2017 Social Movements Events — Verified Historical Highlights
2017 Social Movements Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 14 Jan Ringling Bros. Circus Announces Closure: After 146 years of continuous operation, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced its impending closure in May 2017. The decision was driven by declining attendance, escalating operational costs, and sustained pressure from animal rights activists.
- 21 Jan Historic Women's March protests Trump inauguration: On January 21, 2017, millions participated in the Women's March, a global protest advocating for women's rights and social justice, following President Trump's inauguration. source: cnn.com
- 18 Feb Anti-Drug War March in Manila: The Philippine Catholic Church organized a massive protest march against the government's controversial drug war, with approximately 50,000 people demonstrating in Manila, signaling growing public dissent.
- 26 Feb Moscow protest marks Boris Nemtsov assassination anniversary: On February 26, 2017, thousands gathered in Moscow to commemorate the second anniversary of the assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov. The protest highlighted ongoing concerns about political freedoms and human rights in Russia. source: reuters.com
- 03 Mar Tuam orphanage mass grave discovery: On March 3, 2017, a report revealed the discovery of a mass grave at the site of a former mother-and-baby home in Tuam, Ireland. The grave contained the remains of nearly 800 infants and children, raising significant concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations in historical institutions. source: bbc.com
- 04 Mar March 4 Pro-Trump Demonstrations: Over two dozen demonstrations were organized across the United States in support of President Donald Trump. The events in Berkeley, California, were marked by clashes between pro-Trump and anti-Trump groups, resulting in 7 non-fatal injuries and 10 arrests.
- 14 Mar European Court of Justice rules on religious symbols: On March 14, 2017, the European Court of Justice ruled that companies can ban employees from wearing visible religious symbols, including hijabs, in the workplace. This decision raised discussions about religious freedom and workplace rights in Europe. source: bbc.com
- 16 Mar School shooting reported in Grasse, France: On March 16, 2017, a school shooting occurred in Grasse, France, resulting in injuries. The incident raised concerns about school safety and gun control in Europe. source: bbc.com
- 12 Apr South African Protest in Pretoria: Julius Malema addressed a large, multi-racial crowd in Pretoria, leading a march to the Union Buildings, symbolizing ongoing social and political activism in post-apartheid South Africa.
- 15 Apr Tax Day March protests: On April 15, 2017, protests known as the Tax Day March took place across the United States, with demonstrators calling for transparency in government and the release of President Trump's tax returns. The events drew significant media attention. source: reuters.com
- 07 May France Bans Captivity of Marine Mammals: France enacted a landmark animal rights law, banning the captivity of killer whales and dolphins. Water parks and aquariums were ordered to increase pool sizes within three years, following a successful campaign by animal rights organizations.
- 22 May The Atlantic's controversial article on Filipino servitude: The Atlantic published a controversial article discussing the issue of servitude among Filipino workers, sparking debates about labor rights and exploitation. The piece highlighted systemic issues within the labor market affecting vulnerable populations. source: bbc.com
- 10 Jun March Against Sharia Protests: ACT! For America organized nationwide rallies protesting Sharia law across various American cities, which also attracted counter-protesters, reflecting ongoing social and cultural tensions.
- 09 Jul Turkish march for justice concludes: The Turkish 'March for Justice' concluded after a 25-day journey from Ankara to Istanbul, advocating for human rights and justice following a crackdown on dissent. The march drew significant public attention. source: bbc.com
- 12 Jul Malta Approves Same-Sex Marriage Bill: The Maltese Parliament passed a landmark bill legalizing same-sex marriage, representing a significant progressive step in LGBTQ+ rights and social equality in a traditionally conservative region.
