Sixty years ago this month, the Organisation of African Unity with a charter:
(a) To promote the unity and solidarity of the African States;
(b) To coordinate and intensify their cooperation and efforts to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa;
(c) To defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity and independence;
(d) To eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa… (1)
The OAU determined that May 25th, the day of its inauguration would be designated Afrika Liberation Day (ALD). Despite its creation being a compromise of sorts between the more moderate Monrovia group (Nigeria, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Liberia, Sudan, Togo, and Somalia) and the Casablanca group (Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Libya, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria), which was seen as more radical (2), ALD has become a staple in the global Afrikan calendar ever since.
Today, we speak to activists organising ALD in the UK.
AFRIKA LIBERATION DAY EVENTS UK 2023:
May 25th
Pan-African Congress Movement: The Grand African Renaissance Part 2 (Online). Panel reasonings: How do we support the Grand African Renaissance individually and as a people. International Panel: Rev. Dr. Philippe ‘Shock’ Matthews, Sista Shanice Lindsay, Dr Asher Sefanit-Wudasee. 6pm-8pm. PACM TV (YouTube). Information: 07510 249 828.
May 27th
Pan-African Society Community Forum: Acknowledging our shared struggles & celebrating our achievements (online). In conversation with Dr Carolyn Cooper. Cultural Artist: Sista Akeba, Storyteller/Poet from Little Life Learners. Spirituality discussion led by Okomfo Sankhkara. 1pm-5pm. Free event, but registration essential. via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afrikan-liberation-day-ald-acknowledging-our-shared-struggles-tickets-631940419807. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008145666?pwd=TFVpbHR6N3hFNEI1Vnd1YXZXdytqdz09. Meeting ID: 810 0814 5666. Passcode: 178545. More information/Queries: pascfevents@gmail.com
The All African People Revolutionary Party (U.K.): Imperialism And Neocolonialism Must Be Destroyed. Africans Stand Ready For Revolution (Online). Speakers: Pierre Labossiere (Co-Founder Of Haiti Action Committee), Ramza Matimela (Swalimo Deputy Secretary General From Swaziland (Eswatini), Marcos Garcia (Bolivarian Republic Of Venezuela, Embassy), Séni Diaboug (A-APRP Burkina Faso). Hosted by Maxine Davis (A-APRP UK). 3pm-6pm. Registration for the online event would be available from the 24th of May 2023.
May 27th, 28th & 29th
Black Community Action:“Agriculture, Health, Well Being, Industry, Inventions, Developments, Science & Technology. Speakers; Tanzania Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Sharita Yazid, Wayne Chanclar, Dr New Earth Health Food (Ghana), Eulet Davy (UK) Children Education Lawful Legislations. 11am-10pm (27th & 28th), 11am-9pm (29th). £10 (1 Day)/£15 (3 Days). Under 16s Free. Hyson Green Youth Club, Terrace Street, Nottingham, NG7 6ER. Information: 07496 777 397/kwameanaiuk@gmail.com
May 28th
The African People’s Socialist Party: Africa For The Africans: Those At Home & Those Abroad. 4pm-10pm. The WASP Centre, 161-167 Clapham Manor Street, London, SW4 7TB. Information: london@alduhuru.org.
May 29th
Pan-African Congress Movement: The Grand African Renaissance Changing Part 2. Speaker: Robin Walker, The Black History Man. 10am-12midnight (Main Programme: 12midday-9pm). £10 (Under 16s Free). West Indian Centre, Carmoor Road, Manchester M13 0FB. Information: 07510 249 828.
(1) Tchioffo Kodjo (14/03/12) OAU Charter, Addis Ababa, 25 May 1963. http://www.peaceau.org/en/article/oau-charter-addis-ababa-25-may-1963
(2) South African History Online (03/04/11) Organisation of African Unity (OAU). . https://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/organisation-african-unity-oau
we ask the question:
What does Liberation look like in 2023?
1) Which ALD events will you be attending/logging on to?
2) Where are the original OAU charter principles at after 60 years?
3) How best can we make our organising meet the needs if the people?
4) What is the role of leadership on the local and global level?
5) Are our young people engaged enough in Liberation work?
Our Special Guest:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.
Afrika Liberation Day event organisers in the UK.
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SIGN: Justice for children wrongly classified as ESN: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/631043
SIGN: Stop Anti African racism in Tunisia – https://chng.it/5MVRbCD2sn