Black January" 1990 was the starting point of Azerbaijan's Independence.  

On January 20, Azerbaijanis everywhere commemorate the 33rd anniversary of what is known as "Black January", an important turning point in the history of Azerbaijan.

The spirit of nationalism, liberty and independence was rising in Azerbaijan since 1988. Thousands of people were organizing protests against the policies of  the Soviet Union in the central square (now called Freedom Square) in Baku, the capitol of Azerbaijan.

On the night of Jan. 19-20, 1990 under direct instructions from Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet army entered the city by shooting the unarmed civilians who were in the streets protesting. Tanks and heavy armored vehicles were driven over people, while fire was opened at ambulances and passenger buses. That night, 130 civilians lost their lives in Baku. The Soviet army continued its massacre in the southern parts of the country, and a total of 147 Azerbaijani civilians became victims of the Jan. 20 massacre. This horrible night did not give a chance to many young Azerbaijanis to fulfill their dreams.

The tragic event on January 1990, did not break the spirit of the nation, but marked a turning point in the history of Azerbaijan's Independence from the Soviet Union and revealed a strong determination of the people to build their own sovereign nation.

We,  Americans with Azerbaijani heritage will always remember the brave victims who lost their lives for Azerbaijan's fight for freedom. We will always defend and protect the honor of Azerbaijan here in the United States...

"I firmly believe that any Russian or other domination of Azerbaijan will not take roots and last in our country. The Azerbaijani people who hold their freedom above all will rise and gain their independence again. My mortal body and eyes longing for freedom may not see that glorious day, however, I am certain that our nation eternally proud of its history will diligently study its heroic past and always be grateful to their heroes who relentlessly fought and lost their lives for the Independence of our motherland."

Nagi Sheykhzamanli, chief of the counterintelligence of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic 1918.