Africa Day: The history behind the annual day that celebrates Africans

Africans always celebrate Africa Day, which is held annually on 25 May. People observe the day to commemorate Africa's liberation from colonial imperialists. On this day, the first union of African countries, the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU), was born.

Key takeaways

• Africa Day is celebrated on 25 May annually.
• It is celebrated to commemorate the day the African heads of state met to form the Organisation for African Unity (OAU) in 1963.
• All 55 member states of the African Union observe Africa Day.

Africa Day history and tradition

Africa Day is a holiday in Africa observed by the 55 member states of the African Union. It is a day that many pan-Africans await with bated breath, as it marks when the African nations united against foreign oppression and colonialism.

This has led many Africans and historians alike to wonder, what exactly is Africa Day, and why do we celebrate it?

What is the history behind Africa Day?

On May 25th, 1963, many Africans joined forces to create a union that could help them secure their independence from colonial imperialists. The union, which was made by Africans on African soil, was called the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU).

The date of the formation of the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU) was signified as Africa Day and is still celebrated by many Africans every 25 May.

After Ghana became the first country to become independent from colonialists, many other African countries were inspired to fight harder against colonization.

A year after their independence, Ghana held a conference on 15 April 1958 with other African country leaders and members of the OAU discussed at length the assertion of Africa’s rejection of colonial and imperialist domination of the continent.

Because South Africa was still under the rule of the apartheid government, they could not attend the first conference and only became a formal part of the union in 1994 following the end of the apartheid regime, reports Africa.com

At the 1958 conference, it was also decided that African Freedom Day be celebrated once a year on the 15th of April to commemorate the progress of the movement and also to recognise the effort that African people put in to liberate themselves from "foreign domination and exploitation."

Thereafter, the OAU joined hands with freedom fighters and fought alongside them to remove military access to colonial nations. They also established a charter whose objective was to improve the lives of Africans.

On 9 July 2002, the name of the union was changed from Organisation of the African Union to African Union, but the celebrations continued to be held on the 25th of May every year by many African countries.

Meanwhile, many proud Africans have headed online to celebrate the day with many posts. Read a few of them below:

@tchitsaka said:

"On this 25th day of May, I still look forward to the United States of Africa. Only unity can propel this continent forward. #AfricaDay2021 #AfricaDay."

@ChristoThurston said:

"On this #AfricaDay I grateful that I was born on this very special continent where God's voice is present in the whisper of the wind, the fresh morning air and the laughter of children. We have a mountain of challenges but we have the power to overcome them."

@amid_temitayo said:

"We're not African cos we were born in Africa but cos Africa was born in us. A study of African art history indicates d earliest sculpture forms found to come from Nigeria & 're dated around 500BC. African let unite & speak with one voice. Happy #AfricaDay"

@FloydShivambu said:

"#AfricaDay reminds us of Nkrumah who said that “Neo-colonialism is based upon the principle of breaking up former large united colonial territories into a number of small non-viable States which are incapable of."

@RailaOdinga said:

"Africans helped to shape many countries around the globe that proceeded to become great nations. It’s time we apply our thoughts and energies and resources towards making our continent greater than those we helped build. 1/6 #AfricaDay"

Africa Day celebration ideas

Africa Day is a great opportunity to celebrate African success and diversity. Ideas for celebration include learning about African cultures, geography, history, exploring African art and music, and enjoying the different African cuisines.

Why is May 25, 1963 referred to as Africa Day?

It was the date on which African states united to form the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). This was after withstanding foreign colonialism for many decades.

What is the theme of the Africa Day celebration?

The African Union (AU) has designated 2025 as the,

Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.

This theme underscores the African Union's commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting a path toward reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans. The AU has also developed a roadmap and concept note for the theme, including strategies, objectives, and mechanisms for stakeholder engagement.

What is the African celebration called?

The African celebration is called Africa Day. It is commemorated on the 25th day of May each year. It marks the day when the African states united against colonial powers to form the Organisation for African Unity (OAU).

What values or ideas can you learn from African Liberation Day?

African Liberation Day teaches values of self-determination, pan-Africanism, and solidarity in the face of oppression. Moreover, it highlights the importance of fighting against colonialism, economic exploitation, and genocidal thinking. The day stresses the inter-connectivity of struggles against all forms of injustice, including militarism, racism, and the patriarchy.

Which countries celebrate Africa Day?

Africa Day is commemorated by all 55 member states of the African Union (AU).

Africa Day is a day of great importance for Africans from all walks of life. It marks when African nations rose above colonial oppression and united against a common enemy. Hence, Africans have continued to celebrate the day for more than 60 years now.

Briefly.co.za published some of the most iconic quotes from African leaders on Africa Day. Visionary leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Nelson Mandela shared inspiring quotes, highlighting their pride, vision, and hopes for the continent's future. Read more to reflect on their messages and honour their legacy on the special day.

Source: Briefly News