August 31

International Day for People of African Descent

Honoring the rich culture, history, and contributions of people of African descent on this International Day - come together to celebrate diversity and unity!

Yearly Date
August 31
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of people of African descent on August 31 with International Day for People of African Descent! This day was established by the United Nations in 2014 to promote the protection, recognition, and development of people of African descent worldwide. It also serves as a reminder to honor the contributions of individuals from this community in various aspects such as art, music, literature, and more. So let's come together to celebrate and appreciate the beauty and resilience of people of African descent around the world!

International Day for People of African Descent Timeline

1800s
End of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The beginning of this century saw the end of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, after which African communities across the globe started to rebuild their cultural identities post-colonization.
1960s-1970s
African Diaspora Movement
During this period known as the "African Decades", there was a heightened awareness about African culture, heritage, and contributions amid civil rights movements worldwide.
2001
UN's Durban Conference
The United Nations held a conference against racism in Durban, placing focus on the injustices faced by people of African descent globally.
2011-2020
Decade for People of African Descent
The United Nations declared this as the International Decade for People of African Descent with focus on justice, development, and recognition.
2014
Establishment of the International Day
The United Nations established the International Day for People of African Descent to promote the rights and development of this community.
2022
Today's Celebration
People worldwide continue to mark this day to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of people of African descent.

How to Celebrate International Day for People of African Descent

1

Attend a cultural festival

Celebrate International Day for People of African Descent by attending a cultural festival or event featuring music, food, and art from various African countries. This is a great way to learn more about African culture and history while supporting the local community.

2

Read and discuss African literature

Gather with friends or join a book club to read and discuss literature written by African authors. This can be a powerful way to celebrate the contributions of African people to the literary world and engage in meaningful discussions about important issues.

3

Support Black-owned businesses

Use this day as an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses in your community or online. This can include shopping at Black-owned stores, dining at Black-owned restaurants, or using services provided by Black-owned companies. By doing so, you can help promote economic empowerment for people of African descent.

4

Attend a panel or discussion on Black history and social justice

Educate yourself and engage in important conversations by attending a panel or discussion on Black history and social justice. This can be a powerful way to honor and acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of people of African descent while also learning about current issues affecting the community.

5

Watch African films or documentaries

Spend the day watching films or documentaries that center on African stories and perspectives. This can be a great way to broaden your understanding of African culture and history while supporting African filmmakers and storytellers.

Why International Day for People of African Descent is Important

A

It recognizes the contributions and struggles of people of African descent

International Day for People of African Descent gives a platform to recognize and honor the significant contributions made by people of African descent to society, culture, and history. It also raises awareness about the discrimination, racism and challenges faced by this group.

B

It promotes unity and understanding

The day serves as an opportunity to promote inclusivity and encourage dialogue about diversity and cultural understanding. It recognizes that people of African descent are part of a global community and encourages solidarity and respect among all races.

C

It celebrates the rich culture and heritage of people of African descent

International Day for People of African Descent is a celebration of the diverse cultures, traditions, languages, music, food, art, and literature that make up the African diaspora. It is a time to highlight the beauty and richness of this community and to appreciate the unique contributions it brings to the world.

International Day for People of African Descent Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Aug 30
Wednesday
2024
Aug 30
Friday
2025
Aug 30
Saturday
2026
Aug 30
Sunday
2027
Aug 30
Monday