On a very memorable evening in Accra, Ghana, charged with so much excitement at the All African Movement Assembly (AAMA) led by the Pan-African movement, Africans Rising, civil rights champions from across the continent were deservingly recognized for their outstanding contributions to social justice.
The grand gala night, held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, served as the stage for the prestigious African Rising Activism Awards, a highlight of the Assembly’s agenda.
These awards, revered for their role in spotlighting the tireless work of activists and movements driving positive change, underscored the significance of collective efforts towards a more just and equitable society.
The 2024 All African Movement Assembly (AAMA) in Accra which officially opened on Friday 30th August witnessed a powerful resurgence of Pan-Africanism on a high spirited note.
The event, held at the Hillview Guest Center in Accra Ghana’s capital, brought together leaders, activists, and thinkers from across the continent to discuss strategies for achieving greater unity and development in Africa.
Approximately 1,500 activists from across the African continent and the Diaspora, assembled in Accra, Ghana both in person and virtually, for the 2nd All-African Movements Assembly (AAMA).
The Saturday evening was a celebration of those who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of their communities and the broader African continent.
The highly anticipated title of “Activist of the Year” was awarded to Seth Tsongo, a remarkable figure from the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for his relentless advocacy for human rights and social justice.
Tsongo’s work, marked by courage and resilience, has inspired countless others in the region and beyond.
Following closely was Zambia’s Mwami Samuel, who secured second place, recognized for his impactful initiatives in community empowerment.
The third place was claimed by Tunisia’s Adel Azoun, whose efforts in advancing gender equality and social reform have left an indelible mark on his country.
In the Movement Awards category, three organizations stood out for their unwavering commitment to change.
Cameroon’s “Hand In Hand” received top honors for its innovative approach to grassroots organizing and environmental advocacy.
The movement’s founder, Achiri Constance, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the urgency of securing a sustainable future for Africa. “We are Africans, and we are rising. Our focus is on ensuring the quality of water, food, and air for our children.
…Africa is my motherland, and I am Africa. My hope is for peace in Africa,” she proclaimed, her words echoing the collective aspiration of the evening.
South Africa’s “Equal Education,” a movement dedicated to fighting for equal access to quality education, was awarded second place, applauded for its tenacity in addressing the systemic inequalities within the educational system.
Ghana’s “Sanitized Communities Konnect Foundation” rounded up the category in third place, recognized for its significant contributions to public health and sanitation in underprivileged communities.
The final award of the night, dedicated to artistic activism, saw Zambia’s Mwiza Zulu emerge as the top honoree. Zulu, an artist known for weaving powerful political messages into his music, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, dedicating his award to his late father, Michael Zulu.
“Being recognized as an artistic activist requires a lot of conviction, especially when our songs are not played in the media due to their political sensitivity,” Zulu remarked, reflecting on the challenges faced by artists who use their platforms for activism.
Blanchard Bosey and Schela Mutaka, both from the Democratic Republic of Congo, were honored with second and third place respectively for their contributions to the artistic and cultural landscape.
Each award recipient received a substantial cash prize, with the first-place winners in each category being awarded USD 5,000. The first runners-up were awarded USD 3,000 each, while the second runners-up took home USD 2,000 each.
The evening concluded with a shared sense of purpose and unity, as attendees celebrated not only the achievements of the night’s honorees but also the ongoing struggle for a better Africa.
