This conference commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of decolonization in Africa, starting with Ghana, and working up to 1960. It initiates an extended conversation around the theme “Perspectives on African Decolonization” by staging a series of academic conferences at Ohio University to commemorate these significant moments in African history and to reflect upon the legacies of fifty years of “independence” in Africa. Featured speakers include Kwabena Akurang-Parry of Shippenburg University and Janet Hess of Sonoma State University.

This is the first of four annual conferences to highlight decolonization processes across the African continent. Ghana serves as the focus for the first conference as it was the first Sub-Saharan state to gain independence and remains prominent as a symbol of African decolonization. Ghana’s first leader, Kwame Nkrumah, was a visionary of African unity and Pan-Africanism and played a pivotal role in assisting other African nationalist movements in their struggles for independence. Ghana’s independence also had a significant impact on the African Diaspora, including, for example, the celebration of Ghana Day as a national holiday in Guyana.

Future conference topics include: "African Intellectuals and Decolonization," "Armed Struggle and Decolonization in Africa," and "Independent Africa in the Global Context."

The conference is free and open to the public. The conference will take place at the Baker University Center. For additional information, contact Dr. Nick Creary at creary@ohio.edu or by phone at 740-593-4355.