African Liberation Day

The Organization Us will hold its 46th Annual African Liberation Day celebration Monday, May 26, 5-7 p.m. at the African American Cultural Center, 3018 W 48th St, Los Angeles. This year’s theme is “For the Liberation of African Peoples Everywhere: Zimbabwe, Kenya, Sudan, Haiti, the Americas and throughout the World.” The program includes speeches, statements of solidarity, and cultural expressions. A special pre-celebration fundraising dinner will be held at the center from 3:30-5 p.m.
Established in 1963 at the founding conference of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union), African Liberation Day is recognized and instituted in Los Angeles by The Organization Us as a time for celebration and solidarity as well as political education and organization among all African peoples in the Diaspora and on the Continent. Dr. Maulana Karenga, chair of The Organization Us said, “We must reaffirm and reinforce the internal promise and power of the masses of our people, and their capacity to endure and overcome the obstacles of history before them.”
Distinguished speakers invited to address critical issues of African life and liberation are: Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor, Africana Studies, CSU Long Beach; Dr. Lako Tongun, Sudan, scholar/activist and professor of International and Intercultural Studies, Pitzer College; Dr. Munashe Furasa, Zimbabwe, chair, Africana Studies, CSU Dominguez Hills; Atty. Nana Gyamfi, Ghana, lawyer/activist and director of Human Rights Advocacy; Kgopotso John, South African Vice Consul, Los Angeles; Debo Kotun, Nigeria, author and host, The Courtyard, KPFK; Rev. Eric Lee, president and CEO, SCLC; Rev. Lewis Logan, senior minister, Bethel AME Church; Cheryl Noralez, Belize, president of Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United;and Assumpta Acam Oturu, Uganda, host, Spotlight Africa, KPFK.
Also invited to give solidarity statements are Prof. Amen Rahh, Professor Emeritus, Africana Studies, CSU Long Beach, Rev. Meri Ka Ra, senior minister, KRST Unity Center, Mollie Bell, community activist, and Jackie Ryan, Save Leimert Coalition. There will be African drumming and other cultural expressions by the Taifa Cultural Troupe and Tsepo Mabowe, founder of Shaluza Boot Dancers.
A suggested donation is requested for the pre-celebration dinner and proceeds go toward maintaining programs at the African American Cultural Center. Reservations are required.