AFRIKA DAY CELEBRATED
We celebrate Afrikan Day, (formally known as Afrikan Freedom/Liberation Day) this weekend! Afrika Day celebrates our liberation from white colonialism and our rich culture. We do this by wearing our traditional clothing and other Afrikan inspired clothing beginning today until Monday. We also eat foods from the Afrikan Diaspora in our traditional ways and settings. We may also display the colors of the Bendera - Red, Black and Green as well as any of the flags from the various independent nations of the Afrikan Diaspora who are free from colonialism.
Afrika Day is a fun time for us to "Be Black and Celebrate Black!" Below is the history of Afrikan Freedom/Liberation Day. Wearing our clothing makes a bold statement that we are "free" and proud of who we are and the rich culture we have. A culture we liberated from foreign domination. In this way we also unite with other Afrikans celebrating our culture and liberation.
HISTORY
Afrika Day began 15 Aprili 1958 as a festival celebrating and promoting Afrikan liberation from euro colonialism as well as promoting Afrikan unity, self-determination, pride, self-reliance, freedom, justice, culture and advancement. Afrika Day includes parades, cultural presentations, food fests, speeches, marches and the raising of various national flags. All events should carry a liberation and revolutionary and celebratory spirit like the original independence day activities of the various Afrikan nations when they first won their freedom from colonialism.
Key elements of this festival are the promotion of Afrikan liberation and self-determination; sustaining an Afrikan revolutionary ideology; having ideological clarity; providing a revolutionary understanding of our politics and history; inspiring the further advancement of Afrikan people and culture; helping us to see and connect our present efforts as a part of the overall, historical, worldwide effort for Afrikan freedom, liberation and self-determination.
On 6 Marchi 1957 Ghana won its independence from British colonialism. It was the first Afrikan nation to be free of colonialization. On 15 Aprili 1958 Kwame Nkrumah, the national leader of the independent Ghana, convened in Accra, Ghana the First Congress of Independent African States. Attending were representatives from Egypt (then a constituent part of the United Arab Republic), Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia and the Union of the People of the Cameroon. The Union of South Africa was not invited. The other parts of Africa were still under colonial rule.
The conference showcased progress of liberation movements on the Africa continent in addition to symbolizing the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation. This was the first time such a meeting had taken place on African soil.
The conference called for the founding of an Afrikan Freedom/Liberation Day each year to recognize the progress of the liberation movement throughout Afrika. It also symbolized the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation. Recognitions were held on 15 Aprili of each year commemorating the meeting date of the first conference.
The celebration became very popular in the USA. This country became one of the main places it has continued to be celebrated since the earlier 1960s. Since it is close to the memorial day weekend marches and activities held in the US this weekend is also celebrated in honor of Afrikan Liberation.
Subsequent meetings of Africa heads of state were held. This led to the founding of the Organization of African Union (OAU) on 25 Mei 1963. African Freedom/Liberation Day was changed to 25 Mei the founding day of the OAU and the name was changed to Afrikan Liberation Day.
In 2002 the Organization of African Union changed its name to the Afrikan Union. Subsequently the name of the celebrations African Liberation Day were changed to "Afrika Day." The celebration is still held on 25 Mei of each year in honor of the founding day of the OAU.
At present, the day includes displays of liberated Afrikan cultures, parades, marches, food fests, music, dancing, parties, cultural presentation, exhibits and much more. It is celebrated throughout the Afrikan diaspora.
Pamoja Tutashinda! Together We Will Win!!