International Day for People of African Descent
Honoring cultural richness, contributions, and resilience, amplifying voices and stories from the vibrant tapestry of African heritage.
Celebrate African heritage and diaspora contributions through authentic cultural experiences, educational content, and inclusive community events that drive brand alignment with diversity and social justice values.
- Host virtual or in-person cultural celebrations featuring African cuisine, music, and storytelling from community members
- Create educational content series on African diaspora history, contributions, and contemporary voices across industries
- Partner with Black-owned businesses and creators for co-branded campaigns highlighting economic empowerment and equity
- Launch employee resource group initiatives and workplace equality commitments tied to recognition and justice themes
First celebrated in 2021, the International Day for People of African Descent is an observance founded by the United Nations. The purpose behind the event is to call attention to the extraordinary contributions of the African people who live in all places around the world. In addition, this day is also meant to promote equality with the intent to eliminate discrimination against people with an African heritage.
Three themes are included for this day: recognition, justice and development. In 2023, the US Secretary of State affirmed the country’s commitment to the principles behind the United Nations International Day for People of African Descent.
Join Events Celebrating Afrodescendant People
Participate in this special day by attending events in the community, or by hosting a private gathering with a few friends or family members. Consider including important cultural aspects from Africa, such as special foods, music, clothing, decorations and traditions. International Day for People of African Descent is an ideal time to show some love and appreciation for this rich heritage, making an opportunity to honor these roots and bring them forward into the future.
Learn More About African Peoples
One way for non-African-descended people to pay honor and respect on International Day for People of African Descent might be to get more educated about the wide and vast range of different types of people from the African diaspora who are now living all over the world. This can be done through reading a myriad of books or watching films and documentaries about the history and heritage of African peoples. Teachers and parents can include children of all ages by tailoring lessons and activities around the topic of people from Africa.
Stand Up for Equality
Because people of African descent are much more likely to face challenges such as social exclusion, marginalization, health care access, education discrimination, economic disparities and many others, they need and deserve support from their communities locally and throughout the world. From standing up against racial injustice politically or in the workplace to making a donation for a charity that supports education or legal needs for African descended people, fighting for equality should happen every day. The annual celebration of International Day for People of African Descent serves as a reminder and shines a vital spotlight on this need.