Ladies, let’s talk about a day that doesn’t get nearly as much shine as it should, January 24th, the World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture. If you’ve never heard of it before, don’t worry, you’re not alone. But trust me, it’s a day worth knowing about, celebrating, and holding close. Established by UNESCO, this day honors the rich and diverse cultures of the African continent and its global diaspora. Think of it as an international celebration of us: our roots, our resilience, and the vibrancy we bring to the world.
So, grab your coffee or tea, and let me tell you about my journey to embracing my identity and the importance of this day.
My Journey to the UN and Cultural Pride
March of 2023, I had the incredible honor of attending the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) conference in New York. The theme was innovation and education in the digital age, and walking into the UN headquarters with all the flags fluttering outside was nothing short of surreal. I remember standing there like, "How is this my life right now?"
As a Ugandan woman raised in Sweden and now living in Canada, my life has always been a blend of cultures. At home, my parents kept our Ugandan traditions alive, but stepping outside, it was all about Scandinavian culture. And now, living in North America, I’ve added another layer to my multicultural identity. I jokingly call myself a “citizen of the world” because I embody bits of Africa, Europe, and North America.
That experience at the UN sparked something in me, a deeper appreciation for my culture and a greater appreciation for the diversity within the African diaspora and the world. It also reminded me how much pride I take in being Ugandan, even though I’ve never lived there. My version of “home” has always been shaped by the diaspora, but the pride? That runs deep.
The Beauty of African and Afro-descendant Cultures
When we talk about African culture, we’re talking about 54 countries, each with countless languages, traditions, and histories. And let’s not even get started on the richness of the diaspora: Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, African-American, Afro-European. We are a tapestry of creativity, resilience, and innovation, and this day is a chance to celebrate all of it.
But let’s keep it real: African culture doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. From colonialism to cultural appropriation, we’ve had to fight to keep our traditions alive. That’s why this day is so important. It’s a reminder to us and the world that our cultures matter and deserve to be honored, not just copied.
Why This Day Matters
UNESCO established this day to promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity, but it’s not just about recognition, it’s about pride. As black women, we know the power of holding our heads high in spaces that weren’t built for us. Whether it’s through food, music, language, or fashion, celebrating our culture is an act of resistance and self-love.
Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged this day on January 24, 2024, saying:
“Today, on the World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture, we honour the rich heritage and important contributions of the African diaspora here at home and around the world. African and Afrodescendant cultures are an integral part of Canada. The African diaspora in Canada includes leading scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. In the political realm, it includes leaders in the promotion of human rights, equity, and justice.”
Let’s take that energy and run with it!
How You Can Celebrate
Celebrating doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few ideas:
Rock your culture: Wear your African print, headwraps, or jewelry with pride.
Highlight our stories: Read books or watch movies by African or Afro-descendant creators.
Support black-owned businesses: Show love to entrepreneurs who are keeping our traditions alive.
Educate and share: Post about the day on social media, share your story, or start a conversation with your circle.
For me, writing this blog post is my way of celebrating and amplifying this day. It’s about honoring where I come from and encouraging others to do the same.
Why Our Stories Matter
Here’s the thing: if we don’t celebrate ourselves, who will? We owe it to ourselves and the generations coming after us to keep our cultures alive and thriving. Yes, we live in a world where assimilation often feels like the easiest option, but standing in our truth - unapologetically, is the ultimate flex.
Let’s take this day to remind ourselves and the world that African culture is not just vibrant; it’s essential. It’s the music that moves us, the food that nourishes us, the languages that tell our stories, and the traditions that ground us.
So today sis, let’s celebrate us. Let’s celebrate the beauty, the diversity, and the magic of African and Afro-descendant cultures. And let’s carry that pride with us every single day.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate your culture? Let’s talk about it in the comments or contact me, because our stories deserve to be shared.