Afrikan Renaisance: Liberation

Kulture Magazine proudly celebrates Africa Day and African Liberation Day (ALD), honouring the rich legacy of our continent’s fight for freedom. The roots of ALD trace back to the dawn of independent Africa when in 1958, the visionary Dr. Kwame Nkrumah convened the First Conference of Independent African States in Accra. It was here that delegates called for an “African Freedom Day” on April 15, a day to honour the brave souls who fought against colonial oppression.

In 1963, with the establishment of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa, African Freedom Day evolved into African Liberation Day. Commemorated on May 25th, ALD stands as a powerful reminder of our collective struggle against colonialism, imperialism, and white supremacy. It is a day to reflect on our resilience, celebrate our victories, and renew our commitment to the ongoing Pan-African struggle. Join us in embracing the spirit of liberation and unity that defines our past, present, and future.

African Liberation Day (ALD) has journeyed through a remarkable history, yet the path continues. Today, out of all 54 sovereign states—bound by colonial borders—only South Africa honours this day as a national holiday. Our path forward is still fraught with challenges, largely because many of our governments continue to bend to the whims of the West by licking their boots. These same Western powers in these very boots exploit our continent’s resources and wield sanctions to coerce us into policies that do not serve our interests. 

Governments aside, as they will forever be, the question of liberation is one that every African must ponder deeply. It is a crucial matter of introspection, for as the maxim goes: KNOW THYSELF. When Afrikans look within, they must consider the recent history of slavery and colonization as well as the distant past of pre-colonial Afrika. They must ask why they have been steeped in colonial history and what stories lie in the rich tapestry of pre-colonial Africa. In this quest for self-knowledge lies the key to the true liberation of the African mind.

Beyond the African mind but in its inclusion too, lies the awareness of being a spiritual entity. Here is where true freedom resides. In this inner sanctuary, one discovers their creative powers, akin to those of the divine, echoing the ancient maxim, “YE ARE GODS.” Both maxims, “KNOW THYSELF” and “YE ARE GODS,” originate from the Ancient Kemetic Kingdom in present-day North and East Africa, known as Emet by the Kalenjins who formed the military body of the ancient Kemetic civilization. Spiritual truths are universal. You will find these truths reflected in the beliefs of the Kikuyu, Yoruba, Congolese, Zulu, and indeed all indigenous peoples of the world, including the Mayas and Native Americans. The spiritual truths can guide us back to our good principles of culture, and we can find our way. I believe Humanity is a spiritual truth translated into our different beautiful languages and cultures.

The essence of the Pan-African struggle has always been political. While I wholeheartedly support instituting days to honour Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Queen Nyabinghi, Queen Nzinga, and others, and I advocate for liberating the African Union from Western influence, these efforts will be futile if we continue to pledge allegiance to false, nonexistent gods imposed by missionaries and enforced by mercenaries. Africa will only achieve true freedom when our spiritual institutions take precedence.

You know that feeling you get when you dance your heart out in the Isukuti ceremonies, or the reverence that takes over your heart when you see a natural forest, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro that is visible from the Great Rift Valley, or the need to ask the forest of the tree before you fashion that bed? That is our way of living. Despite the severe separation we and our ancestors have endured, we have the senses to guide us back to total Afroliberation. 

The journey lies in our quest for knowledge and reverence of nature. Technology has always been integral to our lives and will continue to be so. We have much to learn about our melanin, diets compatible with our DNA, our ancestral gifts and talents, our healing modalities, our relationship with nature, and how our societies were organized. We also need the holy anger that arises from understanding the true horrors of colonization and slavery, dispelling the lie that colonization had any benefits for the Black man. Only through this awakening can we fully reclaim our heritage and chart a future rooted in our true identity.

The discussion of African Liberation Day must be an ongoing conversation. Our children should be taught the principles of Ubuntu and the urgency of freeing ourselves from the grip of neo-colonization, just as Western children are taught to perpetuate Africa’s dependence on them. We are a black, strong, beautiful, resilient, and deeply spiritual people. Our history is one of creating beauty from love. Let us remember our true essence and leave governments to continue licking the boots of the neocolonizers, for we are destined for a greater legacy.

Come celebrate Afrika Liberation Day with us. Click for more information.