On this day — June 30 in African history

Anefo — CC0, Wikimedia Commons

The Belgian Congo gained independence as the Republic of the Congo, with Patrice Lumumba becoming the country's first prime minister.

Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia delivered a historic appeal to the League of Nations in Geneva, condemning Italy's invasion of his country.

Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

A coup d'état in Sudan led by Colonel Omar al-Bashir deposed the elected government of Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi, beginning three decades of military rule.

Lilian Wagdy — CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Massive protests erupted across Egypt against President Mohamed Morsi, setting the stage for the military's ouster of his government days later.

Michel-georges bernard — CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Assia Djebar, the celebrated Algerian novelist and filmmaker who became the first Maghrebi writer elected to the Académie française, was born.

Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Alberta Williams King, mother of Martin Luther King Jr. and a lifelong civil rights advocate, was shot and killed while playing the organ at her church.