1775day.year
The Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, the first abolition society in North America, is organized in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush.
In 1775, Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush found North America’s first abolition society in Philadelphia.
Motivated by Enlightenment ideals, Franklin and Rush organized the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage. The group aimed to aid free Black individuals and abolish slavery through petitions and public advocacy. They collected donations to support legal challenges and provide relief to the destitute. Although membership remained small, the society set an early precedent for abolitionist activism. Its formation highlighted growing anti-slavery sentiment in the American colonies on the eve of revolution.
1775
Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage
abolition
Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Rush
1906day.year
The first meeting of the Azusa Street Revival, which will launch Pentecostalism as a worldwide movement, is held in Los Angeles.
The Azusa Street Revival began in Los Angeles on April 14, 1906, marking the birth of modern Pentecostalism as a global movement.
On April 14, 1906, African American preacher William J. Seymour led the first meeting of the Azusa Street Revival in a modest Los Angeles mission. Attendees reported dramatic spiritual experiences, including speaking in tongues and miraculous healings, drawing multiracial crowds from across the United States. The revival emphasized direct personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, setting it apart from established denominations. News of the gatherings spread rapidly through volunteer-run newspapers and word of mouth. Within a few years, Pentecostalism had spread to Europe, Africa, and Latin America, transforming global Christianity. The movement played a key role in the rise of Charismatic and independent churches worldwide. Its legacy continues in the faith practices of hundreds of millions who identify as Pentecostal or Charismatic Christians today.
1906
Azusa Street Revival
Pentecostalism
1978day.year
Tbilisi demonstrations: Thousands of Georgians demonstrate against Soviet attempts to change the constitutional status of the Georgian language.
Georgians in Tbilisi stage mass demonstrations against Soviet plans to change the constitutional status of the Georgian language.
In April 1978, thousands of Georgians filled the streets of Tbilisi to defend their native language.
The Soviet government had proposed constitutional amendments that would downgrade Georgian's official status.
Demonstrators organized sit-ins, marches, and petitions, asserting their cultural and linguistic rights.
The protests were largely peaceful but showcased national unity and resolve.
Soviet authorities eventually reversed the proposal, preserving Georgian as a state language.
This movement became a symbol of national identity and inspired later independence efforts.
1978
Tbilisi demonstrations
Georgians
Georgian language
1979day.year
The Progressive Alliance of Liberia stages a protest, without a permit, against an increase in rice prices proposed by the government, with clashes between protestors and the police resulting in over 70 deaths and over 500 injuries.
A protest against proposed rice price hikes in Liberia turns deadly, leading to over 70 fatalities and widespread unrest.
On April 14, 1979, the Progressive Alliance of Liberia organized an unauthorized protest over rising rice prices.
The government’s decision to increase tariffs on rice, a staple food, triggered widespread anger.
Demonstrators clashed with security forces in Monrovia, resulting in violent confrontations.
Police and military units opened fire on crowds, causing at least 70 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
The crackdown deepened public resentment and destabilized the ruling True Whig Party.
These events set the stage for political upheaval and civil unrest in the following years.
1979
Progressive Alliance of Liberia
1997day.year
Pai Hsiao-yen, daughter of Taiwanese artiste Pai Bing-bing is kidnapped on her way to school, preceding her murder.
Taiwanese student Pai Hsiao-yen, daughter of performer Pai Bing-bing, was abducted on her way to school and later found murdered.
On April 14, 1997, 16-year-old Pai Hsiao-yen was kidnapped by armed assailants while traveling to school in Taipei. Her mother, acclaimed artist Pai Bing-bing, publicly appealed for her safe return. Despite ransom negotiations, Pai Hsiao-yen was tragically murdered, shocking Taiwan and fueling nationwide outrage. The high-profile case exposed gaps in the island's criminal justice system and led to reforms in police procedures. It also sparked public debates over media ethics due to intense coverage of the family's ordeal.
1997
Pai Hsiao-yen
Pai Bing-bing
2005day.year
The Oregon Supreme Court nullifies marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples a year earlier by Multnomah County.
The Oregon Supreme Court invalidated same-sex marriage licenses granted by Multnomah County, overturning a pioneering move for LGBTQ+ rights.
In March 2004, Multnomah County officials began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, sparking national attention. On April 14, 2005, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled those licenses void, citing improper county authority and state marriage laws. The decision annulled more than 3,000 marriages and fueled heated debates over marriage equality. This landmark ruling galvanized activists in Oregon and across the U.S., setting the stage for future legal battles that culminated in nationwide recognition of same-sex marriage in 2015.
2005
Oregon Supreme Court
Multnomah County