Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) marked the 2024 Black History Month with a series of events designed to honor the enduring contributions of Africans and the African Diaspora to global civilization. Themed “Resilience, Innovation, and Unity: Strengthening the African Diaspora,” the celebration underscored the importance of storytelling, cultural preservation, and collective empowerment.
Black History Month originated as Negro History Week in the United States, initiated by African-American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson to counteract the exclusion of African-American contributions from historical narratives. Over the past century, the event has evolved into a global celebration, promoting pride in African identity and recognition of the Diaspora’s influence on world history.
Held at the University of Lagos’ MAD House, the event brought together a diverse audience, including students, academics, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries like Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy. Supported by organizations such as Sterling Bank, the program featured cultural performances, lectures, and panel discussions that celebrated Africa’s rich heritage.
One standout moment was the screening of clips from FESTAC ’77, a monumental cultural festival that celebrated African arts and culture. Vibrant performances by MATAFIRIKA Theatre captivated attendees, reinforcing the value of African artistry in global narratives.
Dr. Britto Bonifacio Aderemi, a historian from Lagos State University, provided a compelling keynote address exploring African resilience. He traced the historical journey from the transatlantic slave trade to the eventual exportation of African culture worldwide. Aderemi’s narrative highlighted the transformative power of storytelling and resilience, emphasizing how Africans have overcome systemic oppression and contributed significantly to global progress.
Dr. Aderemi also tackled contemporary challenges, such as the Japa syndrome—the trend of young Nigerians migrating abroad for better opportunities. He urged the youth to reevaluate this trend, fostering pride and purpose in their African identity instead.
CBAAC placed a strong emphasis on youth involvement. By engaging students and distributing books, Sterling Bank reinforced the importance of education in reclaiming African narratives. Discussions focused on encouraging pride in indigenous languages and traditions, with Ambassador Nneka Isaac-Moses advocating for the preservation of mother tongues and national leaders leveraging Nigeria’s soft power in global creative industries.
A dynamic panel explored the intersection of history, creativity, and technology as tools for empowerment. Speakers such as Prince Jon James Olomo and Dr. Kehinde Adepegba highlighted the potential of DNA technology, African literature, and the arts in reconnecting the African Diaspora with their heritage.
CBAAC’s Director-General, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, encapsulated the event’s purpose: “Despite centuries of enslavement, colonization, and systemic racism, the African Diaspora has shown remarkable resilience. We must tell our stories to inspire future generations and reclaim our narrative.”
Through collaborative efforts, vibrant cultural displays, and intellectual discourse, the 2024 Black History Month celebration served as a powerful reminder of Africa’s enduring legacy and the potential for unity and innovation to shape the future.
By honouring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future, CBAAC continues to strengthen the African Diaspora’s role in global civilization.
