Dear friends, fellow Africans and our sisters and brothers in the African Diaspora,
For years, we have thought, spoken and dreamt about building a movement that would see AFRICANS rising, from below and beyond borders – a journey of transformation to bring about the #AfricaWeWant.
What is Africans Rising?
That journey is finally beginning. This Thursday, 25th May 2017, Africans will gather across the continent and the African diaspora, to launch Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity. Africans Rising is an emerging, self-identifying collective of social movements, NGOs, popular social justice efforts, intellectuals, artists, cultural activists and others from across the continent and the African diaspora.
Why 25th May?
25th May is celebrated as Africa Liberation Day and marks the day in 1963 that the Organisation of African Unity – now known as the African Union – was formed. It was first conceived at the first Congress of Independent African States, to symbolize the determination of the people’s of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation. Today, that goal remains but includes our determination to liberate ourselves from all exploitation and ensure a better life for all Africans.
Where is Africans Rising Launching?
There are planned events to mark the launch of Africans Rising in more than 40 countries. These activities have been self-organised by the organisations, groups and communities that make up this de-centralized movement.
How Can You Be Part of The Movement and the Launch?
We are calling on everybody to join the movement and participate in the launch of your movement.
You can join by signing up to our founding charter, The Kilimanjaro Declaration, by clicking here.
To participate in the launch of Africans Rising on #25May2017, we ask that you:
- Wear an item of RED clothing or clothing accessory to signify the blood that was shed for African liberation, the bleeding of the continent’s resources and wealth and that no matter where we come from we all have the same red blood in our veins.
- Gather in a group, preferably between 12 noon and 2pm,read out the Kilimanjaro Declaration and a list of demands for changes you would like to see happen.
- Turn off your lights between 7:00pm and 8:00pmin solidarity with the millions of Africans with no access to electricity and light a candle to light the way for brighter leadership and governance.
You can follow launch events across the world, and the world know what you are doing by tagging your photos and videos
#AfricansRising
#25May2017
#AfricaWeWant
If you’d like your event featured in a video report we’re putting together, you can also email them to 25May@africans-rising.org
On Twitter | Facebook | Instagram follow us at @africansrising
