Africa Day - Unity in Diverisity Amid Adversity

"The wind of change is blowing through this continent, and whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must accept it as a fact, and our national policies must take account of it."

- former England PM, Harold MacMillan (1960)

Approximately three years prior to the defining moment that chrisened Africa Day, then-Enland Prime Minister had said the above quote in a speech addressed to the South Africa Parliament. At the time of PM MacMillan's speech, South Africa was very much divided by apartheid and would remain so until the early 90s. His words, however, hinted at an Africa not yet realized.

May 25, 1963 - under the leadership of Haile Selassie I, the heads of 32 African states met in Addis-Adaba to sign a historical charter that would establish the Organizationn of African Unity (OAU). So what exactly spearheaded an otherwise splintered continent to rise up and unite? The organization banded together what nations they could in hopes that a united front could eradicate any and all forms of colonialism as well as pull together a public face recognizable on the world stage. This forging of a bond between these 32 nations is remembered on what was once African Liberation Day and now Africa Day.



There is still much in the way of political strife and military conflict between neighboring countries over Africa's many natural resources. Although Africa still has much soul searching and healing to experience before Africa Day can truly be a day of blissful celebration, Africa Day is a an occasion for celebrating Africa's diversity and mutuality. United in the struggle, Africa is a continent rich in its history and heritage. To forget would be a slight to the face of the generations of Africans, who perservered and strove for independence. Africa Day is a day of reflection and realization. Looking back on the achievements of the past, the future is ripe with potential. It is not just hope of a better tomorrow, but a promise as well.

Did You Know?

• Despite being the world's poorest continent, Africa is quite rich in natural resources possesssing 99% of the world's chrome resources, 85% of its platinum, 70% of its tantalite, 68% of its cobalt, 54% of its gold plus significant oil and gas reserves.
• The OAU is now composed of 52 African states. In 2012, Mali and Guinea-Bissau were both suspended from the union because of massively disruptive military coups.
• No woman has ever served as chairperson of the OAU.
• Seun Kuti is the youngest son of the late great Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti, and the Egypt 80 was also Fela Kuti's band. 
• In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historical "I Have A Dream".