“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African proverb
Africa Day is May 25th and brings together people from around the world to discuss areas of development both in Africa and for Africans around the globe. The discussion includes topics about tech, health, entrepreneurship, economy, and other topics through panel discussions and workshops. You can use the hashtags #africaday, #africaday21 or #africaday2021 across social media to share your appreciation and check out what may be happening where you are.
Some of the events and posts that stood out for me are below.
In Australia, Africa Day is celebrated in partnership between Africa Day Australia, numerous African Australian community organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, government organizations, members of various political parties and numerous community organizations.
Africa Day Australia (“ADA”) was established in 2012 with our inaugural activities being held at the North Melbourne Community Centre.
Since then it has grown to be the default engagement and collaboration platform for African Australians (“AA”).
ADA’s mission has always been to contribute to cohesion within the City of Melbourne’s diverse multicultural.
This has been achieved through celebrating not only the diverse African-Australian cultures, but also providing various platforms for people of diverse backgrounds to meet, socialize and share experiences.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 25th May, 1963. In Ireland, Africa Day represents an opportunity to acknowledge a diffuse, diverse and important group of people from 50 African countries, who enrich and make a valuable contribution to Irish society.
Since 2006, Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs has supported events to mark Africa Day in Ireland. Although in-person events are not possible this year, Irish Aid is using the Africa Day website and its social media channels to mark the occasion.
The positive impact and influence of Ireland’s African communities is evidenced across many aspects of Irish life, not least the worlds of art and culture, music, literature, sport, business, food and community development. On a wider scale, Ireland enjoys ever-strengthening ties with the continent of Africa, and last year marked sixty years of a diplomatic presence in Africa. Equally, Ireland’s trade and investment links with Africa are increasing in both directions.
With this mind, for Africa Day 2021, we will be sharing digital content to highlight the positive impact and influence of Ireland’s African communities, as evidenced across many aspects of Irish life. We also hope to draw attention to the diversity of unique African heritage, customs, languages and traditions in Ireland, and the vibrancy that members of the African community bring to Ireland, including their own individual talents, crafts, skills and other contributions. Through these digital channels, we hope to paint a picture of contemporary experience and identity among the community, so stay tuned.
REBRANDING BLACKNESS
Blackness is often associated with danger and/or vulnerability, we challenge this perception and offer an opportunity to appreciate and benefit from accurate representations of blackness.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
We aim to become the biggest uniquely African platform in Asia to connect and build communities across ethnic groups, gender, socio-economic status, etc., and facilitate value-exchange between these communities.
BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS
We champion an African perspective, especially the need for consciousness of the power dynamics rooted in colonialism and the need for self-love. We emphasize the value and need of an African perspective in today’s uncertain world.
To celebrate African unity, every year we celebrate Africa Day/weekend. A whole two days to learn and connect with Africans from the continent and the African diaspora. The first day will be focused on children and the second day will be for adults. Bring your kids and/or join as a family. Join for a truly pan-African experience!
Booths | African Kidz Club | African cuisines | Performances | Panel discussions | African Dance/Arts Workshops | Networking | Dinner Meet Up | Party | Debate | Dancehall
Free admissions but food and drinks at different prices for adults. Also free food for kids on Saturday
Africa Day on Clubhouse
Meet Altovise:
With over ten years of writing, Altovise uses her platforms to create opportunities for women to have their voices heard. Founder of the World Voice League, she educates and empowers through courses, a weekly accountability call, blogging, books, and the #SpeakEasy Podcast.
#OurVoiceMatters 