Well, I confess that I had to be reminded...
But, thanks to that (latish) reminder, I found a memorable way to mark the day: a book entitled "A Day in the Life of Africa" , featuring pictures taken on the same day by about 100 photographers from all over the world in the 53 African States.
Here's a couple of memorable quotes about the book:
"We invite you to gain a better understanding of this great continent. We know that this understanding cannot be made complete within the span of this book, or for that matter, within the span of single lifetime. Still, as you experience this book, we hope that you will discover a culturally rich continent, abundant in physical beauty. A continent overcoming the complex burden of colonial oppression, struggling with overwhelming public-health challenges and vitally anxious for democracy and self-determination. A continent with an indomitable spirit, broadening its participation within the global community and offering the world its unique sense of community and cooperation."
Bishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu (Nobel Peace Prize Winner)
"A Day in the Life of Africa" gives us a complex and nuanced portrait. These beautiful and deeply moving images compel us to see that despite the tragedy that afflicts some parts of the continent, the bright spots must not be forgotten, nor the achievements overlooked. The vast majority of Africans are striving to bring positive change to their countries and in many places these efforts are beginning to bear fruit. The United Nations, for its part, has long championed African rights, progress, and self-sufficiency. I hope that people of goodwill throughout the world will see the great dignity and resilience of my fellow Africans, and join them in their struggle for the chance to create a better life that is every human being's birthright."
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan (Nobel Peace Prize Winner)
But, thanks to that (latish) reminder, I found a memorable way to mark the day: a book entitled "A Day in the Life of Africa" , featuring pictures taken on the same day by about 100 photographers from all over the world in the 53 African States.
Here's a couple of memorable quotes about the book:
"We invite you to gain a better understanding of this great continent. We know that this understanding cannot be made complete within the span of this book, or for that matter, within the span of single lifetime. Still, as you experience this book, we hope that you will discover a culturally rich continent, abundant in physical beauty. A continent overcoming the complex burden of colonial oppression, struggling with overwhelming public-health challenges and vitally anxious for democracy and self-determination. A continent with an indomitable spirit, broadening its participation within the global community and offering the world its unique sense of community and cooperation."
Bishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu (Nobel Peace Prize Winner)
"A Day in the Life of Africa" gives us a complex and nuanced portrait. These beautiful and deeply moving images compel us to see that despite the tragedy that afflicts some parts of the continent, the bright spots must not be forgotten, nor the achievements overlooked. The vast majority of Africans are striving to bring positive change to their countries and in many places these efforts are beginning to bear fruit. The United Nations, for its part, has long championed African rights, progress, and self-sufficiency. I hope that people of goodwill throughout the world will see the great dignity and resilience of my fellow Africans, and join them in their struggle for the chance to create a better life that is every human being's birthright."
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan (Nobel Peace Prize Winner)
4 comments:
I took the "editor's licence" to transcribe here another brilliant and uplifting comment by Prof. Connie Hilliard on "Are we all losing the plot"... I hope she won't mind, but it just so happens that this comment has as much to do with that article as with Africa Day.
Once again, thanks very much Connie!
Connie Hilliard said...
Koluki,
You are indeed right about the devastating effects -- on an already disenfranchised peasant majority -- of African governments' over-dependence on oil, diamond, and gold resources. Thanks for that informative contribution. It is true that Africa has a long way to go. But what I enjoy most about your blog is the fact that you refuse to subscribe to the "Broken Africa" stereotype. This unidimensional view, which sees a continent in decay, where nothing works, has become all too common among westerners and a frustrated segment of the African elite. There is a nub of truth in most stereotypes and the "Broken Africa" one is no exception. And yet, when I read your blog entries and look into the faces of so many young Africans, what I see is energy, vibrancy and a joyful embrace of life. You and they are the engines of Africa's future. I will tell you a well- kept secret. The real reason so many westerners come to Africa to work with international donor agencies and non-governmental organizations on projects that seldom work, is the following. They love the experience. They admire the capacity of most Africans to find meaning and satisfaction in their lives, despite the continent's economic woes. Americans and Europeans come to Africa in order to feel more alive, to escape at least for a few years, the "inner brokenness" of their own wealthy societies.
Connie
What a beautiful picture! Even if you're tempted, as I am, to think that it was 'staged', you can't but feel that the little girl had a paparazzo waiting for her outside the house in that morning. Simply great.
It's a shame though that the book is proving hard to get in my experience so far. Any help?
Nick, try this page and its links to some e-sellers:
http://www.ditlafrica.com/
Bonne chance!
Thanks, I got it!
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