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“There is no more effective development tool than empowering women.”
- Kofi Annan
What is celebrated today as Africa Day was initially African Liberation Day, so named to mark the day when the Organization of African Unity (the OAU) was formed when thirty newly independent nations in Africa came together to sign a groundbreaking charter to be united in an organization and to collectively support the struggles of freedom fighters in South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, and Southern Rhodesia.
This meeting took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 25 May 1963 resulting in 25 May being declared Africa Day. In 2002 African Liberation Day was renamed Africa Day.
Today, with all fifty-four countries in Africa becoming independent, in addition in celebrating the creation of the African Union, Africa Day has become an occasion to celebrate the wonderful and diverse cultures of Africa, including its music, art, fashions, unique fabric designs, dance, cuisines, its sporting accomplishments, and technological advancement. Africa Day is celebrated in many capitals around the world.
The African Renaissance and Diaspora Network was among the first organizations in New York City and certainly within the Diplomatic Community to celebrate Africa day. For several years now that task had fallen to the African Union Observer Mission to the UN and their gala event At the Manhattan Center had become a feature in the Diplomatic calendar. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions implemented the Gala celebratory events were not held in 2020 and 2021.
This year’s programme will be dedicated to the youths and young adults of Africa and the Diaspora.
