The Africa Diaspora Initiative (ADI) has taken a bold step towards enhancing the connection between Africa and its diaspora through the launch of an orientation certificate course as part of its Re-Africanization program. This initiative aims to reinforce ties with African Americans, Caribbeans, and other members of the diaspora by facilitating a reconnection with their cultural and historical roots. In a world where many diasporans have lost touch with their ancestral origins, the program looks to evoke a renewed sense of identity, echoing the famous words of Marcus Garvey: “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” This foundational belief underscores the course’s objective to immerse participants in the richness of Africa’s heritage and ancestry.
The orientation course, conducted virtually in collaboration with the African University College of Communication (AUCC), represents the first phase of participants’ Re-Africanization journey. By laying the groundwork with an introduction to Africa’s extensive history, particularly the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, the program aims to prepare participants for a more comprehensive and enriching in-person experience down the line. During the virtual sessions, renowned African scholars will guide students through significant historic sites associated with the slave trade. This approach facilitates a profound understanding of the ancestral journeys—ones that many participants are seeking to comprehend more deeply—as they trace the pathways their forebears took from Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas.
Dr. Kemi Wale-Olaitan, the Vice President of AUCC, expressed the institution’s commitment to making African history accessible and relevant. She noted, “The African University College of Communications is committed to promoting African culture and values through our curriculum.” Her enthusiasm about the partnership with ADI reflects a shared belief in the necessity of encouraging diasporans to reestablish their cultural connections and contribute actively to Africa’s development. Beyond the coursework, there is a broader vision to collaborate with local and diasporic organizations to promote Pan-African initiatives. This collaboration aims to rekindle cultural awareness and revitalize Africa’s image in the global context, ensuring that participants emerge from the course with a recognition of their heritage, evident in the certificates they will receive from AUCC upon completion.
In addition to the virtual orientation, Dr. Morufu Omigbule, a director of ADI and an Associate Professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, highlighted that participants will engage directly with traditional African institutions. This engagement allows for an exploration of their ancestors’ lives before the era of slavery, emphasizing that Africa’s narrative extends beyond the confines of slavery and encompasses rich traditions and thriving civilizations. Participants will delve into ancestral myths, legends, proverbs, and oral histories, which illustrate Africa’s profound heritage and its cultural depth. This approach not only builds awareness but fosters an appreciation for the complexities of African history and the significance of cultural identity.
The Re-Africanization program has garnered support from various state and traditional institutions across the African continent. It expands the horizon for participants, who, after completing the initial orientation, can opt for a two-week immersive experience in Ghana in July 2025. This tangible experience promises engagement with historical sites, viewing ancestral artifacts, participating in cultural exchanges, and gaining firsthand insights into the customs that have shaped African societies. The ADI’s commitment to promoting inclusive values across diverse backgrounds aims to empower diasporans with a culturally rich identity that they can share within their communities, thus reinforcing the ties between the diaspora and their ancestral homeland.
ADI continues to strengthen its network through partnerships with organizations such as Ife Studies, the African Chamber of Content Producers, Humserve Africa Foundation, Africa Progressive Research and Innovations (APRIL), and the Africa Monologue Challenge (AMC), among others that are currently being developed. The Re-Africanization program represents a pivotal moment in fostering a cultural renaissance that pays homage to the past while simultaneously focusing on building a stronger future for all participants. The orientation course registration is currently open at africad.org, marking the initiation of a transformative journey for those who wish to reclaim and celebrate their heritage, ultimately contributing to a richer narrative of African identity globally.
