On this day — October 17 in African history

Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the Haitian Revolution and first ruler of independent Haiti, was assassinated.

Paris police violently suppressed a peaceful demonstration by Algerian pro-independence protesters, killing scores in what became known as the Paris massacre of 1961.

Jupiter Hammon, who became the first African-American writer to be published in the American colonies, was born into slavery.

Mae Jemison, who became the first African-American woman to travel to space, was born in Decatur, Alabama.

Ernie Els, South African golfer who won four major championships, was born.

Wyclef Jean, Haitian-American rapper, producer and member of the Fugees, was born.