Hi, I’m Sen, and this is Today in History — the series where you’ll learn about interesting moments from the past. All while improving your listening skills.

You’re going to hear a set of historical events twice. The first time through, listen as if it’s a piece of music. Just take in the sounds and rhythm of what is said. Don’t try and focus too much on the individual words or phrases. That’s what the second time through is for.

Let’s begin. So, what happened today in history?

On July 5, 1811, seven provinces in Venezuela decided they did not want to be controlled by the Spanish, and formed the first independent republic in Spanish America. Many of the people in the independence movement were enslaved people of African descent. For that reason, the First Republic of Venezuela declared the abolition of slavery in 1812.

On the same day in 1975, tennis player Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win Wimbledon. He then went on to become a great campaigner for civil and human rights.

How was that? This kind of listening is great for getting used to how English really sounds. And, at the same time you might have understood some of the main themes. If you didn’t on the first listen, then no worries — let's listen again.

On July 5, 1811, seven provinces in Venezuela decided they did not want to be controlled by the Spanish, and formed the first independent republic in Spanish America. Many of the people in the independence movement were enslaved people of African descent. For that reason, the First Republic of Venezuela declared the abolition of slavery in 1812.

On the same day in 1975, tennis player Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win Wimbledon. He then went on to become a great campaigner for civil and human rights.

Which words caught your attention? Maybe you worked out the meaning of ‘provinces’? A ‘province’ is a particular region, or area, of a country. For example, Venezuela used to be made up of 10 different provinces. The word ‘republic’ is similar in many languages — it is a country or nation where the power is held by the people and those chosen to rule. And, how about ‘campaigner'? Well, this is someone who publicly supports a particular cause. Remember, you can always have another listen if you want to hear these words again.

That’s it for now. But, I’ll be back tomorrow with more historical facts. So join me then for another episode of Today in History.

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Episode notes:

province: a particular region within a country or state
republic: a country or nation where the power is held by the people and those chosen to rule
campaigner: a person who publicly supports a particular cause