In solidarity with African activists and movements worldwide working to build healthy communities committed to freedom, democracy, and social justice, the US-Africa Bridge Building Project will commemorate African Liberation Day on Tuesday, May 25th, and solemnly observe the first anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.
An annual occasion memorializing the founding of the Organization of African Unity on the same date in 1963, African Liberation Day seeks to promote unity and solidarity among people of African descent worldwide. It also marks the fourth anniversary of the launch of Africans Rising, a Pan-African movement of people and organizations working for peace, justice, and dignity. This month the group, a strategic partner of the US-Africa Bridge Building Project, is mobilizing around the theme “Pan-Africanism in the 21st Century; Our Health, Our Rights, Our Future,” #Rise4OurLives.
Coinciding with the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, the US-Africa Bridge Building Project is supporting Africans Rising’s mobilization efforts. “May 25th is a day of mourning for many around the world,” said Imani Countess, the Project’s founder and director. “Like Africans Rising, we view the 25th as a critical time to confront systemic racism and police violence and affirm that Black Lives Matter. George Floyd’s murder echoed worldwide, reflecting visceral anger against police violence in a host of other countries, including African countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. While Floyd’s killer will be held accountable for his crime, the road to justice is long.”
In previous years, Africans Rising has focused on African Liberation Day to recognize systemic concerns regarding illicit financial flows, enslavement, and health concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a bright spotlight on pre-existing and growing inequalities. The US-Africa Bridge Building Project stands in unity with Africans Rising and other organizations observing African Liberation Day in a single voice calling on governments, institutions, and businesses to put lives before personal interests and profits during this global health crisis.
This month there are many ways in which individuals and organizations can take part in this global commemoration:
Organize an online conversation to discuss the path toward justice and equity.
Use your creative talents to share what “Our Rights, Our Health, Our Future” means to you.
On May 25th, please light a candle for 9 minutes and 29 seconds of silent reflection, the length of time that the killer pressed his knees on Floyd’s neck.
Wear white as a symbol of unity (In many parts of Africa, white is a sign of celebration).
For more information, please visit the Africans Rising website to learn more about the May 25th – African Liberation Day mobilization.
Download the Africans Rising Toolkit for more ideas and actions you can take on May 25th.
Sign up for the US-Africa Bridge Building Project newsletter.
