African Renaissance Conferences of the 21st Century: Dakar and Salvador in Perspective

Abstract

President Abdoulaye Wade and other African leaders have sought to activate the large African diaspora to spur African progress and unity. Two key congresses of African intellectuals and cultural workers from the continent and the diaspora have been held with the objectives of making concrete this vision of a coherent African world. The first congress was held in Dakar, Senegal, and the second one was held in Salvador, Brazil. More than 700 intellectuals attended the first meeting, and nearly 500 attended the second congress. This article is a reflection, based on the organization, objectives, and actions of the congresses. The author believes that the African renaissance will depend on the degree to which the participants of the two conferences will be able to convince their fellows of the value of African unity and African resurgence.