1835day.year
Slavery is abolished in Mauritius.
Mauritius abolishes slavery, granting freedom to thousands of enslaved people. The move reshapes colonial society and the sugar economy.
On February 1, 1835, the British colonial administration in Mauritius formally abolished slavery, implementing the Empire-wide Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. Approximately 20,000 enslaved individuals on the island were declared free, although a transitional apprenticeship system persisted until 1840. Plantation owners received financial compensation for the loss of their enslaved labor, while newly freed workers faced challenging economic conditions and limited land rights. Abolition reshaped Mauritius’ sugar-based economy, prompting planters to recruit indentured laborers from India. Social dynamics shifted as freed communities built churches, schools, and mutual aid societies. The legacy of emancipation in Mauritius reflects both progress and enduring inequalities in post-slavery societies.
1835
Slavery is abolished
Mauritius
1960day.year
Four black students stage the first of the Greensboro sit-ins at a lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Four Black college students initiated the first Greensboro sit-in at a North Carolina lunch counter on February 1, 1960.
On February 1, 1960, four African American students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College sat at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, and politely requested service. When refused, they remained peacefully seated until the store closed. Their nonviolent protest sparked similar sit-ins, pickets, and boycotts at segregated establishments across the American South. The movement challenged Jim Crow laws and drew national attention to civil rights issues. The Greensboro sit-ins became a catalyst for broader actions that eventually led to desegregation of public facilities.
1960
Greensboro sit-ins
Greensboro, North Carolina
1998day.year
Rear Admiral Lillian E. Fishburne becomes the first female African American to be promoted to rear admiral.
In 1998, Lillian E. Fishburne made history as the first African American woman to earn the rank of Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy.
On February 1, 1998, Lillian E. Fishburne was promoted to Rear Admiral, breaking both gender and racial barriers in the U.S. Navy.
She had dedicated over two decades to service, excelling in roles from personnel management to operations.
Her promotion marked a significant step toward greater diversity and inclusion within the military's leadership.
As a trailblazer, Fishburne inspired countless women and minorities to pursue careers in the armed forces.
Her achievement remains a milestone in the history of U.S. naval service.
1998
Lillian E. Fishburne
2009day.year
The first cabinet of Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was formed in Iceland, making her the country's first female prime minister and the world's first openly gay head of government.
On February 1, 2009, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir formed Iceland's first female-led cabinet, becoming the world's first openly gay head of government.
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was appointed Prime Minister of Iceland and formed her first cabinet on February 1, 2009.
She became the first woman to hold Iceland's top office and the first openly gay head of government anywhere in the world.
Her leadership emerged during Iceland's financial crisis, and she guided the nation through banking reforms and debt relief measures.
Sigurðardóttir's tenure advanced progressive social policies and championed gender equality and LGBTQ rights.
Her historic appointment resonated globally, inspiring movements for diversity and representation in politics.
2009
first cabinet of Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir
Iceland
her
gay