Word of the Day: “Teeth do not experience poverty” – African Proverb
Today in history, in 1911, Khalifa bin Harub started his rule as Sultan of Zanzibar. As longest-serving sultan up to 1960 when he died in the throne, he oversaw decades of improvements in Zanzibar.
Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/09-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 9, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 9, 2023).Word of the Day: “The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did.” – Nigerian Proverb
Today in history, in 1958, the first All-African People’s Conference started in Accra. The landmark conference held at the dawn of the Independence Era was attended by delegates from 28 African countries representing 200 million people.
Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/08-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 8, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 8, 2023).Word of the Day: “A child’s fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam which its mother puts into its palm.” – Nigerian Proverb
Today in history, we commemorate the completion of the formidable Kano city wall in West Africa, marking the end of its 40-year construction which began in 1095. Commissioned by King Kijimazuto to repel invaders, this architectural marvel stood 3.5 meters high and 1.4 meters thick, adorned with intricate decorations and featuring regularly spaced gates equipped with guard towers. By 1903, the wall was acclaimed as ‘the most impressive landmark in West Africa’. Despite this recognition, the relentless expansion of Kano’s population over the centuries led to the wall’s gradual degradation, leaving only fragments by the 21st century.
Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/07-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 7, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 7, 2023).Word of the Day: “Even the best cooking pot will not produce food.” – African Proverb
Today in history marks a groundbreaking moment in ancient architecture, as future archaeologists date the construction of the first monumental structure built entirely of stone: the six-staged stepped pyramid in Saqqara, Egypt. Under the ingenious guidance of the architect Imhotep, this architectural marvel is being erected to serve as the eternal resting place of the 3rd Dynasty pharaoh, King Djoser.
Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/04-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 6, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 6, 2023).Word of the Day: “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” – African Proverb
Today in History, we celebrate the birth of a Kenyan long-distance runner born in Kapsokwony, Kenya. Linet Masa distinguished herself early in her athletic career. At 18, she set a world junior record in the 10,000 meters at the 2008 Summer Olympics, finishing fourth against an adult field. She continued her ascent by winning the world title in the 10,000 meters at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics at age 19.
Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/04-dec
News headlines from Africa and beyond (December 5, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 5, 2023).Word of the Day: “If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents.” – African Proverb
Today in history, as the annual dangerous illegal sea migration from Africa to Europe draws to an end this year, a boat carrying African migrants to Europe sinks off Mauritania; 58 of 141 people on board die. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/04-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 4, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 4, 2023).Word of the Day: “The sun does not forget a village just because it’s small.” – African Proverb
Today in History (December 3, 1929), the first edition of Iwe Irohin, the first newspaper in Nigeria and indeed West Africa, was published in 1859. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/03-dec
News from Africa and beyond (December 3, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 3, 2023).Word of the Day: “A closed mouth catches no flies.” – African Proverb
Today in History (December 2, 1929), three women are killed by police during the Women’s War involving thousands of women from the Bende District in Nigeria, staging a march to protest corrupt chiefs who are about to approve direct taxation on women. These women, the “Oloko Trio”: Ikonnia, Nwannedia and Nwugo, were admired for their intellect and they also contributed to preventing violence. In encouraging peace, another leader, Madame Nwanyereuwa, led with protest songs, dances and sit-down occupations. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/02-dec
News from Africa and beyond (December 2, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 2, 2023).Word of the Day: “Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” – African Proverb
Today in history (December 1, 1963), Ghana triumphs in the African Cup of Nations, marking a significant moment in African football. Hosting the tournament, Ghana won 3-0 against Sudan in the final. This victory symbolized hope and unity for Africa during a time of major political change, inspiring the continent with the spirit of teamwork and determination.
