for connecting research institutions, governments, and youth in building the continent’s high-tech future.

On May 25, 2015, Nigerian economist Akinwumi Adesina was elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), marking a new chapter in Africa’s financial strategy. As a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and a reformist economist, Adesina brought a vision of agricultural transformation, infrastructure investment, and youth empowerment. His leadership was seen as a shift toward African-led development with global competitiveness. Taking office on Africa Day added symbolic weight to the moment—underscoring the AU’s goals of economic integration, poverty reduction, and industrialization. Adesina’s \”High 5s\” agenda—Light up Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life—continues to guide AfDB initiatives. His election represented not only technocratic excellence but also the potential for African institutions to drive continent-wide change. May 25, 2015, is remembered as a milestone for economic self-determination and the growing influence of African-led financial leadership.

On May 25, 1963, 32 African nations gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to form the Organization of African Unity (OAU), a pivotal moment in Black international history. Spearheaded by leaders like Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, the OAU sought to unify African states against colonialism, promote solidarity, and assert control over the continent\’s future. Though often overshadowed by individual independence movements, the OAU laid the groundwork for modern Pan-African diplomacy and later evolved into the African Union (AU) in 2002. May 25 is now celebrated as Africa Day, symbolizing liberation and unity across the diaspora. The OAU’s formation marked one of the first large-scale efforts by African nations to build continental institutions for peace, economic cooperation, and cultural pride. Remembering this date honors the global dimensions of Black resistance and self-determination often left out of Western history narratives.

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed during an arrest by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd\’s neck for over nine minutes. Captured on video, Floyd\’s harrowing pleas of \”I can\’t breathe\” ignited worldwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality. This tragic event not only galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement but also led to widespread demonstrations across all 50 U.S. states and numerous countries globally. The incident prompted significant discussions on racial equity, resulting in policy reforms, corporate reckonings, and a renewed focus on social justice. Floyd\’s death became a catalyst for a global reckoning on race, highlighting the pervasive nature of racial injustice and the urgent need for systemic change.