On this day — April 13 in African history

Real events, births and milestones from Africa and the diaspora.

We are adding a source to every entry in this archive. 0 of 5 on this page carry one so far. The rest were written before per-entry citations were recorded, so if you intend to rely on one, check it independently until its source appears here. See our sourcing methodology.

Sidney Poitier became the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, honored for… Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1964

Sidney Poitier became the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, honored for his role in 'Lilies of the Field.'

Culture
2006

Rebel forces of the United Front for Democratic Change attacked N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, but were repelled by the Chadian army.

Politics
Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia, who modernized the Ethiopian state and is regarded as the founde… Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons 1868

Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia, who modernized the Ethiopian state and is regarded as the founder of modern Ethiopia, died by suicide as British forces stormed his fortress at Magdala.

Death
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Nigerian educator and pioneering women's rights activist (and mother of m… UNESCO — CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons 1978

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Nigerian educator and pioneering women's rights activist (and mother of musician Fela Kuti), died from injuries sustained when soldiers raided her son's compound.

Death