May 25: Africa Day
Prayer Idea
Pray that the countries of Africa would work together for their mutual benefit.
History Note
In 1963 representatives of 32 independent African countries met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to create the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Their stated goals were to rid the continent of colonization and apartheid, to promote unity and solidarity among African countries, to promote economic development, and to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member countries.
In 1999 the OAU decided to create a new organization called the African Union (AU). Launched in 2002, the AU includes all 55 countries of Africa. Its renewed vision is “An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”
May 25 is celebrated as Africa Day by people in various African countries and in the African diaspora around the world. It commemorates the founding of the OAU and celebrates the vibrant diversity of African cultures.
Children celebrate Africa Day in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Richard van der Spuy / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Ethiopian poet Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin (1936-2006) wrote a poem called “Proud to Be African”. Kenyan composer Arthur Mudogo Kemoli (b. 1945) set the poem to music. It became the anthem of the Organization of African Unity in 1986. This version was recorded in 2020 to celebrate Africa Day.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
