On January 24, UNESCO celebrated World African and Afro-descendant Culture Day (JMCA) in Paris. This year’s theme was « Preserving and Promoting Ancestral Heritage: A Spirit of Intergenerational Brotherhood, » to highlight the importance of preserving and sharing African and Afro-descendant cultures.
Why preserve our cultures?
Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of UNESCO, explained that African cultures are a great source of wisdom and creativity. She said that this day helps reflect on how to pass on our traditions and knowledge to children, so these cultures do not disappear.
The Idea of John Ayité Dossavi
It was a Togolese man, John Ayité Dossavi, who came up with the idea for this day. He wanted Africans and their descendants to celebrate their traditions, just like the Chinese celebrate their New Year. He added that this idea came from civil society, not from governments, and UNESCO decided to make it official in 2019.
UNESCO and global recognition
In 2019, UNESCO chose January 24 to celebrate this day, to honor the many living cultures of Africa and its diasporas worldwide.
