International Day for People of African Descent

When did the International Day for People of African Descent start?

The first recorded date of International Day for People of African Descent being celebrated on August 31 was in the year 2011.

About International Day for People of African Descent Holiday

International Day for People of African Descent (IDPAD) is an international holiday celebrated on August 31st that brings awareness to the contributions of African-descended peoples around the globe. This important day was proposed by the United Nations in order to recognize the struggles and achievements of these individuals. It serves to address the necessity of equality between all countries and racial groups, as well as to acknowledge the disconnect between them.

The holiday encourages reflection on the challenges faced by African descendants and the unique cultural contributions they bring to the world. IDPAD has become a vehicle to call attention to the collective identity of African people and their contribution to the culture and society of all nations. While the celebration is still relatively new, it is years in the making, and serves as a reminder to the importance of cultural identity and the need for greater global unity.

International Day for People of African Descent – Introduction

The International Day for People of African Descent is celebrated annually on August 31st in recognition of the global African diaspora, and the history of African people in relation to the human rights struggle. The day serves to honor and remember the achievements of African peoples worldwide and to combat racism and its consequences. The holiday was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 68/237 on 21 December 2013.

Historical Context

The slave trade from Africa to the Americas and the Caribbean began in the 1500s and continued for two centuries. This transatlantic slave trade had devastating effects on African people, as millions of African people were forcibly uprooted, taken far away from their homelands, and subjected to inhumane treatment. The legacy of this horrible trade has had and continues to have deep psychological, economic, social, and political implications for African people and their countries of origin.

To address this legacy, the UN Resolution 68/237 declared the annual observance as a way to remember the victims of enslavement and to recognize the history, culture, contributions, and human rights struggles of African peoples throughout the world. The date of August 31 was chosen to honor the African Union’s 1960 protest against racism and suppression of human rights in then-apartheid South Africa.

Celebrations Around the World

Africa

In Africa, countries celebrate the day with a variety of cultural festivities, music, and events. Ghana commemorates the day as “Liberation Day” to celebrate their nation’s independence from the British Empire in 1957. In Kenya, people celebrate their heritage by appreciating the incredible biodiversity, cultures, and languages of their country, as well as by taking time to recognize the achievements of their fellow African people around the world.

The Americas

In the United States, the National Museum of African American History and Culture sponsors events in honor of the International Day for People of African Descent, often held in the city of Washington, DC. The event aims to send a powerful message to those of African descent throughout the world—one of hope, sustained strength, and reclaimed dignity. Events often include panels, music, food, and guest speakers from both the local and national community.

In Canada, the day is marked as a celebration of the African-Canadian community. Events around the country include music, art, heritage tours, theater, and outdoor activities designed to showcase and celebrate the rich history and culture of the community.

Europe

In the UK, people of African descent celebrate the International Day for People of African Descent by Remembering the Windrush Generation, which refers to the communities of people who arrived from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971. They met with hostile racism and xenophobia from the government and the population. Research shows that, even today, people of African descent are treated unequally in all areas of life like education, health care, and employment. As a mark of recognition for all the work the Windrush Generation did—in part to shape the ideas of integration today—people of African descent in the UK commemorate the day with events like lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and music performances.

Asia

In India, people commemorate the International Day for People of African Descent by exploring African history and culture and engaging in discussions about the African diaspora. Events include screenings of African films, art exhibitions, panel discussions, crowdfunded initiatives, and competitions.

Conclusion

The International Day for People of African Descent serves an important purpose in form of recognizing the struggles, contributions, and immense value of the African diaspora around the world. As people come together in diverse ways to remember, reflect, and celebrate on this day, the hope is that it will lead to progress in the direction of respecting, understanding, and treating every individual with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

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