Houston Africa Day Celebration - Unity and Culture

A Celebration of Culture, Community and Global Impact

This is the 8th Annual Africa Day Celebration in Houston. Africa Day was first held in 1963 in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, when 32 countries formed the Organization of Africa Unity (OAU). In the more than half a decade since, 21 additional countries have joined the OAU, with South Africa the last country to join in 1994 after Apartheid ended.

The OAU's original mission was to bring freedom to African countries that were still under colonial rule in the 60s, defend their sovereignty, uphold human rights and restore the dignity of the African people. Nowadays, Africa Day is a national holiday in a handful of countries and is widely celebrated by Africans.

The 1st Africa Day was celebrated in Houston under the leadership of then Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Houston’s Africa Day is a premier networking reception that brings together community leaders, international partners, and city officials to celebrate Africa’s global importance and the invaluable contributions of Houstonians of African descent. This event fosters meaningful connections, enhances cultural awareness, and strengthens Houston’s ties with the African continent.

To commemorate Africa Day, we showcase a vibrant blend of African cuisine, music, and art, creating an atmosphere that embraces Houston’s rich cultural diversity.

Houston: As Africa's second-largest U.S. trade partner, Houston is home to a thriving African diaspora and plays a pivotal role in facilitating business, cultural exchange, and investment between Africa and the U.S. This event will further enhance Houston’s robust trade ties with Africa while creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.