May 25 marks World Africa Day, and so we’re looking at the origins of the important Afrocentric celebration.
Africa Day was known as African FreedomDay and African Liberation Day. It reminisces on the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity which took place on May 25, 1963, now the African Union as of July 9 2002.
According to OfficeHolidays, on May 25 1963, 30 leaders of the then 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Addis Adaba, Ethiopia. The OAU (now AU) was created with an aim to fight against colonialism, spur independence movements and combat socio-political injustices like that of apartheid. The AU has seen many eras dependent on it’s leaders, from the African Renaissance agendas to Africa for Africans. The desire is to bring about change, freedom and independence to all African countries through solidarity.
The month is an opportunity to promote African unity, regional integration and recommit Africa to a common destiny, which are desires of the South African Government, a prominentmeber of the AU.
Countries who celebrate Africa Unity Day:
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Lesotho
Mali
Mauritania
Namibia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
This year’s Africa Month is celebrated with the theme called “The year of the Arts, Culture and Heritage.”
Picture: Unsplash