News from Africa and beyond (December 1, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (DECEMBER 1, 2023).Word of the Day: “When there is no enemy within, the enemy outside cannot hurt you.” – African Proverb
Today in history, the Republic of Dahomey officially changed its name to Benin. This change was a crucial step towards national unity, aimed at eradicating tribal divisions and influences rooted in colonial history. By adopting the politically neutral name ‘Benin’, the nation moved away from the ethnic associations linked to its former name, ‘Dahomey’, which was tied to the country’s largest ethnic group, the Fon.
News from Africa and beyond (November 30, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (NOVEMBER 30, 2023).Word of the Day: “A single bracelet does not jingle.” – African Proverb
Today in history, we celebrate the birth of John Dramani Mahama, a significant figure in Ghanaian politics. Born on November 29, 1958, Mahama served as the President of Ghana from 2012 to 2017. He was the first Ghanaian President born after the nation’s independence.
News from Africa and beyond (November 29, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (NOVEMBER 29, 2023).Word of the Day: “Where there is love there is life.” – Maahtma Gangdhi
Today in history, we recall the pirate Blackbeard’s bold seizure of a French ship transporting 455 enslaved Africans. In a brazen act of piracy, he marooned them on a Caribbean island, providing them with three tons of beans for sustenance. Compelling the ship’s crew to remain, Blackbeard commandeered the vessel, claimed it as his flagship, and christened it the Queen Anne’s Revenge.
News from Africa and beyond (November 28, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (NOVEMBER 28, 2023).Word of the Day: “I think, therefore I am.” – René Descartes
Today in history, we reflect on Ghana’s poignant “Year of the Return” in 2019, marking the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved West Africans to America in 1619. On this significant date, Ghana embraced the roots of our shared history by granting citizenship to 125 African Americans, symbolizing a powerful homecoming and a bridge of unity across the diaspora. This gesture of solidarity and recognition resonates as a beacon of healing and reconnection with the roots.
News from Africa and beyond (November 27, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (NOVEMBER 27, 2023).Word of the Day: “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
Today in History in Cairo (1954 November 26) marks the completion of the first skyscraper in North Africa. The building is a fusion of contemporary design and traditional Egyptian elements. It reflects the country’s ambition and its embrace of the future, while honoring its rich cultural heritage.
News from Africa and beyond (November 26, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (NOVEMBER 26, 2023).Word of the Day: “He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.” – Chinese Proverb
Today in history, we honor the resilience and courage of the 35 surviving Africans aboard the slave ship La Amistad, who, after a harrowing ordeal and a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in 1841, were finally declared free. On this day, they triumphantly set sail back to their homeland, marking a significant moment in the journey towards justice and the abolition of slavery.
News from Africa and beyond (November 25, 2023).
Nigeria:
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (NOVEMBER 25, 2023).Alignment through the incorporation of binary codes on the Ifa divination tray, blending the traditional and the modern.
It suggests that ancient wisdom, like Ifa, can parallel modern technological practices, emphasizing a harmony between past and present knowledge systems. It is a continuum.
Word of the Day: “Hope is the physician of each mystery.” – Irish Proverb
Today (November 24) in history, we turn our gaze to the significant events of the Ethiopian monarchy in the 19th century. Sahle Selassie, a prominent ruler in the history of Ethiopia, made a critical decision amid religious disputes that divided the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He dismissed his appointees to the local monasteries of Shewa, demonstrating a commitment to ecclesiastical autonomy and navigating a complex array of political and religious challenges during his reign. Selassie’s reign was marked by efforts to strengthen his domain and maintain regional stability despite the turmoil of the era.
News from Africa and beyond (November 24, 2023).
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (NOVEMBER 24, 2023).
Word of the Day: “You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.” – Navajo Proverb
Today (November 23) in history, the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo was opened to the public in 2019 by the President of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi. This was to provide for the conservation of the cultural heritage of DRC scattered over the world especially in Belgium, when they are finally returned to the country.
Continue reading NEWS FROM AFRICA AND BEYOND (NOVEMBER 23, 2023).
How many differences can you spot?
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