To say the year 2020 has been peculiar so far would be a huge understatement. Since the beginning of the year, we have witnessed some unforeseen mishaps, one of which we find ourselves desperately battling.

In spite of everything, there are still those moments that serve as a reminder that humanity has and always will be accustomed to tearing down adversity and advancing the progress and evolution of our species at large. Africa Day today reminded us of our resilience and perhaps served as a distraction from all that is happening in the world.

Africa Liberation day, now simply referred to as Africa day, as the name suggests, is a day set aside for Africans to celebrate our freedom. To put things into context, Africa Day which was first celebrated in the year 1963 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia signifies the liberation of Africa from foreign rule, as 32 African countries came together to form what is now called the African Union (AU), on the basis that we share similar cultures, cuisines, attire, amongst other homogeneous things like shared struggles, a shared continent and a shared race.

On this day
25 May 1963

The Organisation of African Unity was established. Becoming the African Union and celebrated as Africa Day Worldwide

“The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart” – Kwame Nkrumah#AfricaDay2020 pic.twitter.com/QhLP4ZBMkF

— Absent Truth (@AbsentTruth) May 25, 2020

One of African Union’s main goals at the time was to liberate the remaining African countries which were still under colonial rule and assist them in gaining independence; a mission which today we can largely say was a success. As the movement gathered momentum, other African countries joined the AU and in 1994, when South Africa finally joined, all African nations were officially members of the AU.

Today, Africa Day commemorates that movement, and every African is welcomed to partake of the continent-wide national holiday. Leaders all over the continent have sought to use this day to empower African youths, promote peace, integrate our numerous African cultures, and celebrate our shared history.

Africa Day was all the rave today as people took to Twitter to display the beautiful colors, customs and history that has defined us as a people. Included in the discussion were things relating to the African struggle,

When Africans are attacked in China & other parts of the world, they don’t ask them if they’re Nigerians, Ghananias or South Africans, they’re attacked bcos they’re black. It is our Africanness that matters. The clarion call is clear: Africa Must Unite. #AfricaDay  #AfricaDay2020

— Man’s NOT Barry Roux  (@AdvoBarryRoux) May 25, 2020

Let's all remember our Heroes/Heroines that died fighting for African Unity #TheAfricaWeWant #AfricaDay2020 pic.twitter.com/ZOK9kUdpGX

— KINGSHATTA (@KINGSHATTA12) May 25, 2020

culture,

#AfricaDay2020 Did you know,in Africa tattoos were seen as a way of curing disease,protecting against spirits,showing affiliation towards certain groups/tribes,and reflecting personality traits such as bravery,and social status?Drop a pic of your fav ink and tag #DStvAfricaWeSee pic.twitter.com/y6BWjY1CQ0

— ?????? ? (@QuizyRSA) May 25, 2020

Some of our lost history:

How many of us were ever taught that the modern-day “cesarean section” surgical procedure was practiced in Africa as early as the 13th century, long before the arrival of European doctors? #AfricaDay2020 pic.twitter.com/dRp3IIf4tr

— Nancy Kacungira (@kacungira) May 25, 2020

Our people:

We are Proud Africans , and our Future is bright.

Tweet for Mother Africa.#AfricaDay2020 pic.twitter.com/xqLw2AIcPC

— Abdul Aziz (@___zizou) May 25, 2020

Tweet for the black man & woman ?‍♂️?#AfricaDay2020 pic.twitter.com/QUNM2hdV8E

— Kwale Gunner ?? (@Sam_Lulli) May 25, 2020

and every other thing that contributes to the beauty of the motherland.

Welcome to Nigeria!!!!
Welcome to Africa!!!

Welcome to a continent where nature grows side by side with humanity

We breathe, we dream, we live Africa because Africa and humanity are inseparable. ~Robert Sobukwe

Happy #AfricaDay2020 pic.twitter.com/Oeew8qkEtj

— Khal Bussie (@iam_bussie) May 25, 2020

Africa; a continent of great landscapes.

The great River Nile, the dominating Mt Kilimanjaro, the enchanting dunes of the Namib Desert, and the breathtaking, majestic Victoria Falls are all within Mother Africa!

A continent endowed with so much beauty.❤️

Happy #AfricaDay2020 pic.twitter.com/X0lbCNeJ0P

— Vashe ?? (@PTChimusoro) May 25, 2020