Africa Day at the Museum
In collaboration with Prof Erinma Bell MBE – Carisma Services
Immerse yourself in the energy, richness and vibrancy of African culture when Manchester Museum celebrates Africa Day.
Global celebrations for Africa Day take place on 25 May but we’re hosting two days of festivities across the weekend.
Experience African music, dance, fashion and food, while learning about Africa’s story through talks, workshops and opportunities to engage with the Museum’s African collections.
The first day, organised in collaboration with Prof Erinma Bell MBE and Carisma Services, will feature crafts, performances and African food tastings. The second day will include workshops and opportunities to connect with the Museum’s African collections, many of which are not currently on display.
About Africa Day
Africa Day is an annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), today known as the African Union, on 25 May 1963.
For Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, Africa Day signifies unity, pride in being African, and an opportunity to celebrate their heritage by donning traditional outfits and putting on vibrant displays of culture and diversity.
Significantly, Manchester is a very important city for Africans because it hosted the Pan African Congress at Chorlton-on-Medlock Town Hall in 1945, intended to address the decolonisation of Africa from Western imperial powers. The congress demanded an end to colonial rule and racial discrimination as well as the recognition of human rights and equality of economic opportunity for all peoples of African heritage.
Manchester Museum contains cultural heritage objects from different African countries in its collection and we aim at making their stories visible by collaborating with African diasporans going forward.