1879: Zulu Resistance Against British Colonial Forces Continues

On May 31, 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, Zulu forces continued their resistance against British colonial invasion in South Africa. Although major battles like Isandlwana had already occurred, Zulu warriors remained committed to defending their sovereignty and land well into mid-1879. The war was a brutal confrontation between indigenous African power and imperial aggression, marked by both Zulu military prowess and overwhelming British firepower. May 31 falls within the late stages of resistance that exemplified indigenous African resilience and strategic defense. Though the Zulu Kingdom would eventually fall, its fight left a powerful legacy of defiance, cultural strength, and national identity. The war—and this date—serve as a key moment in global Black history, reminding us of the long lineage of anti-colonial resistance and the cost of imperial expansion. Today, Zulu history continues to inspire pride and scholarly interest in African military and political leadership.