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World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture (WDAAC) is celebrated annually on January 24 to recognize and honor the contributions of African and Afrodescendant communities worldwide. Established by UNESCO in 2019, this day emphasizes the revival of African cultural heritage, the celebration of artistic creativity, and solidarity among African and Afrodescendant peoples globally.
With roots in the African Union’s Charter for African Cultural Renaissance (adopted in 2006), WDAAC promotes the integration of African traditions, arts, and languages into global narratives. This year, take the opportunity to celebrate and amplify African and Afrodescendant cultures by engaging with the following actions:
1. Explore the Work of African and Afrodescendant Activists and Artists
Support and share the work of activists and artists leading the fight for Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and social justice.
Vanessa Nakate (Baganda)
Photo courtesy Vanessa Nakate/ Instagram
Vanessa Nakate (Baganda) is a Ugandan climate activist who is addressing environmental justice. Watch her powerful TED Talk on climate change.
Loza Maléombho (Baoulé)
Photo Courtesy Loza Maléombho
Loza Maléombho (Baoulé) is an Ivorian fashion designer whose work celebrates African traditions and symbols (Follow Loza on Instagram @LozaMaléombho).
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim (Mbororo)
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, a member of the Mbororo pastoralist Peoples in Chad, is an environmental activist and current President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT). Find out more about Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim’s work by watching this mini documentary.
2. Watch Videos on African Cultures
Africa Rising: The Grassroots Movement Changing a Continent.
3. Celebrate African Music, Film, and Literature and Amplify African Indigenous Voices
Create or share a playlist featuring African and Afrodescendant artists like Angelique Kidjo, Salif Keita, Burna Boy, or Yemi Alade. Explore literature by Chinua Achebe ("Things Fall Apart") or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ("Americanah").
4. Learn about our Grant Partners and Fellows from Africa
Meet Our 2024 KOEF Partners Impacted by the Extraction of Transition Minerals
Meet Our KOEF 2024 Grant Partners Strengthening Livelihoods around Lands and Climate Change
Meet Our 2024 Indigenous Community Media Fund Grant Partners
Meet Our 2024 Cohort if Indigenous Youth Fellows
5. Support African and Afrodescendant-Owned Businesses
Contribute to economic empowerment by purchasing from ethical, Black-owned brands. For example, platforms like ADJOAA showcase sustainable African fashion brands that promote African identity and craftsmanship.
6. Amplify African Voices on Social Media
Use your platform to share stories, quotes, and work by African and Afrodescendant leaders. Follow Cultural Survival and tag campaigns like #WDAAC2025 to raise awareness about this important day.
7. Advocate for Representation and Cultural Inclusion
Write to your local schools or museums to advocate for greater representation of African history and cultures. Cultural Survival actively works with Indigenous communities to promote equitable representation and recognition of diverse cultures. Get involved in similar initiatives to make a lasting impact.