L-R: H.E. Tete Antonio, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, with Mark Walton, The Africa Channel Executive Vice President, Sponsorship and Corporate Development
By Isseu Diouf Campbell
Ask the average New Yorker what Africa Day is, he or she probably won’t have a clue. This is what Mark Walton of the Africa Channel wants to change.
“We want to do something that will get people in the mood,” said Walton, who wants commemoration of African Day on May 25 to be a fun, festive and popular celebration of Africa and its culture. “We will create content, encourage people to go to African restaurants, museums…,” he added.
This year, in addition to a number of events around the city, the African Union will hold a reception and look forward to celebrating Africa Day’s 50th anniversary in 2013.
In an April 26th press conference, held in conjunction with the Africa Union at its headquarters, Walton invited members of the African media to help promote that day.
Originally called African Liberation Day, Africa Day was born in Ethiopia in 1963 during the First Conference of Independent African States. The day symbolizes the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.
Early proponents of an Africa Day included pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey, whose son, Dr. Julius Garvey, was present at last year’s celebration in New York.
Photos of the event
