1963 – Founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)

On May 23, 1963, thirty-two African nations convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to form the Organization of African Unity (OAU), a historic milestone for continental independence and unity. Spearheaded by leaders like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, the OAU was designed to promote solidarity among African states, eliminate colonialism, and defend sovereignty. It laid the groundwork for today’s African Union. The founding of the OAU marked a new era of Pan-African diplomacy, economic development, and mutual defense. May 23 stands as a celebration of African agency and a reminder of the long march toward continental integration. The OAU’s legacy continues to influence Black internationalism and Afro-diasporic political strategies globally.