Amanze Chinonye
A gathering of scholars, artists and cultural advocates converged at the New Afrika Shrine as the Lydia Ajoke Ogun Foundation (Laffoundation) hosted a commemorative programme for Black History Month, focusing on the themes of memory, resistance and cultural continuity.
The event, themed “A Hundred Years of Memory, Resistance and Cultural Continuity,” featured a keynote lecture by culture advocate and journalist Jahman Anikulapo, who challenged participants to see the centenary of organised Black historical reflection as a call for deeper commitment to preserving Black heritage.
According to Anikulapo, the significance of a centenary lies not only in marking the passage of time but in recognising the endurance of a people’s history and identity.
The evening began with a traditional cultural invocation and libation ceremony honouring elders and custodians of African heritage, setting a reflective tone for the programme.
A performance of the talking drum followed, highlighting the role of African rhythm and oral traditions in preserving historical memory long before the emergence of formal documentation.
Speaking during the lecture, Anikulapo stressed that African cultural forms have long functioned as living archives.
“Our music, rituals and oral traditions have always carried what could not be written,” he said.
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The keynote also touched on evolving dynamics within the global Black community, particularly the relationship between Africans on the continent and members of the African diaspora.
Anikulapo noted that some African-American scholars have expressed concern that African migrants in the United States often prioritise economic advancement without fully engaging in the broader social justice struggles affecting Black communities there.
Such perceptions, he said, could weaken solidarity built on shared historical experiences.
He further warned about policy developments in the United States affecting African and ethnic studies programmes, describing them as potential signs of what he called institutional amnesia.
The programme also included an Afrobeat tribute to Fela Kuti, whose music and activism continue to shape political and cultural discourse.
Speakers noted that Afrobeat emerged as more than entertainment, serving as a powerful medium for confronting corruption, challenging state authority and expressing the frustrations of ordinary Nigerians.
The cultural legacy of Fela continues through the work of his children, Femi Kuti and Yeni Kuti, who maintain the Shrine as a hub for performance and social engagement.
Guests at the event were also treated to traditional African cuisine, including pounded yam and egusi soup served in leaves, as well as ram suya prepared by local caterers.
Beyond the physical gathering, Laffoundation extended the celebration online through a Black History Month quiz hosted on its Instagram page and website to encourage public engagement with Black history.
At the end of the competition, Omolola Feyisayo Akinyemi placed third, Oyediji Blessing Olaitan finished second, while Oluwafemii John emerged as the overall winner. Organisers said cash prizes were awarded to recognise participants’ knowledge and encourage continued learning.
The programme also featured spoken-word performances and youth reflections aimed at promoting intergenerational dialogue about cultural heritage and identity.
Organisers said the initiative forms part of broader plans to develop a more structured cultural platform by 2027 focused on research, archiving, performance and public education.
Partners acknowledged during the event included Freedom Park, Ecowatt Nigeria, Bakacy Signature and legal practitioner Wale Owoeye.
Participants closed the gathering with a collective affirmation urging a shift from symbolic celebration of Black History Month to sustained investment in cultural documentation and institutions.
“We are not recent. We are not incidental. We are foundational,” Anikulapo said.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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