People, Locations, Episodes

The Shona People, a story

On this date from 600 A.D. The Registry celebrates the Shona people of Africa. Located in Zimbabwe and southern Mozambique, their tribal language is also called Shona (Bantu) and their population is around 9 million.

There are five main Shona language groups: Korekore, Zeseru, Manyika, Ndau, and Karanga. The last of these groups was largely absorbed by the Ndebele when they moved into western Zimbabwe in the 1830s. Shona are linguistically related to the central Bantu and most likely moved into present day Zimbabwe during the great Bantu expansion.

The ‘Black Mambas’ Animal Saving Patrol is Formed

*The Black Mambas animal saving patrol is celebrated on this date in 2013. They are a South African anti-poaching Unit. They are focused on environmental justice. Founded by Transfrontier Africa NPC to protect the animals of Olifants West Region of Balule Nature Reserve, the Black Mambas were invited to expand into other regions within the first […]

Septimius Severus, African Ruler of Rome is born

*The birth of Septimius Severus in 145 A.D. is celebrated on this date. He was a North African General and Ruler of the Roman Empire.

Georgia High School Holds Its First Integrated Prom

*On this date in 2013, Georgia’s Wilcox County High School held their first integrated prom, open to students of all races.

This was almost 60 years after the Supreme Court ruled that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal” and as a result, the practice of segregation by a public school was unconstitutional. Never-the-less until 2013, Wilcox County High School held two proms: one for White students and one for Black students. It left many with questions about the legality of the segregation.

The First Active Major Sports Athlete Comes Out As Gay

*On this date in 2013, Jason Collins, African American professional basketball player announced that he is Homosexual. Collins said, “I’m a 34-year-old N.B.A. center. I’m black and I’m gay,” Collins, who finished this season with the Washington Wizards, became the first openly gay male athlete who is still active in a major American team sport.

Shelby County v. Holder is Decided

*On this date in 2013, Shelby County v. Holder was decided.  This was a landmark United States Supreme Court case. It regarded the constitutionality of two provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965: Section 5, which requires certain states and local governments to obtain federal preclearance before implementing any changes to their voting laws or practices, and Section 4(b), which contains […]

The Trayvon Martin Murder Verdict is Decided

*On this date in 2013 a Sanford, Florida jury found George Zimmerman not guilty in the shooting death of unarmed Black teenager Trayvon Martin. This was a case that sparked a national debate on race and guns.

Black Lives Matter is Founded

*Black Lives Matter (BLM) was founded on this date in 2013. It is an international activist movement, originating in the African American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people.

Church Bomb Victims are Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal

*On this date in 2013, President Barack Obama signed legislation to award Congress’ highest civilian honor to four girls killed in an Alabama church bombing during the civil rights movement. He called it a tragic loss that ‘‘helped to trigger triumph and a more just and equal and fair America.’’