Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world. It is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) from its creation on May 25, 1963, in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment.
We wanted to check in with two of our African Co-leaders about what Africa Day means to them and how they celebrate the day and their African heritage.
We’re kicking things off with Conrad Lusagala (he/him) from NP RVA, originally from Uganda.
What does Africa Day mean to you?
Africa day to me is a day we get to uplift the continent of Africa and its people. We get to celebrate the accomplishments and new seeds of success planted in each country. The future is and has always been bright for Africa!
Are you going to celebrate it in any specific way?
Growing up, at least for me, we never really celebrated it like we would Independence Day, but as I got older I started to see the importance of celebrating it. The biggest way I celebrate is by sharing the beauty of Africa through social media. I enjoy reposting African photography/photographers that capture the essence of Mama Africa. I will also enjoy a traditional meal with my family. Nothing like a good taste of home.
Do you want to add something on how you celebrate Africa in your daily life?
• I am very proud of being Ugandan and my Rwandan bloodline! It’s who I am and even if I’m not in my country I am always repping! One of the biggest privileges I have is being able to bring my American friends to my country. Showing and sharing a part of my country with them is a celebration in itself.
• I wear lots of “kintenge” or “Ankara” African print clothing, one way I celebrate the fashion style of Africa. I celebrate in the traditional meals I share with my family and friends. If you share a ride with me 9/10 times I am listening to Afro beats, Amapiano or any Afrocentric genre.
• Thabo Mbeki said it best “I am an African. I am born of the peoples of the continent of Africa.” No matter where I am, I will always be African! I will always be Ugandan! I will always be Rwandan! My ancestors’ blood runs through my veins and I will always celebrate Mama Africa!
Next up is Hildegard Prigge from NP Portland, ME, originally from South Africa.
What does Africa Day mean to you?
About a week before I moved to the US in 2019, I wrote this poem, and I feel like it sums up exactly what Africa Day is for me. It is a day where I spend time thinking about the people, the sounds, the smells and the taste of all the things I miss most about living in South Africa:
A poem for you, Mama Africa
I am a child of the soil.
My feet are stained brown and
my heart is filled with colour.
And smells.
And noise.
And People.
– my heart beats to the drums
of her people.
I will always be planted in this beautiful Mama Africa.
Are you going to celebrate it in any specific way?
I love to spend the day in quiet reflection about what it means to be African, especially as a white, queer, African, and how I can navigate the world in more meaningful and intentional ways. I also like to share art by African artists on social media – African art is very rich in color and I love filling my instagram stories feed with great art!
Do you want to add something on how you celebrate Africa in your daily life?
• I like to teach my friends fun Afrikaans words and share music from South Africa with anyone who’ll listen.
• Bragging about the biodiversity of Southern Africa is one of my favorite pastimes, telling my friends interesting facts about birds and plants and making them jealous of all the fruits I used to have easy access to!
So so so beautiful. I’m so grateful for you both, my friends.