1966 – Guyana Gains Independence from British Colonial Rule

On May 21, 1966, Guyana achieved independence from Britain after decades of colonial rule. As the first English-speaking country in South America to break free from colonialism, Guyana’s liberation was a critical milestone in Black international history. The country\’s first Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, played a pivotal role in negotiating independence and shaping a new national identity rooted in Afro-Caribbean and Indo-Guyanese unity. The transition sparked a wave of anti-colonial optimism across the Caribbean and Africa. Guyana\’s independence signified not only political freedom but a bold cultural affirmation against centuries of exploitation. Today, Guyana remains a symbol of resistance and resilience, with May 21 celebrated as a turning point in the post-colonial world. Its story reminds us of the enduring spirit of Black sovereignty and the global fight for self-determination. The independence of Guyana helped inspire other Black nations striving for freedom throughout the diaspora.