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Get ready to celebrate African Liberation Day on May 25, a day dedicated to honoring the struggles and achievements of people of African descent all over the world. This holiday originated in 1958 when leaders from various African countries gathered in Ghana to discuss ways to promote political and economic liberation for their continent. Today, African Liberation Day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and educational programs that highlight the rich history and diverse cultures of Africa. So let's join together in celebration and appreciation for our African heritage!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>African Freedom Day Creation</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1958, African Freedom Day was first celebrated in Accra, Ghana, marking the progress towards liberation from colonial powers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of African Union</div><div class='timeline-text'>The African Union was established in 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. African Freedom Day was renamed African Liberation Day and the date was changed to May 25.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition by United Nations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations recognized African Liberation Day as an official international observance in 1972, which served to raise global awareness about the ongoing struggle for independence and liberation in Africa.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Apartheid</div><div class='timeline-text'>In a monumental step for African liberation, South Africa saw an end to its notorious apartheid regime and elected Nelson Mandela, signaling a new era for the country and the continent.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Year of Return</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2019, Ghana declared it as the "Year of Return", inviting the global African diaspora to return ‘home’ and marking Ghana’s wind of change in Africa's stride towards liberation.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bring together members of the community to celebrate African culture through food, music, dance, and art. This is a great way to educate others and promote unity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a book club</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose a book written by an African author or about African history and culture, and gather friends to discuss and learn from each other's perspectives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a lecture or workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events in your community or online that focus on African liberation and attend to learn from experts and engage in discussions about the topic.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with organizations supporting African communities</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find local or international organizations that work towards empowering African communities and offer your time and skills to support their cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a film or documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose a film or documentary that sheds light on African history, struggles, and triumphs, and invite friends over for a movie night to learn and discuss together.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the struggle for freedom and independence in Africa</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>African Liberation Day commemorates the battle against colonization and oppression in Africa. It is a time to remember and honor all those who fought for the right to self-determination and independence, and to recognize the ongoing fight for social justice and equality that persists today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and solidarity among African nations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>African Liberation Day brings together people from various countries and backgrounds to celebrate their shared history and culture. It serves as a reminder of the importance of working together towards common goals, such as economic development, peace, and prosperity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about ongoing struggles in Africa</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On African Liberation Day, issues such as poverty, human rights violations, and political instability in various African nations are brought to light. This day serves as a platform for discussions about current challenges and the need for continued efforts towards peace, justice, and progress in Africa.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>African Liberation Day is Celebrated Globally</h3><p class='facts-content'>While originally established by African nation leaders, African Liberation Day is recognized and celebrated by people of African descent all over the world, creating global solidarity amongst the African diaspora.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holiday Focuses on Liberation Themes of Yearly Importance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, the African Union establishes a theme for African Liberation Day. This theme often focuses on important issues of the time, aiming to address and inspire change and transformation within Africa.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Continental Flag is a Symbol of Unity on this Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>The flag of the African Union, consisting of a green Africa on a white sun with gold rays emanating from it on a green background, is commonly flown on this day as a symbol of African unity and liberation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holiday Resonates With the Afrocentric Principle of Sankofa</h3><p class='facts-content'>African Liberation Day embodies the Afrocentric principle of Sankofa, a word from the Twi language of Ghana that means “go back and fetch it,” signifying the importance of understanding the past to best prepare for the future.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holiday Opens Dialogue on Pan-Africanism</h3><p class='facts-content'>The celebration of African Liberation Day often encourages discussions on Pan-Africanism, a global cultural and political movement aiming to strengthen bonds between all people of African descent.</p></div></div>
African Liberation Day is celebrated on May 25 every year. In 2024 African Liberation Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
May 25
Thursday
2024
May 25
Saturday
2025
May 25
Sunday
2026
May 25
Monday
2027
May 25
Tuesday
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