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On this day in 1962, the U.N. condemned South Africa’s racial apartheid by ending economic and military relations with the country

Clay Cane
November 6, 2023

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On November 6, 1962, the U.N. condemned South Africa’s racial apartheid by ending economic and military relations with the country. From 1948 to 1994, apartheid was a system of racial segregation and political and economic discrimination against South Africa’s non-white population.

During this period, Blacks weren’t allowed to enter whites-only neighborhoods unless they had a special pass and they lived in segregated communities. Even though Blacks were the majority in the nation, whites controlled most of the country’s wealth and land.

Placards referring to apartheid are held up by African demonstrators who greeted two delegates of the United Nations committee on South West Africa, on their arrival at Windhoek, May 9, 1962. The delegates are on a fact-finding mission to investigate allegations that racial oppression exists in the mandated territory under the supervision of South Africa. (AP Photo/Dennis Lee Royle)

In 1993, Nelson Mandela, a leader during the anti-apartheid movement, became the first Black president of South Africa.

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Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane