Africa Freedom Day was founded in 1958 when Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana convened the First Conference of Independent States held in Accra, Ghana and attended by 8 Independent African States. The newly-liberated countries felt the need to express solidarity with one another. This conference was significant in that it represented the first Pan-African conference to be held on African soil.

Seventeen countries gained independence from European colonizers between 1958 and 1963. By 1963, more than two-thirds of the continent had achieved independence, mostly from imperial European states.  On May 25, 1963, leaders of thirty-two independent African states met to form the Organization of African Unity (OAU). At this meeting, Africa Freedom Day was declared African Liberation Day (ALD) and changed to May 25th.

Today, African Libration Day or "Africa Day" is a holiday in many African countries (the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and is celebrated by African people all over the world. Public celebrations are held in cities all over the world. The celebration of Africa Day represents the global Pan-African movement and the unity and oneness of African people worldwide.

To see an Africa Day celebration in action, watch www.youtube.com/watch?v=6THB1zt15pw&feature=youtu.be