World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures: A Plus to Senegal

Published on 14th December 2010

Senegal has launched a number of landmark activities that aim at asserting the African voice in the global arena. First, it was the inaugurating of the African Renaissance Monument, symbolizing the strength and promise of an Africa that will grow, flourish and experience a renaissance of culture, economic prowess, innovation and achievement.  Second, it was the demonstration of the Ubuntu spirit, alongside South Africa in the wake of the Haiti earthquake tragedy, when Senegal offered Haitian survivors the chance to resettle in Africa, the land of their ancestors.

Currently, Senegal is host to an unprecedented gathering of black artists, writers, filmmakers, academics, scientists and luminaries in diverse fields for the World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures to celebrate the theme of African Renaissance and highlight the role of art and culture in promoting development. This is the third World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures, following previous festivals in Dakar in 1966 and Lagos, Nigeria in 1977. Former Senegalese President Leopold Senghor initiated the festivals to highlight the visible and tangible products of African peoples' struggles to win back their dignity.

Despite the socio-political and economic intrigues surrounding Senegal, the western Africa nation is taking baby steps - that other African nations can emulate - towards making Africa have an impact on the global arena. Senegal presents Africans yet another opportunity to dialogue  with themselves and their Diaspora regarding the contributions of black cultures to development; inhibiting parts of the African culture that ought to be refined and how to recoup efforts to make African Renaissance a reality. We at The African Executive support this great momentum from our brothers and sisters in Senegal.


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