Africa Now Conference 2020
Flyer from Africa Now Instagram
HAPPY AFRICA DAY to all the Africans across the globe 🎉🎉🎉,
Today, the world joins us as we celebrate the awesomeness that is Africa and the amazing vibe we carry wherever we go.
We are definitely celebrating Africa Day here at My Mind My Funk.
From our weekly podcast episodes and academy to the policy and global discussions we take part in, we are all about Africans (and their mental health), all day, everyday.
So in a way, today is our day.
The work we have done over the years has shown us that stigma, ignorance, inadequate service providers as well as insufficient funding are some key things the mental health space faces across most, if not all, African countries. Recent conversations - and requests for support - have shown that these challenges have grown in light of COVID-19 as Africans get hit from different angles due to lock downs, curfews and other effects of the pandemic.
As we think about this, celebrating feels like a waste of time and resources but the South African Government summarizes why we all need to at least acknowledge today;
Africa Day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU now the AU) from its creation in May 25, 1963 in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made, while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent face in a global environment.
As those who went ahead of us celebrated in 1963, we, too, in 2020 need to celebrate and acknowledge their successes as well as our own. We are because they were. For a continent as young as Africa (post independence age) with an equally young median age, we have made major strides that we need to celebrate and acknowledge - then use that energy to propel us as we work on our common challenges.
Common Challenges - Common Approach
Solutions to these common challenges call for a common approach.
In line with this approach, which is part Africa’s DNA as encapsulated in philosophies like ubuntu and harambee, MMMF recognizes that mental health challenges do not exist in isolation. We also recognize the need to be in spaces and/or part of the spaces where things that affect Africans are discussed - and solutions shared.
Africa Now Conference 2020
It is in this regard that My Mind My Funk Show dedicated its current season to sharing narratives from Africans across the globe who have either been affected by the pandemic and/or are doing something to help others. This is our way of harnessing that collective approach to not only share information but link people to service providers.
Among our guests have been people living with chronic illnesses - HIV/AIDS and service providers from Kenya and Nigeria. Officials from Africa Now - University of Washington, Seattle were our latest guests and they not only shared about identity and self care for Africans in the diaspora but also spoke about the importance of building community.
One of the ways the organization is creating spaces for common challenges to be discussed and for solutions to be shared is through their upcoming conference. Before the pandemic, the conference was to focus on environmental sustainability. Conversations around the common (COVID-19) challenge have been added to the agenda. We will be attending the conference which will be happening virtually this weekend - 30th and 31st May, 2020.
Play your part
There are a lot of virtual events - conference, concerts, webinars - happening to celebrate this day. The weight of the current pandemic can make us think about the common challenges more than the things we can celebrate. As discussed on the show with the Africa Now officials, it is easy to say no to many things at this time. It is ok to give yourself a break but do not isolate yourself. There is strength is positive community and if you are looking for one, we look forward to meeting you this weekend at the conference.
