1963 - Pan-African Cultural Festival Proposed by Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor

On May 30, 1963, Senegalese President and poet-philosopher Léopold Sédar Senghor formally proposed the creation of the first Pan-African Cultural Festival, a groundbreaking effort to unite the continent through art, literature, and music. While often overshadowed by political events of the era, Senghor\’s announcement marked a bold step in cultural diplomacy, aiming to restore African pride and foster unity in the post-colonial period. His vision laid the foundation for the historic First World Festival of Negro Arts held in Dakar in 1966, which brought together Black creatives from across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas. Senghor saw culture not only as a reflection of identity but also as a form of resistance and healing after centuries of colonization. May 30 should be remembered as a key moment in Black international history when art was officially recognized as a political and unifying force for the African world.