African Liberation: A New Story Unfolds
“I’ve always wondered what it truly means to be African and why exploring my heritage has felt elusive. Now, I’m finding answers.”
By Post Growth Fellow, Thobile Chittenden
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. We quickly realized the power of storytelling, arts, music, and poetry in expressing our collective experiences and dreams. The magic of intergenerational connections showed us that the past, present, and future are profoundly linked.
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 Connection: 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.
Inspired? Here’s how to be an ally and drive change
The African Liberation Dinners were powerful catalysts for change, but they’re just the beginning. We’d love for an even more inclusive and impactful journey towards African Liberation Month for 2024.
- Engage with us. This is about co-creation. We’d love to see collaboration by other organizations, movements in this space of alternative economies, social justice and climate justice be part of the journey towards 2024 and co-hosting an explosive festival across Africa that celebrates its liberation in all forms — through the power of music, storytelling and the arts. The Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) together with the support of BMW Foundation have started the conversations — but we call on others to come together, to work with one another towards this shared vision.
- Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about the complex issues facing Africa and its diverse nations. Dive into books, articles, and reports to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for liberation. Browse the Post Growth Bookshop for inspiration.
- Support grassroots initiatives: Organizations like Makers Valley Partnership (of which I am part) are actively working to create positive change within communities. Consider donating to their cause or volunteering your time and skills to support their efforts.
- Promote African voices: Amplify the voices of African thought leaders, writers, artists, and activists. Share their work, follow them on social media, and engage in dialogue to create spaces where African narratives are heard and celebrated. Lebohang Liepollo Pheko, for example, is a senior research fellow and political economist at the Trade Collective think tank. She is an activist scholar, public intellectual, international movement builder, and African feminist theoretician as well as a WEAll Ambassador who assisted in curating and hosting the African Liberation Dinners.
- Advocate for responsible business practices: Encourage businesses to adopt ethical and just practices that prioritize the wellbeing of communities and the environment. Engage with companies, practise responsible consumerism, and support businesses aligned with the values of African liberation.
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