Have you ever referred to Africa as one country? Chances are that you have exposed yourself to the Danger of a Single Story . On the occasion of the Africa Day, let us listen to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s narration of her personal stories.

Africa Day, celebrated on May 25th every year, aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding these people and their beautiful land. Did you know that the African continent owes its name to the word ‘Alkebulan’ of indigenous origin, which translates to ‘Garden of Eden’?

Origin of Africa Day

The roots of Africa Day were sowed in April 15, 1958, when the first Conference of Independent African States brought together the fathers of Africa’s liberation movements across several countries. Although there were very few liberated African countries at the time, leaders from Ghana, Sudan, Liberia and Ethiopia, used the collective platform to protest against colonialism.

This was the precursor to the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, which was renamed African Union in 2001. Decades later, when colonialism is only a term used to refer to a certain period in history, Africa Day has reinvented itself as a celebration of the continent’s diverse culture, reflected in its food, art and music.

Garden of Eden Day

Auckland too celebrated Africa Day was celebrated on May 27, 2017. It was a day-long celebration at Roskill Youth Zone, with stalls that served mouth-watering African cuisines from Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa, Congo. There were stalls that offered information on the diverse African destinations, varied performances and activities for children.

Organised by the African Communities Forum Inc., the theme for the festival this year was Africa’s responsibility for freedom, peace and unity. This event is funded by Creative Communities NZ, the Lottery Grant, New Zealand African Welfare Services Trust and Love Cover Protect.

Alongside, there was an exhibition inaugurated as part of Auckland Festival of Photography, at the Waitakere Central Library in Henderson. Curated by Makanaka Tuwe, it celebrates a collaboration of Afrikan inspired art, fashion and music. Tuwe started this journey of representing Africa a few years ago and over time, has connected with her diaspora across the seas to champion “for authentic voice representations of her descendants”.

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