27 April 1994 is arguably the most important date in South African history and among the most crucial in the advancement of worldwide race relations.  It was on this date in 1994 that South Africa held its first democratic election including both blacks and whites since the beginning of apartheid.  As I'm sure many of you know, the populace elected Nelson Mandela to lead them away from their broken past. 

I know the whole situation might seem distant both geographically and temporally, but this date truly marks the end of one of the most bitter and violent racial divides in modern history.  The old flag was lowered at midnight and with it fell away years of tyrannical racism.  Two great people jointly won a Nobel Peace Prize for "the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa."

This day is celebrated as Freedom Day in South Africa.

Source.

Also, Happy Birthday, Coretta Scott King.  We miss you!