On this day, 3 October 1935, Ethiopia (one of the only two independent African nations at the time) was invaded by fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini. The Italians committed countless atrocities, including the use of: poisonous gas, aerial bombardment, and concentration camps. While Italy and Ethiopia were both members of the League of Nations, the league did nothing about the Italian violation of its principles. But at the grassroots, Black outrage throughout the world was unified, and many Black men and women volunteered to go fight in defense of Ethiopia.
Pictured: Ogadeni Ethiopian fighters, 1935 https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.296224173896073/1225500900968391/?type=3