1662day.year
Diarist John Evelyn records skating on the frozen lake in St James's Park, London, watched by Charles II and Queen Catherine.
Diarist John Evelyn noted ice skating on a frozen lake in St. James's Park, witnessed by King Charles II and Queen Catherine.
On December 1, 1662, English diarist John Evelyn described the novelty of ice skating on the frozen lake in St. James’s Park, London.
He observed courtiers and commoners gliding across the ice in colorful attire.
King Charles II and Queen Catherine of Braganza watched the spectacle from the palace terrace.
Skating had recently become fashionable among the English elite, influenced by Dutch practices.
Evelyn’s detailed account captures the early modern fascination with winter pastimes.
His diary entry offers a rare glimpse into Restoration-era leisure and royal patronage.
The event underscores the evolving social culture of 17th-century England.
1662
John Evelyn
St James's Park
Charles II
Queen Catherine
1834day.year
Slavery is abolished in the Cape Colony in accordance with the Slavery Abolition Act 1833.
In 1834, the Cape Colony officially abolished slavery under the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.
On December 1, 1834, the Cape Colony implemented the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, bringing legal freedom to thousands of enslaved people. The act introduced an apprenticeship system that lasted until 1838, requiring former slaves to work for their previous owners during a transition period. The British government provided financial compensation to former slaveholders, while the emancipated individuals faced the challenge of integrating into colonial society. This landmark decision represented one of the most significant steps toward ending slavery within the British Empire. The abolition in the Cape Colony influenced subsequent emancipation movements across the world.
1834
Cape Colony
Slavery Abolition Act 1833
1865day.year
Shaw University, the first historically black university in the southern United States, is founded in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Founded on December 1, 1865, Shaw University became the first historically black university in the southern United States.
Shaw University was founded on December 1, 1865, by Reverend Henry Martin Tupper and the American Baptist Home Mission Society. It opened with a mission to educate freedmen and their descendants in the aftermath of the Civil War. The university offered liberal arts and theological instruction to equip graduates for leadership in newly emancipated communities. As the first HBCU in the South, Shaw played a pivotal role in advancing educational opportunities for African Americans. Over the following decades, it expanded its curriculum and campus, becoming a symbol of resilience and progress in Reconstruction-era America.
1865
Shaw University
historically black university
Raleigh, North Carolina
1955day.year
American Civil Rights Movement: In Montgomery, Alabama, seamstress Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat to a white man and is arrested for violating the city's racial segregation laws, an incident which leads to that city's bus boycott.
In Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat, igniting a pivotal boycott in the American Civil Rights Movement.
On December 1, 1955, seamstress Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to relinquish her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery.
Her act of defiance became a catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The boycott lasted over a year and significantly impacted segregation laws and public opinion.
Parks' courage and the ensuing protest galvanized the Civil Rights Movement across the United States.
Her refusal challenged institutionalized racism and inspired activism for racial equality.
This event is remembered as a defining moment in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.
1955
American Civil Rights Movement
Montgomery, Alabama
Rosa Parks
racial segregation
bus boycott
1988day.year
World AIDS Day is proclaimed worldwide by the UN member states.
On December 1, 1988, the United Nations proclaimed World AIDS Day, an annual observance to raise global awareness of HIV/AIDS.
World AIDS Day was first designated by the World Health Organization and endorsed by UN member states on December 1, 1988.
The annual observance aims to unite global efforts in education, prevention, and support for people living with HIV.
Since its inception, millions of campaigns, events, and awareness initiatives have been organized each year.
Red ribbon campaigns and community activities highlight the ongoing battle against stigma and discrimination.
World AIDS Day continues to drive funding for research and access to treatment in low-resource settings.
The day serves as a reminder of the global impact of HIV/AIDS and the strides made toward prevention and care.
1988
World AIDS Day
UN member states
2006day.year
The law on same-sex marriage comes into force in South Africa, legalizing same-sex marriage for the first time on the African continent.
South Africa legalizes same-sex marriage, becoming the first African nation to do so.
On 1 December 2006, South Africa enacted a law granting marriage equality to same-sex couples.
This historic legislation made South Africa the first country on the African continent to recognize same-sex unions.
The law followed a 2005 Constitutional Court ruling that found prohibiting same-sex marriage unconstitutional.
Its enactment was hailed by human rights advocates as a landmark victory for LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite some social opposition, the legislation reinforced South Africa's progressive constitution and legal protections.
2006
law on same-sex marriage
South Africa
African continent
2018day.year
The Oulu Police informed the public about the first offence of the much larger child sexual exploitation in Oulu, Finland.
Police in Oulu, Finland, announce the first offense in a larger child sexual exploitation network.
On 1 December 2018, the Oulu Police publicly revealed the first identified case in a widespread child sexual exploitation investigation.
The announcement marked the beginning of a major probe into organized abuse targeting minors in the region.
Authorities urged community vigilance and cooperation to protect vulnerable children and support survivors.
This disclosure sparked national debate on online safety, law enforcement resources, and preventive measures.
Subsequent investigations led to arrests and highlighted the need for enhanced child protection policies.
2018
much larger child sexual exploitation
Oulu
Finland