Africa Day

Africa day, formerly Africa liberation day was founded by the Organisation of African Unity (O A U ) In 1963 to not only commemorate its fight against colonialism and apartheid,but to also celebrate the continent’s heritage and cultural identity.

May 25 th is the day set aside for the observation .Here in Barbados last year the Ministry of culture asked Barbadians to wears their African prints to mark the occasion , and also organized a competition to seek out the best display of African wear. Africa Day falls in the period designated as the Season of Emancipation in BArbados, when Barbadians recall the history of slavery and the plantation system and its legacy in the island

Therfore The BArbados National Library Service in celebration of the event organized a story hour at Farley Hill National Park for students of four primary schools. stiMary,s Wilkie Cumberbatch and All Saints. students were treated to stories celebrating African traditions by Dr, David Akombo from Nigeria. dr. akombo whois a lecturer at the University of the Westindies, also spoke to the children about the talking drum which was used as a method of communication in Africa.

BArbados is not the only country which celebrates Africa Day. Of the 54 countries of the African Union the day is observed as a public holiday in some countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Ghan and Mali