In the beautiful month of May (which also happens to be my birthday month — but more importantly African Liberation Month), something special happened in South Africa.

A series of transformative African Liberation Dinners brought together incredible minds, leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. These gatherings were more than just events; they ignited a profound healing journey. For me, this journey is just beginning. I come from a beautiful yet complicated story of diversity. I’ve always wondered what it truly means to be African and why exploring my heritage has felt elusive. But now, I’m finding answers.

This has been a time of reflection — a mix of emotions that have empowered me. Here, I reveal what inspired the poem performed in the video above and highlight the ways everyone, both within and beyond Africa, can support the journey of African liberation.

Creating spaces for connection

At the heart of the African Liberation Dinners was a simple belief: real change starts with connection. These gatherings became platforms where people from different backgrounds could come together, forming deep bonds and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Painting the Africa we seek

During these inspiring gatherings, we immersed ourselves in the meaning of liberation. Although we couldn’t fully explore it in one dinner, we shared a vision of an Africa that cherishes its people, its land, and all the creatures that call it home. It’s an Africa where economic systems draw wisdom from our elders and ancestors — a system that values humanity over profit and breaks free from the chains of colonization.

Economic systems change: A path to liberation

Our discussions led us to a powerful realization — a new story is unfolding, one that challenges the existing norms. To support Africa’s liberation, we must transform our economic systems. We’ve learned that endless growth only fuels greed and is unsustainable. Instead, our focus is on humanity, leaving no one behind and unpacking the true meaning of the word ‘ubuntu’ (which has sometimes been hijacked and cliched). Exploitation, endless taking from our Earth, and the vices of greed, pride, and corruption have no place in our vision. Together, we’re crafting a new economic narrative, one that moves at a deliberate pace, shaped by communities.

Profound insights and further explorations

The views from participants opened our eyes to profound insights, sparking further conversations and explorations:

Intergenerational Connections: We discovered the importance of bridging generational gaps and learning from one another. Collaborating and sharing wisdom and experiences is key to shaping a shared vision for a liberated Africa.

Economic System Changes: Participants questioned the prevailing scarcity mindset and advocated for models that prioritize the wellbeing of communities over shareholder interests. We envision economic systems that foster inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

Community and Movements: We explored the transformative power of community and movements. By coming together, we can restore and preserve our history, create repositories of memories, and drive change on multiple levels. We realized that true movements are built on collective efforts and a shared purpose. Liberating Mindsets and Reimagining Norms: We discovered that liberation is a state of mind — a journey of learning our history and redefining identity and success. Breaking free from limiting constructs, challenging societal norms, and balancing individualism with community values are essential steps on this path.

A powerful catalyst for change

The African Liberation Dinners served as a powerful catalyst for change, igniting deep connections and transformative conversations. We’re reminded of the importance of collaboration across generations, the need to reimagine norms, and the liberation of our minds. The poem ‘A New Story Unfolds’ encapsulates our vision for a harmonious and liberated Africa. Together, let’s join hands and wield the brush of destiny as we weave a new story — a story where African liberation unfolds.

This piece of writing was initially made available to the public through the Post-Growth Institute's article on Medium. The rest of the article can be found below: https://medium.com/postgrowth/african-liberation-a-new-story-unfolds-7d4bcd5766f2