May 25, 2025: Africa Day

WHEREAS, Michigan’s diversity is what makes our state great, including the continued growth of the African population; and,

WHEREAS, Africa Day, formerly known as ‘African Liberation Day’ or ‘African Freedom Day’, is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. The year 1963 has been called “Africa’s Unity Year,” which began the push towards decolonization of African nations and their gaining independence from foreign powers and exploitation that had ruled many of them for decades. In 2002, the OAU was transformed into its successor organization, the present-day African Union (AU); and,

WHEREAS, the AU’s theme for Africa Day 2025, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, underscores the AU’s commitment to addressing historical injustices, including the trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, and genocide. It builds on decades of advocacy and collaboration, aiming to foster unity and establish mechanisms for reparatory justice on a global scale; and,

WHEREAS, Africa is the second largest continent in the world and Africans speak roughly 2,000 different languages from native Indigenous languages to English, Portuguese, French, and Arabic; May 25th is a day for Africans and those who love Africa to show the world that the continent is great and thriving; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is proud to support communities of African descent that live, work, and contribute to our economy. We encourage businesses, organizations, and individuals to celebrate Africa Day as it offers us the opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage and acknowledge residents of African descent in the state of Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, many communities of color are unaware of the various African cultures in Michigan, and this day is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, highlight successes, and uplift cultural and economic potential; and,

WHEREAS, we encourage more people to engage and be willing to learn more about African culture in Michigan. Awareness can contribute to connection with fellow diasporans, and create local partnerships with organizations that support immigrant communities of African descent, which in turn contribute to the economy of Michigan;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 25, 2025, as Africa Day in Michigan.