International Day for People of African Descent — August 31, 2026

History of International Day for People of African Descent

The International Day for People of African Descent was created only recently by the United Nations and is set to be celebrated internationally for the first time this year. This first observance comes in the midterm of the International Decade for People of African Descent, another U.N. initiative. This has largely influenced the creation of this holiday. According to the U.N., 2020 marked the year of a significant change in the way issues of discrimination and marginalization against people of African descent are addressed on a global scale.

Over the last few decades, several efforts have been made to shed light on issues affecting African communities and people of African descent worldwide, as well as efforts to improve the situation for many of these communities. This holiday also commemorates the numerous contributions of people of African Descent. From art and literature to science and research, the African diaspora has had a significant positive impact. African communities, in all their richness and diversity, have left their mark on many parts of the world.

According to the UN, there are approximately 200 million people in the Americas who identify as being of African descent. In commemoration of this day, the U.N. hopes to further enable the pillars of the International Decade for People of African Descent; recognition, justice, and development. This celebration also aims to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about African heritage and culture through film, dance, music, and art presentations organized on the holiday, as well as other manifestations of political and scientific contributions of people of African descent.