Background
History of May 25 – African Liberation Day
African Liberation Day is an annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on the 25th of May 1963, and aims to promote unity and solidarity among African people and states. It also is the anniversary of the launch of Africans Rising on 25th May 2017. In the past, the Africans Rising movement has used May 25-African Liberation Day to recognize issues of illicit financial flows, slavery, and health. Given the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, this mobilization is an important time to call on governments, institutions and businesses to put lives before personal interests and profits during the global health crisis.
African Liberation Week 2023
The banner for mobilisation in 2022 changes from African Liberation Day to African Liberation Week. This reflects the way we mobilise which often spans a whole week of activities rather than just a day and will help clear confusion in the minds of our members. It also better reflects the historical record. The discussion on the imperative for African unity in May 1963 was not necessarily a day’s event. It started on 23rd May 1963 and culminated in the signing of the Charter of OAU now AU on 25th May 1963.
Theme and sub-themes
The 2023 African Liberation Week’s mobilisation is focused on the broad theme of “Borderless Africa” which will also leverage the key milestone of the 60th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity. This would be an opportunity for Africans to demand the unity that formed the basis of the formation of the OAU and encourage people to push for the abolishment of visas and borders for Africans in Africa.
Through partnerships with other organisations and for the purpose of diversification, Africans Rising’s members will also organise activities on these 2 important sub-themes.
Broad theme:
Borderless Africa
“Africans” include all people of African descent wherever they may be. This theme re-echoes the historical call by Marcus Garvey for Africans to unite and take ownership and control of our homeland. Its relevance in contemporary times is seen in the rush by new and old global powers upon the resources of Africa.
Sub-themes:
- The multiple crises – food, energy, economic, climate
- Fight for Economic Justice
Call to Action:
Activities marking the African Liberation will be held from 22nd to 28th of May 2023. To register your event or activity to be part of the 2023 mobilisation, fill out this short form: https://forms.gle/NCeLdUDFGryM66LC6
For any enquiries or further information, contact;
Email: engagement@africans-rising.org
WhatsApp/Telegram: +233500883672
Website: africansrising.org/africanliberationweek/
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