African Liberation Day

791 East McMillan Street,Cincinnati OH 45206

26 May, 2023

Description

The political term Pan-Africanism calls for the total unity of African (Black) people wherever they live in the world. It also calls for the control of our entire homeland, Africa, to be placed back in the hands of African people, to be a base of power, support and defense of its people worldwide. Lastly, it calls for an all-African world government, dedicated to the needs, interests and aspirations of Africans in particular, and to promote justice for all of humanity in general. In an effort to push forward the movement of Pan Africanism, on April 15, 1958, in the city of Accra, Ghana, Ghanaian president Kwame Nkrumah convened the first Conference of Independent African States. It was attended by representatives of the then, eight independent African states, and political activists. The conference was significant because it was the first Pan African Congress held on African soil, and Pan-Africanism was finally seen as the primary objective of our struggle. It also represented the collective expression of African people’s disgust with the system of imperialism and colonialism. At this conference, April 15 was declared Africa Freedom Day. Between 1958 and 1963, 17 countries in Africa won their independence, and 1960 was declared The Year of Africa. Another historic meeting occurred on May 25, 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Leaders of the then 31 African independent states met to form the Organization of African Unity (OAU). At that conference, Africa Freedom Day was changed to African Liberation Day (ALD) and the date was changed to May 25. Since then, African Liberation Day has been held in every corner of the African world. ALD celebrations in America began in 1977 in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the All African People’s Revolutionary Party (AAPRP). In 1980, the AAPRP regionalized the celebration and Cincinnati became the Midwest site. ALD was held here for six years before it was moved to St. Louis. It was revived here in 2012 by an independent group of Pan Africanists and is being revived again this year (planned to occur annually) by The Conscious Mind study Group. There will be presentations on topics promoting Pan Africanism, edutainment, food, vendors, solidarity statements from Africans all over the world and much more. African unity in spite of diversity is what ALD has always been about, as well as a day calling for work in the areas of political education and organization. ALD also continues to reflect the fact that we have not yet achieved our Liberation and we must reaffirm our commitment to Pan Africanism. The Conscious Mind Study Group is a part of The Cincinnati Pan African Coalition, a group of five Pan African-thinking organizations currently working in Cincinnati. The theme of this year's African Liberation Day is "Imperialism and Neo-Colonialism Must Be Destroyed." The guest speaker is none other than the world-renowned scholar, activist, dynamic speaker, and organizational consultant "Professor James Small." Date: Friday, May 26, 2023. Time: 6 pm - 9 pm. Venue: Dillard Building (791 E. McMillan St) There will be food, vendors, education, and fun!