1963 - The Organization of African Unity (OAU) Was Founded in Addis Ababa

On May 25, 1963, 32 African nations gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to form the Organization of African Unity (OAU), a pivotal moment in Black international history. Spearheaded by leaders like Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, the OAU sought to unify African states against colonialism, promote solidarity, and assert control over the continent\’s future. Though often overshadowed by individual independence movements, the OAU laid the groundwork for modern Pan-African diplomacy and later evolved into the African Union (AU) in 2002. May 25 is now celebrated as Africa Day, symbolizing liberation and unity across the diaspora. The OAU’s formation marked one of the first large-scale efforts by African nations to build continental institutions for peace, economic cooperation, and cultural pride. Remembering this date honors the global dimensions of Black resistance and self-determination often left out of Western history narratives.