April 04

The Moriscos, descendants of Muslims forced to convert to Christianity after the Reconquista, faced suspicion and discrimination in early 17th-century Spain. Believing them to be insincere converts, Philip III issued a decree mandating their expulsion from the Kingdom of Valencia and other territories. Over 100,000 Moriscos were uprooted, often leaving behind homes and possessions. The expulsion disrupted agricultural production and depopulated key areas, contributing to economic decline in parts of eastern Spain. Many Moriscos sought refuge in North Africa, and their departure left a lasting cultural void in Spanish society.

On April 4, 1887, Susanna M. Salter was sworn in as the mayor of Argonia, Kansas, making her the first female mayor in U.S. history. Her candidacy began as a prank by local men opposed to women in office, but Salter’s sincere campaign and community reputation earned her widespread support. During her one-year term, she championed municipal improvements, temperance measures, and education initiatives. Salter’s election predated national women’s suffrage by more than three decades, inspiring the early women’s rights movement. Her successful tenure demonstrated women’s leadership capabilities and opened doors for future generations. The milestone remains a key moment in the history of American democracy and women’s empowerment.

On April 4, 1920, during the annual Nebi Musa festival in Jerusalem, longstanding tensions between Arab and Jewish communities erupted into violence. The four-day riots saw street clashes, arson, and looting that left dozens dead or injured. Both communities suffered property damage and deepened mistrust. British Mandate authorities struggled to restore order amid the chaos. The Nebi Musa riots are seen as a pivotal moment that foreshadowed the larger Arab-Jewish conflict in Mandatory Palestine.

Designed by Gerald Holtom for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, the symbol first appeared at a protest march in Trafalgar Square. The design merges semaphore signals for the letters N and D within a circle, representing nuclear disarmament. Its stark black-and-white image was widely distributed on banners, badges, and pamphlets by peace activists. The emblem resonated with the counterculture movements of the late 1950s and 1960s. It transcended its original purpose to become an international emblem of pacifism and social justice. Today, the peace sign remains one of the most recognized symbols of peace advocacy worldwide.

On April 4, 1967, King spoke at Riverside Church in New York City, denouncing the Vietnam War as unjust and immoral. He warned that the war diverted resources from programs to combat poverty and racial injustice at home. King’s address challenged both political leaders and supporters of the civil rights movement. He called for a radical revolution of values to end violence and promote social justice. The speech sparked controversy and strained his relationships with some civil rights allies. Over time, its message has been recognized as a profound critique of American foreign policy and a call for global peace.

While standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, King was fatally shot by James Earl Ray. He had been in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers fighting for fair wages and working conditions. His death triggered nationwide grief, anger, and riots in numerous cities. It led Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act. King’s legacy endures through his speeches, writings, and the ongoing struggle for equality. April 4 became a day of remembrance and reflection on nonviolent activism.