- 13 Jul Death of Liu Xiaobo: On July 13, 2017, Liu Xiaobo, a prominent Chinese dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away while in custody. His death sparked international condemnation and highlighted ongoing human rights issues in China. source: bbc.com
- 15 Jul Silent Protest in Hong Kong for Liu Xiaobo: On July 15, 2017, over a thousand Hong Kong residents participated in a silent protest to honor the late Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, who had passed away on July 13. The marchers, many holding candles, walked from Chater Garden to the China Liaison Office, expressing solidarity and mourning Liu's death. source: hongkongfp.com
- 09 Aug Nepal bans menstruation huts: On August 9, 2017, Nepal's Supreme Court ruled to ban the practice of Chhaupadi, which forced women to stay in huts during menstruation. This decision aimed to protect women's rights and health, addressing a long-standing cultural issue in rural areas. source: bbc.com
- 16 Aug Confederate Monuments Removal in Baltimore: On August 16, 2017, the city of Baltimore, Maryland, removed four Confederate monuments under the cover of night. The decision followed the violent events in Charlottesville and was part of a broader movement to reassess and remove symbols associated with the Confederacy and white supremacy. source: npr.org
- 24 Sep NFL National Anthem Protests Escalate: In response to President Donald Trump's criticisms of National Anthem Protests, numerous NFL players and coaches demonstrated solidarity by kneeling, linking arms, or abstaining from national anthem performances, intensifying the ongoing social justice movement in professional sports.
- 26 Sep Saudi Arabia allows women to drive: On September 26, 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that women would be allowed to drive, marking a significant change in the country's policies regarding women's rights. This decision was part of a broader initiative to modernize the kingdom and improve its international image. source: nytimes.com
- 14 Oct Harvey Weinstein Academy expulsion: On October 14, 2017, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled Harvey Weinstein following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. This decision was part of a larger movement addressing sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. source: nytimes.com
- 15 Oct #MeToo movement begins: On October 15, 2017, the #MeToo movement gained significant traction as individuals began sharing their experiences of sexual harassment and assault on social media. This movement sparked widespread discussions about gender equality and workplace safety. source: nytimes.com
- 17 Oct Amazon Studios executive resigns over harassment allegations: On October 17, 2017, an executive at Amazon Studios resigned following allegations of sexual harassment. This incident was part of a broader movement addressing sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry, leading to increased scrutiny of workplace behavior. source: bbc.com
- 26 Oct Sakharov Prize Awarded to Venezuelan Opposition: The European Union's prestigious Sakharov Prize for human rights was awarded to Venezuela's democratic opposition, recognizing their struggle for democratic principles and human rights in a challenging political environment.
- 03 Nov Netflix Cuts Ties with Kevin Spacey: In response to sexual assault allegations, Netflix announced it would cease working with actor Kevin Spacey, who starred as Frank Underwood in the U.S. version of House of Cards, signaling a significant moment in the #MeToo movement.
- 11 Nov Far-right nationalist march in Warsaw: On November 11, 2017, thousands participated in a far-right nationalist march in Warsaw, Poland, marking the country's Independence Day. The event drew both supporters and counter-protesters, raising concerns about rising nationalism in Europe. source: bbc.com
- 12 Nov #MeToo marchers protest against abuse in Hollywood: On November 12, 2017, hundreds of women, men, and children participated in a march in Hollywood to protest sexual harassment and assault. The march began outside the Dolby Theatre and proceeded to the CNN headquarters, with participants carrying signs and chanting slogans such as "Take back the workplace" and "No silence, no secrets, no shame." The event was part of the broader #MeToo movement that gained momentum in 2017. source: dw.com
- 29 Nov Media personalities face consequences in Weinstein effect: In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, numerous media personalities were fired or faced significant backlash for allegations of sexual misconduct. This movement, often referred to as the 'Weinstein Effect,' has led to a broader conversation about sexual harassment in various industries. source: nytimes.com
- 30 Nov Russell Simmons Resigns Amid Sexual Assault Allegations: Russell Simmons, a prominent American producer, resigned from his companies following a sexual assault allegation by screenwriter Jenny Lumet, marking another significant moment in the #MeToo movement.
- 06 Dec Time Magazine honors #MeToo 'Silence Breakers': On December 6, 2017, Time Magazine named the 'Silence Breakers'—individuals who spoke out against sexual harassment and assault—as its Person of the Year. This recognition highlighted the impact of the #MeToo movement in raising awareness about sexual misconduct across various industries. source: time.com
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