1981 – Bobby Sands' Death Sparks Global Solidarity Movements, Including Among Black Activists

Although Bobby Sands, the Irish hunger striker, died on May 5, 1981, the event resonated across racial lines. Black activists in the U.S., South Africa, and the Caribbean drew parallels between Sands’ fight against British rule and Black struggles against systemic racism. Notably, Nelson Mandela, still imprisoned at the time, cited Sands’ sacrifice as an inspiration. The solidarity that grew from May 5, 1981, strengthened transracial coalitions against oppression worldwide.