Kurz & Allison — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1863 The Governor of Massachusetts received War Department permission to raise the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, one of the first official Black military units in the U.S. Civil War.
HistoryOn this day — January 26 in African history
Real events, births and milestones from Africa and the diaspora.
Kurz & Allison — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1863 
Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1905 The Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found at 3,106 carats, was discovered at the Premier Mine near Pretoria, South Africa.
History
Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1952 Rioters burned much of downtown Cairo in an event known as 'Black Saturday', targeting British and upper-class Egyptian businesses amid rising anti-colonial anger.
Politics
Emmasento — CC0, Wikimedia Commons 1986 The National Resistance Army led by Yoweri Museveni overthrew the Ugandan government of Tito Okello, bringing Museveni to power after years of guerrilla war.
Politics
Government of Somalia — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1991 Somali dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was removed from power as clan-based rebel factions took Mogadishu, ending centralized government and plunging Somalia into civil war.
Politics
Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0 2009 Rioting broke out in Antananarivo, Madagascar, triggering a political crisis that ended with President Marc Ravalomanana replaced by Andry Rajoelina.
Politics
White House Television Office — Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1937 Joseph Saidu Momoh, who served as the second President of Sierra Leone from 1985 to 1992, was born (died 2003).
Birth