May 25-African Liberation Day and Launch of Africans Rising at Goree Island
On May 25th 2017, Africans from the continent and the diaspora gathered at Goree Island to affirm that Africans are rising, and that we are committed to building a stronger Africa, rooted in justice, peace and dignity. The moment was also a celebration of the annual holiday May 25 – African Liberation Day, also known as Africa Day.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Gorée Island is known as an infamous symbol of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It was from this outcrop just off the coast of the capital, Dakar, that millions of enslaved Africans were forced onto European ships, bound for plantations in the Americas in the 18th century. 

Africans Rising chose the site and the annual holiday to host the launch of its emerging Pan-African movement determined to build a new future for the peoples of Africa. 

“We gather at a site that is a symbol of our brutal past in order to affirm our commitment to peace, justice and dignity and to build the future we want,” said Africans Rising Movement Coordinator Muhammed Lamin Saidykhan.

As part of its continent-wide launch Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity held a programme of activities on Gorée Island, in solidarity with scores of African Liberation Day activities held in more than 30 countries.

 

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